The first three months of the year have brought significant disruptions for travelers.
The ongoing war in Iran, cartel violence in Mexico, U.S. military operation in Venezuela and a powerful blizzard on the East Coast, among other things, have collectively disrupted tens of thousands of flights and thrown a wrench into the travel plans of many Americans since the start of 2026.
There’s always a level of unpredictability when it comes to travel. But recent events highlight precautions Americans can take to blunt or sidestep travel pain — and dilute any accompanying financial headaches, according to travel advisors and other experts.
“If you think of a worst-case scenario, this is the worst-case scenario,” Sofia Markovich, a travel advisor and founder of Sofia’s Travel, said of disruptions tied to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
However, travelers can learn something from the situation, she and other travel advisors said.
