The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The United States has long been a dream destination for many Australian travellers, but lately, more older Aussies are having second thoughts about visiting. Recent headlines have even suggested that Australians are “abandoning” trips to the US. Safety fears, healthcare worries, insurance hurdles, mobility challenges, rising costs and cultural shifts are all weighing on the minds of senior travellers.

Are these concerns really keeping older Australians away from America, or is there more to the story?

In this editorial, we’ll explore why many Australians in their 60s and beyond are reportedly rethinking travel to the United States. We’ll look at the facts behind the trend and hear what experts and fellow travellers have to say. From fears of gun crime and expensive hospitals to the hassles of travel insurance and long-haul flights, a complex mix of factors is at play.

Throughout, we’ll keep a neutral tone and a conversational style—much like a chat over coffee about holiday plans. By the end, you might be asking yourself: would you still take that big trip to the US? Let’s dive in.

A Popular Destination Faces Doubts​

The United States has traditionally been one of the most popular overseas destinations for Australians. In 2023, nearly 945,000 Australians travelled to the US, making Australia the 10th-largest inbound market for American tourism. From New York’s bright lights to California’s theme parks, the allure of the “American dream” holiday has spanned generations of Aussie travellers. Many older Australians today grew up with American pop culture and have long harbored plans to see the Grand Canyon, drive Route 66, or visit Disneyland with the grandkids.

Lately, however, there’s been chatter that Australians are pulling back from U.S. travel. Media reports noted a 7% drop in Australian visitors to the US this March compared to the same time last year. Only about 59,859 Australians visited the US in March 2025 (down from 64,418 in March 2024) according to U.S. government data. Travel industry observers dubbed it the sharpest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. The apparent downturn has been attributed to several issues “contributing to a drop in Australians travelling to the United States,” including “safety concerns, a weak dollar, and border security”.

But is the picture really that dire? New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) actually suggest travel to the US has not collapsed. In fact, ABS data showed 55,870 Australians returned from trips to the US in March 2025 – slightly more than the 50,650 who returned in March 2024. How can we reconcile these mixed signals? Tourism experts note that different data sources and timing can paint different pictures. The U.S. figures (showing a dip) were preliminary and covered only up to March, while the ABS captures Australians coming home (which slightly increased). It’s possible the U.S. saw fewer Aussie tourists early in the year, but overall Aussie travel to the States hasn’t entirely fallen off a cliff. In other words, some caution is warranted in interpreting the “abandoning travel” narrative.

What does seem clear is that interest in U.S. travel has cooled a bit, even if temporarily. A national survey by the Tourism and Transport Forum found the U.S. slipped from the 5th to the 7th most popular intended destination for Aussie travellers going into autumn 2024-25. Only about 6% of Australians planning an overseas trip in that period picked the US, down from 8% the previous year. That suggests fewer people (including older travellers) are choosing America for their holidays right now. Travel industry veteran Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, confirms that “interest in travel to the US has dropped in recent months,” citing a range of factors.

So what’s giving older Australians pause when it comes to trips across the Pacific? Let’s break down the key concerns being talked about – from staying safe and healthy abroad to the nuts and bolts of costs and logistics.

Safety Concerns in the USA​

One of the first things many senior travellers mention is safety. Australia and the United States are both developed countries, but when it comes to crime – especially gun violence – the U.S. can feel like a very different world. Australia’s own government bluntly warns citizens that “guns, gun violence and violent crime are more prevalent in the United States than in Australia.” Unfortunately, mass shootings and active-shooter incidents occur in the U.S. with a regularity that Australians find deeply unsettling. News reports of attacks in schools, shopping malls, concerts or city streets make a strong impression. It’s only natural that older Australians, who may already feel a bit vulnerable when travelling, worry about ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

To be clear, violent crime rarely involves tourists in the U.S., and millions of visitors safely enjoy American trips every year. However, the perception of danger can be a deterrent. Psychologically, it’s hard to shake the thought of “what if something happens?” when every week’s headlines seem to bring another incident. In 2019, after high-profile mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, even foreign governments took the unusual step of cautioning their citizens about U.S. travel.

