For Immediate Release:

(Lebanon, N.H. – August 2, 2024) A survey of the world’s most experienced travelers revealed that women value travel experiences over material possessions at nearly twice the rate as men. Three out of four women (77%) surveyed indicated that travel experiences hold greater importance than acquiring material goods, a 40% higher rate than 55% of men who feel the same way.

“While women and men both cherish travel, women are more likely to embrace the YOLO mindset, prioritizing experiences that enrich their lives over tangible possessions,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The gender distinction is consistent with increased travel marketing to women.

“Studies suggest that women may prioritize work-life balance more than men. Additionally, Nielsen projects that women will control 75% of all household discretionary spending by 2028 which is leading to a higher prioritization of travel experiences,” said Stephanie Diamond, VP of Human Capital Management for Global Rescue.

Men and women have distinct preferences when choosing a travel destination, according to the survey.

More than a third of women (37%) prioritize landscapes when choosing a travel locale including, mountains, jungles, savannahs, deserts, canyons, volcanoes or glaciers. Men (37%) revealed that access to adventure activities like scuba diving, skiing, mountaineering, trekking, fishing and safari is most important.

More than half of men (53%) have used a satellite phone or messaging device during a trip, of those nearly have used the device for emergency, urgent or important communications. Women (32%) were much less likely than men to use a SATCOM device during travel, but they were 21% more likely to use the device for emergency, urgent or important communications.

The genders are aligned on what characteristics are most important in a travel companion. Men and women report that “a compatible travel style” is the most important positive characteristic to have and “a negative attitude” is the most alarming.

The survey findings illustrate a steady shift towards valuing experiences and adventures to seize opportunities for exploration and personal growth. “Travelers are increasingly focused on making memories rather than accumulating things, reinforcing the attitude that life is best measured by the adventures we undertake and the connections we create along the way,” Richards said.

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Contact

Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between July 9-13, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.