The Impact of Political Climate on Global Travel and Personal Growth

The political environment in the U.S.—especially since Trump's victory—has sent many people abroad in search of new homes. This movement has been fueled by a rise in the number of folks discovering that living in another country can deliver not just personal but also economic benefits. It's become more common to hear people talk about traveling as if it were an essential form of self-care—like getting a massage or, for some, doing yoga. But to the extent that traveling or moving abroad is good for mental health, it's not just for the reasons we've long understood.

The political environment in the United States has greatly affected how people perceive travel and moving abroad. Ever since Donald Trump was elected, many people have decided to rethink where they live and have relocated or are planning to relocate to countries all over the world. Travel, in general, is at an all-time high as Americans seek to develop and redefine their personal identities. In this therapeutic atmosphere, transformative travel is viewed as just one way to achieve that goal.

A Shift in Attitude Towards Travel

The Rise of International Exploration

Ever since Trump got elected, international travel has felt a transformation, of sorts, in the way it is regarded by Americans. There seems to be a newfound appreciation for setting foot in foreign lands, a counterbalance to the travel bans and restrictions that sprang forth—especially to Muslim-majority countries—soon after Trump's inauguration.

Exploring life abroad certainly feels like a more respectable aspiration than the way it was caricatured during the election (remember all the criticism of the coastal elites?). And who doesn't have a friend or family member recently returned from an overseas adventure?

Diverse Destinations

The different regions across the world—from Africa and Central and South America to Asia and Europe—are drawing more and more U.S. citizens to them. Many of these citizens are surprised to find that the amenities in their destination of choice are comparable to those in the U.S., and at often much lower price points. This has led many who have traveled and explored these regions to consider the prospect of living there for an extended period.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Travel

Breaking Free from the Norm

Going abroad can be a potent cure for the stress and anxiety that many people feel about the political situations in the U.S. It is something I did a year ago, and I returned from that trip with a whole heap of fresh perspectives and views, which I felt transformed me and my interior condition. I was able to dissolve some of the mental knots I had tied myself into, political and otherwise. My constant worry about the bad state of domestic affairs seemed to just disappear.

Personal Growth Through Cultural Engagement

Travel provides opportunities to encounter intriguing individuals and to interact with a range of different cultures. Every journey yields specific experiences that buttress an individual's sense of self and that person's life. As far as meeting the kinds of people that impart those experiences, travel is in a class of its own.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Taking Control of One's Narrative

With the political climate being what it is, there is an increased acknowledgment, especially in the Black community, of the necessity to take narrative control. We’re seeing a push not only toward superficial recognition of our lived experiences but also toward truly understanding the oft-misunderstood and underrepresented aspects of our culture. This is long overdue, but it also makes perfect sense. Respecting our own lived experiences and culture empowers us to reclaim the educational narrative, which has been so viciously attacked in recent years.

Overcoming Fear and Mistrust

Too often, people let fear keep them from pursuing the chance to go overseas. They think: What if there's a safety issue? What if I can't get along in such a foreign place? The travel conversation has been changing lately, though, due in large part to the power of personal storytelling. More and more, individuals—by way of social media, in our local communities, or on a national stage—are sharing the good things that have happened to them during overseas stints. The result? A much more favorable travel narrative.

The political climate in the U.S. has caused many to reassess their living situations and look beyond the country's borders. This reflects a strong current in the U.S. that many seem to desire for reasons of personal growth, cultural understanding, and economic opportunity. If engaging directly with foreign countries is a precondition for living in those countries, then the exploration is not just about living abroad but also about a pathway to travel opportunities in a world where direct engagement with foreign cultures can enrich one's life.