For example, Japan’s Consulate in Detroit advised Japanese visitors to be aware that America is a “gun society” and to be prepared for the possibility of gunfire incidents anywhere in the country. Amnesty International similarly urged international travellers to have an emergency plan and “exercise caution” due to America’s ongoing high levels of gun violence. When friendly nations like Canada, Germany, and New Zealand update their travel advisories to mention U.S. gun crime, it underscores that this is a globally noticed issue.



Australian travellers are not immune to these fears. The official Smartraveller advisory (as noted above) now explicitly highlights the prevalence of firearms and suggests visitors “familiarise yourself with how to respond” to active-shooter scenarios, even linking to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security guide on the topic. That’s a jarring piece of advice – imagine planning your long-awaited holiday and being told to practice what to do if a gunman opens fire. As one Aussie social media user quipped after seeing a U.S. safety video: “American visas should come with a warning like a cigarette pack.” It might be a dark joke, but it captures the anxiety some feel.

Beyond gun violence, there are other safety worries too. Big American cities have areas of high crime and homelessness; seniors might fret about accidentally wandering somewhere unsafe. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists are concerns in any country, including the U.S. (and indeed in parts of Europe or Asia as well). But violent crime looms largest. Many older Australians still recall that Australia had a mass shooting epidemic decades ago which was virtually eliminated by our gun law reforms. Seeing America’s different path on that issue can make the US feel less safe as a destination, even if the statistical risk to an individual tourist remains low.

It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees travellers should be overly worried. U.S.-based experts often point out that popular tourist areas are generally well-policed and that “violent crime rarely involves tourists,” as CNN Travel reported. Jared Mondschein, an Australian expat and director of research at the U.S. Studies Centre, observed that “in general, Australians shouldn’t be concerned about travelling to the US”, noting that Aussies “are treated exceptionally well” by U.S. authorities. Millions of visitors return home with wonderful memories and no incidents. Nonetheless, Mondschein concedes there are “definitely Australians who are concerned” lately, whether founded on fact or not. Travel is as much about emotions as data – and if a senior traveller doesn’t feel safe, they’re less likely to book that flight.

Health Care Worries and Insurance Headaches​

For older travellers, staying healthy abroad is a top priority. Unfortunately, the United States can be one of the most daunting places to fall ill or get injured – not because of the quality of medical care (which is often excellent), but because of the sky-high cost of that care. Australia has a public healthcare system and reciprocal health agreements with some countries, but no such arrangement exists with the US. That means if you get sick or hurt in America, Medicare won’t cover you at all. You’ll either need robust travel insurance or very deep pockets.

Horror stories of Aussies hit with massive U.S. medical bills have made headlines over the years. Consider the unlucky Australian who slipped down a short flight of stairs in the US and woke up to a $447,000 hospital bill. Or the travel insurer that had to pay almost $1 million AUD for two separate clients’ medical claims in the States (one with a kidney condition, another with a bowel obstruction). Even something as minor as a cut that needs a few stitches can rack up a bill of up to $7,000 in New York City. It’s hard to fathom for Australians used to Medicare picking up the tab for emergencies. But in the U.S., a night in the ER can cost more than an entire first-class holiday.

For senior travellers, who are more likely to have health issues or accidents (even just a slip in the hotel shower), this is a serious concern. Many older Aussies are rightly unwilling to travel to America without comprehensive travel insurance – it would be financial suicide. As one Australian insurance expert bluntly put it: “Medical expenses overseas can cost tens of thousands of dollars… In countries like America… medical bills can become astronomical.” The Australian government won’t cover any medical costs in the US, so “be prepared for anything with a comprehensive... health insurance” policy, travellers are warned.

But here’s the rub: travel insurance for seniors can be pricey and complicated. Insurance premiums rise sharply with age – a 65-year-old will pay significantly more than a 30-year-old for the same U.S. trip coverage. Those in their 70s and 80s often face hefty premiums, running into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, especially if the trip is long. Some insurers even have age cut-offs (for example, not offering standard policies to people over a certain age). Others require detailed medical assessments. Pre-existing medical conditions add another layer of complexity: if you have heart issues, diabetes, or other chronic conditions common in later life, you must declare them and often pay extra to have them covered. If you don’t declare them and something happens related to that condition, your claim can be denied – leaving you with the full American hospital bill.

