With increasing unease over the perceived effects of immigration on traditional U.S. vacation destinations, many Americans are exploring new locations. These countries offer not only a respite from the crowds and complex social dynamics but also provide a safer, more tranquil environment for travel and leisure. Here’s a look at 20 countries gaining attention among U.S. travelers seeking alternatives, along with the usual spots they are now avoiding.
1. Portugal
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sven Hansche
Avoiding: Florida
While Florida grapples with high tourist volumes and its challenges as a major entry point for migrants, Portugal offers a quieter, safer alternative with its charming coastal towns, historic landmarks, and lower population density, allowing for a more relaxed and secure vacation experience.
2. New Zealand
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Olga Danylenko
Avoiding: Southern California
For those concerned about Southern California’s overstretched infrastructure and recent tensions over immigration, New Zealand presents a serene escape. It offers extensive outdoor activities in a secure setting, far from any geopolitical pressures, making it a perfect spot for peace-minded travelers.
3. Ireland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / POM POM
Avoiding: New York City
As New York City faces challenges related to its status as a melting pot of cultures including significant immigrant populations, Ireland offers a getaway to quaint landscapes and a homogeneous culture known for hospitality and safety, ensuring a stress-free travel environment.
4. Norway
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ginger_polina_bublik
Avoiding: Texas
With Texas experiencing significant political and social debate over immigration, Norway stands out as a haven of stability and public safety. It’s known for its low crime rate and strict border controls, offering visitors a chance to enjoy its natural beauty without safety concerns.
5. Japan
Image Credit: Shutterstock / anek.soowannaphoom
Avoiding: Hawaii
Concerns over the capacity and safety of Hawaii, which has seen diverse and growing populations, lead travelers to Japan. It provides a unique blend of cultural respect, order, and safety, combined with island beauty in places like Okinawa, offering a peaceful and well-regulated alternative.
6. Finland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Janice pama
Avoiding: Arizona
As Arizona deals with border security issues, Finland attracts those looking for secure, sparsely populated areas renowned for safety and environmental purity. Its remote locations offer solitude and security away from crowded and contentious areas.
7. Costa Rica
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexey Stiop
Avoiding: Southern Florida
In light of Southern Florida’s urban density and its complex socio-economic dynamics linked to migration, Costa Rica offers lush landscapes and a strong commitment to conservation and public safety, appealing to eco-conscious and safety-focused travelers.
8. Iceland
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Boyloso
Avoiding: Nevada
Iceland, with its low population density and high safety standards, presents a compelling alternative to Nevada, which continues to navigate issues related to rapid population growth and resource management, providing a tranquil and secure environment for relaxation.
9. Chile
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmitry Pichugin
Avoiding: Colorado
For those deterred by Colorado’s growing population and the strain on its natural resources, Chile offers vast, untouched landscapes from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, coupled with a strong emphasis on environmental preservation and public safety, ensuring a secure and serene travel experience.
10. Singapore
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matyas Rehak
Avoiding: Los Angeles
As Los Angeles tackles challenges of urban sprawl and diverse immigrant impacts on city services, Singapore shines with its impeccable order, cleanliness, and strict law enforcement, making it an attractive urban destination for those prioritizing safety and structure on their vacations.
11. Austria
Image Credit: Shutterstock / creativemarc
Avoiding: Chicago
With Chicago’s urban intensity and its complex dynamics involving immigration, Austria serves as a peaceful alternative, offering cultural richness without the safety concerns, nestled in the heart of stable and secure Europe.
12. South Korea
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Guitar photographer
Avoiding: Seattle
As Seattle addresses homelessness and varied socioeconomic issues partly attributed to its status as a tech hub attracting global migration, South Korea offers a high-tech, highly regulated society that prioritizes public safety and order, appealing to those seeking a secure urban experience.
13. Luxembourg
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tefik rustemov
Avoiding: San Francisco
Given San Francisco’s challenges with housing and population density, Luxembourg offers a quieter, cleaner alternative with one of the highest standards of living and a strong safety record, ideal for those looking for a stable and secure environment.
14. Sweden
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey Shcherbukhin
Avoiding: Minneapolis
In response to Minneapolis’s urban challenges and its diverse demographics, Sweden provides a socially progressive, homogenous alternative with a focus on community safety and inclusive welfare policies, ensuring a peaceful and safe environment.
15. Denmark
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nick N A
Avoiding: Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s vibrant culture is shadowed by urban challenges and safety concerns, which makes Denmark, with its renowned public safety measures and high quality of life, a preferable destination for those seeking both cultural enrichment and security.
16. Netherlands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / photo.ua
Avoiding: Miami
As Miami navigates its complex cultural landscape and issues related to immigration, the Netherlands offers a harmonious society with a robust focus on public safety and a high quality of life, making it a top choice for secure urban exploration.
17. Belgium
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rudy Balasko
Avoiding: Washington D.C.
With Washington D.C. at the heart of American political debate, including immigration, Belgium offers a politically stable environment with rich historical contexts, free from the security concerns present in the U.S. capital.
18. Spain
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alan Tan Photography
Avoiding: Atlanta
As Atlanta deals with rapid growth and diverse migrant influx, Spain offers a laid-back lifestyle with tight-knit communities and a focus on local traditions and safety, providing a tranquil alternative for vacationers.
19. Italy
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Efired
Avoiding: Boston
With Boston’s high living costs and dense urban setting, Italy offers countless historical sites and a slower pace of life in its countryside and historic cities, all with a backdrop of strong community values and safety.
20. Greece
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sven Hansche
Avoiding: Phoenix
Phoenix’s heat and burgeoning growth issues contrast with Greece’s inviting Mediterranean climate and the government’s focus on revitalizing its economy through safe, tourist-friendly policies, making it a perfect escape from the American Southwest’s challenges.
Awesome Alternatives
Image Credit: Shutterstock / fokke baarssen
These alternative destinations offer Americans not only a chance to explore new cultures and environments but also provide peace of mind with their focus on maintaining high safety standards, making them ideal for those looking to avoid the complex social issues currently affecting traditional U.S. vacation spots.
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The post 20 Alternative Travel Experiences for Americans Troubled by Immigration Concerns republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Anastasia Shuraeva.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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