Why We’re Boycotting US Cruises (And What Trump's ESTA Changes Mean for You)

Editorial Summary

The creator discusses a proposal regarding changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travelers visiting the United States. The creator argues that the new requirements, which include providing five years of social media history, five years of phone numbers, and ten years of email addresses, represent a digital interrogation rather than a standard travel document. The video highlights the potential risks for cruisers, noting that errors in these extensive records could lead to denied entry without an appeal process. The creator shares a personal decision to boycott upcoming cruises to the United States, including trips to Miami and Seattle, due to these privacy concerns. The video also addresses the broader economic implications, citing data from the World Travel and Tourism Council that suggests the United States is an outlier in projected international visitor spending declines. To provide alternatives, the creator suggests Caribbean itineraries from various cruise lines that do not require passing through United States ports. The creator concludes by urging travelers to research these requirements and consider whether they are willing to accept increased surveillance in exchange for a vacation.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.