It’s no wonder that navigating travel insurance feels like a headache to many older travellers. Some have even reported skipping trips or delaying travel because they’re unsure if they can get adequate cover for pre-existing conditions, or because the insurance cost makes the trip unaffordable. In a survey by National Seniors Australia and COTA, respondents shared frustrations like, “One partner’s pre-existing condition can cause a limitation to a couple enjoying further trips because of the cost of travel insurance.” Others admitted they felt deterred from overseas travel entirely due to these insurance obstacles.



To be clear, travel insurance is available for seniors – and reputable insurers do offer plans with no age limits, albeit at higher prices. Many policies will cover a laundry list of medical emergencies, from strokes to falls, as long as you’re upfront about your health. And while it’s expensive, it’s vastly cheaper than facing an American hospital bill out-of-pocket. The key is that seniors have to plan carefully: get doctor’s letters if needed, compare policies, possibly pay a premium loading for health conditions, and factor the insurance cost into the trip budget.

Still, the fear remains: What if something happens and my insurance doesn’t cover it? This worry isn’t abstract – it’s happened. For example, one Australian traveler in the US needed heart bypass surgery and was left with a $137,000 bill – presumably because that scenario might not have been fully covered or limits were exceeded. These stories circulate and understandably make older travellers cautious.

In short, the combination of astronomical U.S. healthcare costs and the complexity of ensuring you’re insured for every eventuality can make a U.S. holiday feel riskier for seniors. By contrast, some other destinations are less daunting. If a 70-year-old Aussie visits, say, the UK or Europe, they know there’s either a reciprocal health agreement or at least a capped-cost public system if they fall ill, not to mention generally cheaper travel insurance. Many Asian destinations have high-quality private hospitals that are still far cheaper than U.S. ones, meaning even worst-case scenarios might not be financial ruin. The U.S. stands out as a place where a simple mishap could snowball into a life-changing expense if one is uninsured or unlucky. Older Australians, many of whom live on fixed incomes or retirement savings, are keenly aware of this.

All of this is not to suggest that seniors aren’t travelling to the US at all – they certainly are, but those who do are usually extremely careful about insurance (you’ll often hear older travellers swapping tips about which insurer will cover an 80-year-old with diabetes, or how much someone paid for a 3-week US policy). The ones opting out of US travel cite healthcare worries as a top reason. As Professor Sara Dolnicar, a tourism expert, noted, travellers are “very reactive” to factors like safety and health risks, especially when going to far-away places like the US. “Travel is about adventure, but controlled adventure,” Dolnicar says – people “don’t want to really expose [themselves] to unnecessary risk.” For some seniors, the U.S. right now just feels like an unnecessary risk, health-wise.

Mobility, Distance and Travel Ease​

Another factor for older Australians is the physical challenge of a U.S. trip. Let’s face it: getting to the United States from Australia is a long haul – literally. A direct flight from the east coast of Australia to Los Angeles is about 13 to 15 hours; to New York can be 20+ hours with connections. These are not easy flights for anyone, let alone someone in their 60s or 70s who might have bad knees, a bad back, or simply less stamina for being crammed in an airplane seat. Long flights increase risks like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can exacerbate health conditions. While many seniors certainly do long-haul travel (there are 80-year-old Aussie globetrotters out there!), some prefer to avoid it or at least limit it. In comparison, destinations within closer reach – say a 7-hour flight to Southeast Asia or a 3-hour hop to New Zealand – might seem more manageable.

Then there’s the on-the-ground mobility issue. The U.S. is a big country often best navigated by car, especially if you want to see national parks, small towns, or travel between cities that lack good public transport links. Older travellers who are not comfortable driving on the “wrong” (right-hand) side of the road might find the idea of renting a car in the U.S. daunting. Yes, there are tours and trains and internal flights – but the American infrastructure often assumes car travel. Even within cities, public transport varies in quality. New York has great subways (albeit with lots of stairs), but Los Angeles is notoriously car-centric. An Australian senior used to the excellent public transport in, say, Melbourne or Sydney might be frustrated in a city where they suddenly need to rideshare or drive to get around.

For those with mobility impairments or disabilities, the U.S. actually has strong accessibility laws (the ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act – mandates things like ramps, elevators, etc.). So in many tourist sites, seniors will find accommodations like wheelchair rentals, accessible entrances, and so on. That’s a plus. However, just the sheer scale of American airports, theme parks, or museums can mean a lot of walking. Think about airports like LAX or Dallas-Fort Worth – you might have to trek long distances to connections or baggage claims. Seniors can of course request wheelchairs or motorized carts at airports, but not everyone is comfortable doing that unless truly necessary.

