TRAVELING FOR THE SUMMER? THINK AGAIN.
Trump's travel bans should be a warning. Plus Jacob Elordi's travel reading list and airport dressing the right way
June 8, 2025—“I don’t know what would’ve happened if they’d kept him any longer,” a friend recently told me, her voice pinched with worry. After a brief visit with family in her Irish hometown, her boyfriend—a red-blooded, Trump-voting American—was detained for over two hours by U.S. Customs.
The irony isn’t lost here. The same person who believed the current administration’s stance on keeping out “people from shithole countries” (Trump’s alleged words during a 2018 closed-door meeting) would somehow keep him safe, suddenly found himself at their mercy. Despite being born in the United States and rarely traveling—let alone to countries with longstanding allyship—he, of all people, was under scrutiny.
The recent travel bans outlined in Executive Order 14161 only reinforce the reality that summer travel shouldn’t be taken lightly… for anyone. Although the countries named in the restrictions aren’t typical vacation spots (full list here), the ripple effects of these bans are already being felt.
Even Trump acknowledges the loosely defined nature of the order within the order itself, stating: “Although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security of the United States.”
All of this to say, if you think your American status gives you immunity, think again.
Most of you will travel anyway. And I don’t blame you. There are far more interesting things to experience when fully immersed in another culture, like tasting the salty air while eating seaside at Lapa Lapa in Porto, or sweating it out at Musicbox Lisboa (both of which, I can say firsthand, you must do).
If you decide to enrich your senses this summer, I’ve included a few key tips to keep in mind, both for your entry back into the States, as well as to keep you stylish pending Customs detains you and a mugshot is in order. Whether it’s upgrading your fanny pack for something sleeker, perfecting your airport look, or picking up a few of Jacob Elordi’s travel reads (which won’t actually change your physical appearance, but will make you look more cultured at least), these are from one international traveler to another.
Ground Rules on Trump’s Travel Ban
Destinations I Would Consider Off Limits Despite What the Administration Says
As mentioned before, most of the countries listed are not particularly vacation destinations, except for two: Cuba and Venezuela. These have certainly gained traction over the years due to their affordable travel and accommodations, as well as accessibility to the United States. They’re currently listed as “partially restricted,” but given the rise in deportations and border detainment, it’s probably best to reconsider if you already have plans or were thinking about it this year.
Countries That Seem Safe but Might Give You Difficulty On Re-Entry
The following countries have recently been involved in diplomatic engagements with the U.S. That doesn’t mean they’re safe to travel to, however. Given the current state of America’s radical policy implementations, anything can change on a dime. Travel to these areas with caution—You never know what this administration will pull:
Japan: Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister Ryōsei Akazawa recently met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington to discuss future trade alliances. While no final agreement was made, Japanese officials remain optimistic. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba indicated Japan is preparing a broad proposal involving liquefied natural gas imports, automobile exports, agriculture, and defense trade with the goal of eliminating tariffs entirely.
Saudi Arabia: Back in May, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) pledged $600 billion in direct U.S. investments, including AI, energy, infrastructure, and defense procurement deals.
United Kingdom: Last week, I mentioned the tariff negotiations between the U.S. and U.K. after a call took place between Trump and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. It’s anticipated that those negotiations will become heated as the Trump administration has pushed for changes to Europe’s VAT system that would allow U.S. goods entering the EU to be priced more competitively, to which the European Commission has made it clear that this is not on the table.
What to Wear While Traveling
I hate to be a cliché, but I believe in style over comfort. Yes, yes—cue the audible groans and eye-rolls. But you truly never know who you’ll meet, or where. I’d rather be caught stuffed in a suit in the heat of summer when bumping into Patti Wilson (yes… this happened, just outside a Lucien Pagès press preview) than looking too casual.
That being said, the ONLY exception is the airport. Style and comfort share the pot equally. That doesn’t mean I’m throwing on sweats and bumming it—but getting through security is stressful enough. I’ve left a list of recommendations to consider. Individually, they’ll make your travel just a bit more bearable. Collectively, you’ll find nirvana.
Sunglasses: I don’t like wearing makeup to the airport. It feels unnecessary and cumbersome. But I also don’t like raw-dogging it either. Sunglasses cover up a decent percentage of the face, so no one’s peeking at the dark circles under your eyes at 4am. These aviator frames from QUAY are probably my favorite.
Trucker Hat: You could opt for a normal baseball cap if you don’t feel like doing your hair for an early morning flight, but I find these Carhartt trucker hats don’t press down on your head as much as others. Or even better yet, these pre-distressed Gulf Oil hats, which look perfectly vintage, both functional and stylish
Loafers: Slip on and slip off, loafers are the best shoes for quick security checks. Personally, I love the look of a grandpa shoe, making these Jousen penny loafers a great pick. Bonus, they have tread in case you need to sprint across the airport or catch the train.
Leather Belt Bag: Better than a fanny pack or crossbody, a leather belt bag offers a bit more style but essentially functions similarly to the others. Great for easy access to your passport, snacks, phone, or whatever you need at a moment's notice. I own this one from The Drop and love it, but also love this one that gives a bit of Chanel vibes.
Polos: Preppy at the airport is the best way to look pulled together without giving it much thought and keeping comfort intact. I love a polo for this reason. Especially those from Tommy Hilfiger—a great amount of stretch and made from soft, organic pique cotton, these are excellent.
What’s on Jacob Elordi's Reading List?
If there’s anyone we’d take style cues from, it’s Jacob Elordi. Although I’m actually including him here for his taste in books. Looking for a bit of entertainment during a long journey? Elordi’s book selections might be great for passing the time:
In his pocket, The War Diaries of Weary Dunlop. No doubt prep for his role in The Narrow Road to the Deep North, this book is a firsthand account of Australian Army surgeon Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop’s harrowing years as a prisoner of war under Japanese captivity during World War II. The diaries reveal an unshakable belief in compassion, courage, and reconciliation even in the darkest circumstances.
His right hand, Prima Facie by Suzie Miller is a one-woman play that follows Tessa, a brilliant criminal defense barrister whose confidence in the justice system is shattered after she experiences sexual assault. As she shifts from defending accused men to seeking justice herself, the story exposes the profound flaws in the legal processes surrounding consent and truth. The play challenges institutional bias and highlights the emotional toll of navigating a system stacked against victims.
Left hand, my guess is as good as ours. I scoured the internet, but I have no clue what it is.
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