(Lebanon, N.H. – November 12, 2024) Overpacking continues to be the most common mistake the world’s most experienced travelers make, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. A third of travelers (32%) admitted overpacking was their top travel blunder in 2024, followed by booking flights with connections instead of direct flights (13%) and an overly ambitious itinerary (12%).

“Overpacking is a persistent traveler pitfall,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce. “Travelers often fall into the trap of overpacking. We’ve all been there—trying to pack for every possible scenario. However, overpacking leads to excess baggage fees, difficulty navigating airports, and frustration while traveling. Packing light helps avoid these hassles and streamlines your journey.”

The second most reported traveler mistake was flying with connections instead of nonstop, a traveler error that had not made the list until this year. “Flying with connections often results in longer travel times, increasing the risk of missed flights due to delays,” Richards said. “Layovers can be physically exhausting and introduce more chances for lost luggage or other complications compared to the convenience of direct flights.”

Planning itineraries that are too ambitious continues to be in the top three list of most common mistakes travelers make. “Travelers must accept that they won’t see everything and immersing themselves will be more rewarding than speed-touring,” Richards said. “An overly ambitious itinerary may seem like a great idea, but the reality often leaves travelers exhausted and missing out on the experiences they wanted.”

The survey revealed that 22% of respondents enrolled in a trusted traveler program, such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR, in 2024, with another 49% already being members. The primary motivation for joining these programs was to speed up security procedures (54.03%), followed by faster customs clearance (34.68%). “Trusted traveler programs are an invaluable tool for frequent fliers,” said Richards. “They provide a seamless experience, saving time and eliminating unnecessary stress at the airport.”

With language barriers presenting an ongoing challenge for global travelers, more than half of respondents (55%) now rely on translation apps to bridge communication gaps. Fifty-one percent of travelers use these apps to translate conversations, while 43% use them for reading traffic signs and menus. “The rise of translation apps has made travel easier and more enjoyable for millions of people,” Richards noted. “These apps enable travelers to communicate effectively in a foreign language, whether reading a menu, navigating traffic signs, or engaging in conversation with locals.”

As the travel surge continues, technological security and communications advancements improve traveler convenience and safety. “Travelers today are better equipped to navigate international challenges, thanks to the rise of tools like translation apps, trusted traveler programs, and real-time travel advisory services. However, preparation is still key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip,” said Richards.

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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 October 1-20, 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.