Some older Aussies might also worry about getting lost in the crowd in a busy, unfamiliar place. The U.S. has many big, bustling cities where it’s easy to get overwhelmed. A senior traveler who is less confident with technology or navigation might prefer a guided tour. In fact, many older Australians visiting the U.S. do opt for guided group tours (like organized coach tours of the national parks or East Coast). But those come with fixed itineraries and sometimes a high price tag. Others might opt for cruises that visit U.S. ports (for example, an Alaska cruise or a Hawaii cruise), which provide a very controlled environment. During the pandemic, cruising was off the table for a while, but it’s coming back – and indeed, a cruise can be an appealing way for seniors to see parts of the U.S. (like Hawaii or the Pacific coast) with medical support and easy mobility built in.

Comparatively, if a senior is choosing between a trip to the U.S. and, say, a European river cruise or a guided tour of Japan, the latter options might feel easier. Europe offers the comfort of well-trodden tourist trails and often the advantage of relatives or heritage connections (many older Aussies have family ties in the UK or Europe). Japan and Singapore, for example, have extremely safe reputations and excellent transport, which can be attractive. This isn’t to say those places are “better” than the U.S., but they might present fewer perceived hurdles for an older traveller worried about getting around or dealing with logistics.

One more subtle point: border entry and immigration procedures. The U.S. has a reputation (especially in the post-9/11 era) for strict and sometimes stressful border security. Travellers often recount gruff immigration officers, long lines for customs, fingerprinting and photo-taking, and occasionally being questioned closely about their trip. For someone not used to that, it can be intimidating. There have also been media stories of visitors (including Australians) being denied entry or even detained over visa misunderstandings or things in their luggage, etc..



While Australians generally do get treated well (we’re a visa-waiver country and not seen as high-risk), the “what if” anxiety exists. Mr. Lee Morgenbesser, an academic from Griffith University, noted it’s become “difficult for travellers to predict what will happen when they make it to the border” because of apparently arbitrary decisions by some officers. He called the situation “unprecedented and somewhat scary” for would-be visitors, especially those who might have said something online that U.S. authorities don’t like. Again, the odds of an average senior tourist encountering trouble are extremely low – but the anecdotes can cause worry.

Australia’s Smartraveller now emphasizes that U.S. entry requirements are strict, and even with an approved ESTA visa-waiver, “an approved ESTA or valid visa doesn’t guarantee entry… [If denied] you may be held at the port of entry or a detention facility while authorities arrange your return.” That kind of warning, however rare the scenario, might sound an alarm bell for an older traveller. No one wants their dream holiday to turn into a Kafkaesque ordeal at LAX because of some paperwork hiccup.

On a more mundane note, paperwork and requirements like the ESTA can be hurdles too. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory online application for Australians visiting the US under the Visa Waiver Program. It’s not overly complicated – a small fee and answering some questions – but as Professor Pierre Benckendorff notes, it’s “an extra bit of paperwork” that can catch travellers out if they forget about it. Airlines do remind passengers, but we’ve seen cases of Aussies arriving at the airport without realising they needed to apply a few days beforehand.

For a senior not very internet-savvy, the ESTA process could be confusing (though one can get help from family or a travel agent). It’s just one more thing to remember, and if you’re comparing to, say, going to Canada or Japan (which also require e-visas or registrations now, to be fair) it’s similar. However, some destinations like much of Europe (for now) require no visa paperwork for short visits, which is simpler.

All these mobility and logistics factors add up. None of them are deal-breakers on their own – plenty of older Australians do make the journey to the U.S. and have a wonderful time, mobility challenges notwithstanding. But for those on the fence, the perceived difficulty of a U.S. trip can push them to choose a more convenient destination instead. As one travel industry figure joked, when a long plane ride and jetlag are involved, “70 might be the new 20, but a 20-hour flight can make a 70-year-old feel 90!” It’s an exaggeration, but it contains truth about the toll such travel can take.

The Dollar and the Damage Done: Costs and Value​

It’s impossible to ignore the financial factor. For any traveller, budget matters – and for retirees on fixed incomes, even more so. Right now, the value proposition of a U.S. holiday doesn’t look as good as it did in years past, largely thanks to currency exchange rates and higher costs.

