(Lebanon, N.H. – Oct. 15, 2024) Travelers are becoming increasingly concerned about the evolving risks in international travel. Nearly a third of the world’s most experienced travelers (30%) revealed that geopolitical instability is their most significant perceived travel risk, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Respondents reported economic instability (12%) and terrorism (11%) as the next most concerning travel risks for 2025.

“From two ongoing wars to political and economic instability in multiple countries, travelers are keenly aware of how conflicts, currency destabilization and inflation can suddenly change the landscape of a destination,” 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. “It’s important for travelers to be informed and have contingency plans in place, especially when traveling to regions where risks are elevated.”

The survey revealed that more than half of travelers (51%) would obtain security extraction services when traveling to countries or regions where terrorism, civil unrest, or war is an ongoing threat. Travelers are paying close attention to official U.S. travel advisories. “Travelers are taking their safety more seriously than ever before,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and security director for Global Rescue. “Security extraction services are no longer viewed as optional for those who travel to high-risk areas. People want to know that they can get out of a dangerous situation quickly if necessary.”

Despite external travel threats like geopolitical instability, the survey identified that nearly half of travelers (45%) identified injury or illness as their biggest concern during international travel, making health risks the leading issue travelers worry about. Health and safety have always been a concern for travelers, but in today’s unpredictable global climate, it has become a top priority.

“Whether it’s falling ill or experiencing an injury abroad, travelers are becoming more aware of the importance of having robust support systems in place,” Richards said. “Having the right resources available—whether that’s safety advisory or medical evacuation—can make all the difference when facing an emergency abroad.”

Individuals are showing an increasing reliance on destination reports and travel advisories. International trip planning is no longer solely about securing restaurant reservations, now preemptive emergency medical and security planning is part of the smart traveler’s preparation,” Richards emphasized. “More travelers are proactively seeking advice and protection, even before departure, ensuring they are ready to respond to unpredicted crises.”

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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 current and former members between October 1-5, 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.