Following the terror attacks in Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, and Nice that have taken place since November, we've heard a lot about how safety concerns are having a negative impact on tourism in those places.
The downturn has been especially pronounced in France, one of the world's top travel destinations. One recent report found, for example, that a million fewer people visited Paris from January to June of this year compared with the same period in 2015.
But according to a New York Times analysis of airline data, tourism statistics, and info from travel agencies, those concerned travelers aren't necessarily staying home.
In fact, the Department of Commerce's National Travel & Tourism Office reported in April that travel to Europe from the U.S. was up 5%.
Still, the Times's research suggests that the focus for European trips is shifting, at least for now, away from France toward destinations like Spain, Ireland, and Iceland, which have reputations for being safer. Other international spots such as the Galápagos Islands and Vietnam have also seen increased interest for the same reason.
Let that one soak in: Vietnam is now considered safer than France. Boy, can things change in 40 years.
In North America, travelers have been flocking to Canada, particularly Newfoundland, Quebec, and British Columbia.
"Canada's a triple whammy," one high-end tour operator told the Times, praising the country's popular prime minister, favorable exchange rate, and safe reputation.
The National Parks of the U.S. have seen a surge in popularity this year, too—though it's not clear whether that has to do with concerns over security abroad or the National Park Service's much ballyhooed centennial.