The Australian dollar has been fairly weak against the U.S. dollar in recent times. As of late 2024, $1 AUD was buying only around $0.62 USD. In practical terms, that means everything in the U.S. costs Australians about 60% more once converted (not even counting credit card fees). If a meal is $20 USD, that’s roughly $32 AUD you’re paying. A $200 USD per night hotel is over $320 AUD per night. Those kinds of figures add up quickly over a trip. One commentator pointed out that it’s easy to get caught out because “you see a dollar sign and think it will be the same, but it really isn’t” once you convert it.

Professor Benckendorff noted that unfavorable exchange rates can “dampen a holiday” or even change people’s minds about going to the US at all. And indeed, when the Aussie dollar falls below certain thresholds (like under 70 US cents, then under 60), travel to the U.S. tends to drop. We saw this behavior back in the early 2000s when the Aussie dollar was weak – Australians opted for domestic or closer/cheaper destinations. Now with the dollar around 60 US cents (the lowest since the early pandemic), the U.S. simply feels expensive.

It’s not just exchange rates – the cost of travel in the U.S. itself has risen. Inflation has been high in both the U.S. and Australia recently, but certain things stand out. Accommodation in major U.S. cities can be very pricey (New York and San Francisco hotel rates are notorious). Airfares from Australia to the U.S. spiked as travel recovered from COVID, though more flights are being added (such as a new Brisbane–Dallas route) which should eventually help prices. Still, the upfront cost of a U.S. trip – flights, insurance, spending money – can easily be several thousand dollars per person. Older travellers often travel for longer durations (since they’re not limited by work holidays), which can increase costs further.

Travel industry experts pinpoint “currency and value” as key issues dampening U.S. travel interest. Dean Long of ATIA remarked that the U.S. is a “priced product that is very high” compared to the value you can get elsewhere, “particularly in Southeast Asia and even parts of Europe”. Think about it: For the cost of a two-week trip to the USA, an Australian couple might afford a luxury trip in Bali or Thailand, or a comfortable month in Europe on a tour. If the perception is that the U.S. is too expensive for what you get, travellers will be enticed by alternatives.



There are also some specific costs and fees that Aussies grumble about when it comes to the U.S. A recent SBS News piece highlighted “‘tipping, taxes and hidden fees’: the parts of travelling to the US Australians hate.” It’s almost a rite of passage for Australian tourists to complain about these differences:

• Tipping: In the U.S., tipping 15-20% on services (restaurants, taxis, hotel staff, etc.) is expected, because workers’ wages assume tips. Australian travellers often find this confusing or annoying, since in Australia tip culture is minimal and wages are higher. Older Aussies who haven’t spent time in North America may experience culture shock at having to tip so regularly and so much. But as travel expert Angus Kidman says, you may find it objectionable but “it is a necessary expense” in the U.S. – if you don’t tip, someone who served you might effectively not get paid. For seniors on a budget, having to remember to add 20% to every meal’s price can make dining out in the U.S. noticeably pricier than it first appears. It’s an extra hassle to calculate and set aside cash for tips, which some would rather avoid.
  
  
• Sales Tax: Unlike Australia’s GST which is included in sticker prices, most U.S. states add a sales tax at the register. This means prices on the shelf are not what you actually pay. An item marked $100 will ring up as $108 or $110 depending on the local tax rate, for example. Kidman points out that Australians are used to all-inclusive pricing; in America “you won’t find out [the tax] until you get to the register”. Seasoned travellers mentally add ~10% as a rule of thumb, but it can still catch you off guard. Some seniors find this system irritating or confusing, and it complicates making a neat travel budget.
  
  
• Hidden Fees: U.S. businesses, especially hotels and airlines, have become infamous for add-on fees. A prime example is “resort fees” at hotels – extra daily charges that cover amenities and aren’t always revealed upfront in the room rate. These have stung many tourists; as Kidman notes, people might think a hotel deal is cheap until they discover a $40 per night resort fee on check-out. Las Vegas and Florida hotels are particularly known for this. The good news is the U.S. authorities have moved to ban deceptive resort fees from 2024 onwards, which might make pricing more transparent. Still, the whole concept of mandatory fees (and things like mandatory tipping) feels alien to Australians and can leave a sour taste of being nickel-and-dimed.
  
