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Think visiting the U.S. is a dream?
In 2025, it might be more of a nightmare. Discover the brutal truths no travel guide dares to tell you.
When I told my friends I was skipping the U.S. for my 2024 summer travels, their jaws dropped faster than an overpriced New York hot dog hits the ground. “But why?” “Don’t you miss home?” they gasped, clutching their hearts like I was the Grinch who stole Christmas.
Well, hang on, peeps, because the land of liberty is becoming the land of “not worth it”, and I’m here as a proud American expat to come clean as to why.
Oh and by the way, it’s not just the $15 coffees or the fact that tipping is basically a second mortgage and everywhere you turn.
1. The $20 Burger Syndrome
Once upon a time, eating in the U.S. felt like starring in your very own Food Network special.
Now?
Dining out feels like being an extra in the US hit show“Shark Tank” while the sharks circle your wallet.
Airfare prices are out of control, hotel rates make five-star resorts in Bali seem cheap, and get this, your $15 burger?
It comes with a 20% tip on top, and a side of financial regret.
It’ll definitely make you wish you had packed your own backyard grill into your carry-on.
And let’s not even get started on resort fees for “amenities” you never use.
2. The Visa Application Saga: A Choose-Your-Own-Nightmare Adventure
Applying for a U.S. visa in 2025 is like running a marathon blindfolded, while juggling flaming batons.
Six months just to get an appointment? Check.
Endless paperwork? Check.
The sinking realization you filled out the wrong form at 3 a.m.? You bet.
Signing over your first born? Got that too!
Oh, and think you’re special because you have a passport from country that doesn’t need a Visa?
Not so fast there cowboy!
Even the ESTA form for Visa Waiver countries feels like a pop quiz you didn’t study for.
If you’re dreaming of a quick getaway, you might want to reconsider unless you’re a fan of bureaucratic puzzles.
3. From Broadway to “Broad-Daylight” Safety Concerns
Imagine you’re in Times Square, marveling at the lights and taking selfies, when suddenly you’re clutching your bag tighter than a karaoke singer clutching the mic during the final chorus of Wonderall.
The U.S. has some amazing sights, but let’s not sugarcoat it, safety is a real concern.
Mass shootings make headlines more often than celebrity breakups, and petty crime, especially in the big cities you want to see, is a local pastime.
Exploring the country feels like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions.
It’s frustrating, unpredictable, and occasionally held together with sheer luck and duct tape.
4. Roads, Rails, and Really Frustrating Delays
If you thought hopping on a train in the U.S. would be like the sleek, efficient systems of Japan or France, think again.
The USA’s infrastructure gives off a big “you should’ve rented a car” vibe, except renting a car costs more than a semester of college tuition. Especially, when you add in gas and insurance.
Gas might be cheaper than back in your country, but with U.S. driving distances, you’ll burn through it, and your patience, twice as fast.
Highways riddled with potholes and road rage, Amtrak delays that make snail mail look speedy, and airports that feel like purgatory, it’s enough to make anyone say, “How about we just stay home?”
5. The Climate Is Not Playing Around
Forget travel disruptions, how about travel disasters? Wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes are crashing your vacation party like uninvited guests.
Planning to visit Yosemite? Bring a gas mask for the smoke.
Eyeing a trip to Miami? Don’t forget your hurricane survival kit.
The weather is doing its best impression of an over-dramatic soap opera, and your carefully planned itinerary is the first casualty.
6. Politics: America’s Least Entertaining Reality Show
Who needs Netflix when the U.S. political landscape is serving up drama 24/7?
Protests, polarization, and the occasional street-closing rally make navigating the country feel like walking through a live taping of a political debate.
Even casual conversations can feel like stepping into quicksand. “Did I say something wrong?” Yes.
The answer is always yes.
7. Tipping, Taxes, and Hidden Fees — YIKES!
Imagine walking into a typical American diner you’ve seen in movies, lured by the smell of freshly grilled burgers. You glance at the menu and think, “Ah, $15 for a burger… not bad.”
Spoiler alert: it’s never just $15.
First, there’s the sales tax, which isn’t included in the price because, for some reason, Americans think math adds to the dining experience.
Then comes the tipping, a high-stakes game of “What percentage will make me look both generous and knowledgeable about local etiquette?”
And if you’re thinking this phenomenon is exclusive to dining, think again!
Resort fees, parking fees, “cleaning” fees on Airbnb rentals (because apparently, cleaning isn’t already part of the rent?), and even fees for “convenience” when booking tickets to attractions are as American as Apple Pie and Chevrolet.
What’s the convenience in a convenience fee?
Good question, still looking for the answer myself.
This culture of nickel-and-diming will have you feeling like an unwilling contestant on “The Price is Right”, Bob Barker RIP…
Is that hotel room really $150 a night, or is it secretly $250 after all the hidden charges?
The U.S. might be the land of opportunity, but when it comes to pricing transparency, it’s more like the land of optical illusions.
8. Overcrowding: When Your Vacation Needs a Vacation
You’ve been dreaming of this moment. Hiking through Yellowstone, basking in the raw beauty of the American wilderness, maybe spotting a bear from a safe distance.
But instead, you’re bumper-to-bumper on a trail that feels more like the queue for a Disneyland ride than a serene escape into nature.
Yellowstone welcomed over 4.8 million visitors in 2024, and 2025 is shaping up to be even busier.
Imagine jostling for a spot to see Old Faithful erupt, only to catch more elbows in the ribs than awe-inspiring views.
And don’t even get me started on the Grand Canyon!
And this isn’t just a national park problem, urban landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Hollywood Boulevard are practically bursting at the seams.
Even small towns and lesser-known gems are starting to feel the strain as tourists look for alternatives.
It’s like everyone had the same genius idea: “Let’s go somewhere undiscovered!”
Newsflash: if you’ve read about it on Instagram, it’s already discovered.
The result? A vacation that feels more like a contact sport than a relaxing getaway.
9. The Grass Is Greener Elsewhere — Literally
And then there’s Europe, maybe…
Take Poland, for example, where the pierogi are heavenly, the beer is practically pocket change, and the trains actually run on time.
Cyprus offers sun-soaked beaches, charming villages, and a relaxed vibe with zero tipping anxiety.
Bulgaria? Breathtaking mountains, ancient history, and wine tours that won’t leave your wallet gasping for air, all without needing to crack the code on America’s baffling Imperial measurements.
The Final Word: “Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now!” (the Clash, 1981)
The U.S. in 2025 is a mixed bag. Sure, it has iconic landmarks and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but are they worth the hassle? For many travelers, the answer is a resounding “hell nah!”
What about you? Are you ready to brave the chaos, or will you explore greener pastures?
David Peluchette is a Premium Ghostwriter/Travel and Tech Enthusiast. When David isn’t writing he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, fitness, hiking and going on long walks (did the 550 mile Camino de Santiago, not once but twice!), cooking, eating, reading and building niche websites with WordPress.