  
• Airline practices: U.S. airlines often overbook flights, which leads to the practice of “bumping” passengers (denying boarding if a flight is oversold). While this can happen anywhere, it’s relatively common in the U.S. and many Aussie travellers have never experienced it at home (where it’s rarer). The idea that even with a ticket, you might get booted off a flight (with compensation and a rebook, usually) is not comforting – especially for an older person who may have tight connections or simply doesn’t want the hassle. It’s another example of a small stress that can disproportionately affect someone who isn’t a flexible young backpacker.

All these factors contribute to a general sense that a U.S. holiday can be “high maintenance” on the wallet. None of them are insurmountable – savvy travellers budget for the exchange rate, accept tipping as part of the deal, and seek out value (there are bargains to be had in the US too, like outlet shopping or off-season travel). But for an older Australian assessing where to spend their limited travel funds, the U.S. right now might fall down the wish list in favor of places where their dollar goes further and surprises are fewer.

It’s worth mentioning that travel trends are dynamic. Currency fortunes can change – some experts predict the Australian dollar might strengthen to above 70 US cents in 2025. If that happens, America effectively goes “on sale” for us, and you may see a rebound in senior travel there. Similarly, post-pandemic flight capacities are improving; as more flights open up, competition could lower fares. In other words, the cost calculus that’s currently unfavorable might improve in coming years.

Cultural Shifts and Changing Preferences​

Lastly, beyond the tangible issues of safety and cost, there’s a more subjective factor: cultural shifts – both within the U.S. and among Australian travellers. Older Australians today might simply feel differently about America than they did in decades past.

Consider the U.S. itself. The past several years (really, the past decade) have seen a lot of social and political upheaval in America, heavily covered by global media. Polarised politics, contentious elections, protests over racial injustice, debates over rights and social issues – all of this has been on display. While we’re not here to wade into politics, it’s fair to say that some Australian visitors have been put off by the charged atmosphere. One academic observed that strained diplomatic relations and certain U.S. government policies have fed a “growing wave of negative international traveller sentiment toward the US.” In particular, the “heightened border security measures” under the Trump administration and images of aggressive immigration enforcement made some foreigners uneasy. Even scientists and academics in the U.S. have reportedly “fled” to other countries because of safety or political concerns, according to media reports. When Australian seniors see such stories – for example, a Yale professor moving to Canada in protest of political developments – it can reinforce a feeling that “things are a bit unstable over there right now.”

There’s also the cultural contrast of daily life. Australian society and American society have many similarities (common language, love of sports, etc.), but also differences that can be jarring. Australia is generally more secular, has stricter gun laws, a different sense of humor and etiquette, universal healthcare, and a more laid-back political climate.

Some older Aussies who have travelled around Asia or Europe may find, somewhat surprisingly, that they experience more culture shock in the U.S. than in, say, the UK or Canada. The overt patriotism (flags everywhere, everyone talking politics), the stark inequality visible in some U.S. cities (mansions a short drive from tent encampments), or simply the way Americans approach day-to-day interactions can require adjustment.

For example, Americans are famously friendly to customers (retail staff will chat and say “have a nice day” constantly), which Australians might find pleasant – or possibly superficial. Conversely, service in the U.S. can be less straightforward (with tipping and all) which can frustrate. Little cultural nuances add up: driving on the opposite side, spelling words differently, even the imperial measurement system (Fahrenheit, miles) can make things slightly more effort for older folks who have to “translate” everything in their heads.

Another shift is in the Australian traveller psyche. Baby boomers and the so-called “silent generation” (now in their late 70s and 80s) were once very U.S.-oriented in their imaginations – growing up with Hollywood movies, Elvis and the Beatles (British, yes, but via American media), the moon landing and the idea of the American dream. Many did trips to the U.S. when younger or always planned to. Now, younger generations (Gen X, late boomers) might have a more global outlook that includes Asia, South America, and beyond.

Even among retirees, there’s a trend toward more adventurous or exotic travel. A survey in 2024 found nearly a quarter of Australian “baby boomer” travellers were interested in adventure holidays – up from just 10% the year before. That suggests seniors are not just doing sedate bus tours; they’re considering trekking, canoeing, and so on. The U.S. certainly has adventure options (hiking in national parks, etc.), but so do many other destinations.

Moreover, the rise of multigenerational travel has seniors taking trips with their kids and grandkids more often. Destination choices can then skew towards family-friendly spots. In the Australian context, that often means theme parks (the U.S. has Disney and Universal which are a big draw), but also cruising or island holidays that suit all ages. If grandparents are funding a family trip, they might lean towards places like Fiji or a Pacific cruise which are closer and perceived as safer for little ones, as opposed to taking a 5-year-old to the busy streets of Los Angeles or New York.

It’s also possible that many older Australians feel they’ve “been there, done that” with the U.S. by now. Someone in their 60s today might have traveled to the U.S. in the 1970s, ’80s, or ’90s when it was cheaper and perhaps felt more welcoming. They may have fond memories of those trips – and also notice what’s changed. A traveller who went to San Francisco in 1990 and goes again in 2025 might be struck by the tech boom wealth but also the homelessness crisis there now. If their memories don’t match the current reality, it could be disheartening. Some might prefer to remember the U.S. as it was and choose to explore elsewhere now.

On the flip side, let’s remember that American culture still has immense pull. Older Aussies still love American films, music, and history. Many still absolutely want to visit or revisit iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, Smithsonian museums, the Hawaiian beaches, or family in the States. The initial drop in travel interest might be, as Professor Dolnicar put it, a case of “deferred dreams or deferred aspirations” rather than abandoned ones. “Tourism is exceptionally resilient,” she says. People who put off a U.S. trip due to current concerns might simply be waiting for a better time – maybe when the exchange rate improves, or after a particularly tumultuous political period passes, or once they feel healthier or the world feels calmer.

Indeed, experts expect that Australian travel to the U.S. will bounce back. Perhaps not immediately to pre-pandemic levels, but likely sooner rather than later. The underlying dreams haven’t disappeared. As Dolnicar noted, many Australians remain interested in the US and “may delay visiting until they feel more secure” – whether that security is financial or emotional. In other words, a lot of older Aussies still have the Grand Canyon or Alaska cruise on their bucket list; they’re just hitting the pause button for now.

Travel industry forecasts support this optimism. Tourism Economics (an analysis firm) had initially predicted strong growth in U.S. inbound travel, then revised to a decline for 2025 given recent trends. But those forecasts are fluid. If factors like the dollar and global tensions ease, the U.S. could see a surge of Aussie visitors making up for lost time. Airlines and tour companies certainly hope so – they’re increasing capacity in expectation that demand will return.

Conclusion: A Personal Decision​

In the end, the decision to travel to the United States (or not) is a personal one, especially for older Australians weighing their health, safety, comfort, and budget. We’ve seen that while reports of Aussies abandoning U.S. travel may be overstated, there are valid reasons giving seniors pause. Concerns about gun violence and safety, worries about healthcare access and expensive insurance, the sheer distance and mobility challenges, the hit to the wallet from a weak Aussie dollar, and even cultural/political unease – all play a role in the collective hesitancy.

Yet, America still beckons with unique experiences: from the jazz halls of New Orleans to the tranquility of a Yellowstone meadow, from visiting grandkids in Seattle to road-tripping the California coast. Many older Australians will continue to find the lure of the U.S. stronger than their fears, taking sensible precautions (like good insurance and smart itineraries) and going on that adventure. Others will opt for different adventures for now, perhaps closer to home or in destinations that feel easier. Neither choice is “right” or “wrong” – it’s about what gives each traveller peace of mind and joy.

One thing is certain: the travel landscape keeps evolving. Seniors today are more travel-savvy than ever, and they have more options at their fingertips. The U.S. tourism industry, for its part, is aware of these perception issues – you can bet they are keen to welcome Australian seniors back and will be promoting safety measures, good deals, and new attractions to win that demographic.

As we wrap up, it’s worth reflecting: How do you feel about travelling to the US in the current climate? If you’re an older Australian (or even if you’re not), do the safety and health concerns outweigh the appeal, or do you think the worries are blown out of proportion? Everyone will have a different answer. The important thing is that whatever choice you make, it’s an informed one that you’re comfortable with.

So, would you pack your bags for America tomorrow? Or would you wait a bit longer – or choose a different destination entirely? It’s a question only you can answer. After everything we’ve explored about safety, healthcare, insurance, cost, and culture – would you still travel to the United States, and why or why not?