Article Highlights

  • Inflation Eases, Travel Rebounds: US inflation drops to 2.4%, its lowest since 2021, with 83% of travelers not canceling plans due to rising costs, marking a 40% decrease in inflation-related trip cancelations since 2022.
  • High-Stakes Missions: From altitude sickness evacuations in Nepal to emergency medevacs on Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ve had several complex, life-savings operations worldwide recently.
  • Expanded Services for High-Altitude Adventures: With the introduction of the High-Altitude Evacuation Package, we’ve enhanced support for climbers and trekkers traveling above 15,000 feet, ensuring more comprehensive coverage and rescue capabilities.

 

Inflation in the US is cooling off, and it’s contributing to fewer postponed or canceled trips, according to a survey of the world’s most experienced travelers. In September 2024, the annual inflation rate was 2.4%, which is the lowest it’s been since February 2021.

The lower inflation rate appears to contribute to increased travel. The Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey revealed that more than eight out of ten travelers (83%) did not cancel or postpone their travel plans due to inflation in 2024. More importantly, the 12% who pointed to inflation as a reason for canceling or postponing international trips this year is a dramatic 40% decrease compared to the same period in 2022 when a fifth of travelers said inflation prompted trip terminations.

“This decline in travelers putting off trips suggests that lower inflation and a stabilizing economy encourages more travel, especially among people with financial sensitivities,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce.

Whether travelers are exploring uncharted destinations, seeking one-of-a-kind experiences, or returning to familiar places, Global Rescue supports them, delivering reliable services worldwide without interruption. In any given month, Global Rescue manages hundreds of operations across multiple countries and regions.

Here are a few standout examples of recent missions in diverse locations:

 

Mother and Daughter Trekkers Rescued

A mother and daughter from the US experienced altitude sickness while trekking in Dingboche, Nepal, with symptoms ranging from chest congestion to difficulty breathing. Global Rescue arranged for a helicopter to transport them to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema. Both recovered well after receiving medications and a discharge plan that allowed them to continue their journey safely.

 

Bad Weather Hampers Kilimanjaro Rescue

While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a traveler from Dubai encountered severe symptoms of altitude sickness, particularly at the high altitude of Gilman’s Point. Suspecting high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), Global Rescue’s medical operations team evaluated her condition and approved an urgent airlift to a hospital capable of treating her condition. Initially, the plan was to evacuate her from Barafu Camp, but worsening weather conditions and diminishing daylight postponed the rescue until the following day. With the help of her trekking guides, she self-descended to Camp Millenium, where a helicopter finally reached her. The evacuation team safely transported her to the hospital, where she was treated for HAPE. Thanks to the coordinated efforts, she received appropriate care and was eventually discharged to recover fully from her high-altitude ordeal.

 

Double Vision in Nepal

At Baruntse Base Camp, a Canadian climber developed troubling symptoms, including double vision, which suggested cranial nerve palsy. Global Rescue’s medical team assessed her case and recommended immediate evacuation to Kathmandu for specialist consultation. However, adverse weather delayed her airlift for two days, during which time her symptoms were monitored closely. Once the weather cleared, she was transported to a hospital where an MRI ruled out any acute brain injury. Diagnosed with high-altitude-induced diplopia, doctors advised that the condition would likely resolve over time. She returned home with a recommendation to consult a neurologist if symptoms persisted.

 

Foot Injury in Ama Dablam, Nepal

A trekker from Saudi Arabia sustained a severe foot injury while descending Ama Dablam after slipping on rocky terrain. Despite attempting self-care with painkillers, the discomfort and swelling in his foot persisted. Suspecting a fracture, Global Rescue arranged an air evacuation to a nearby medical center for further assessment. Doctors diagnosed a suspected fracture and provided him with a treatment plan, allowing him to return home to continue his recovery.

 

Helicopter Medevac in Nepal

Two Australian travelers were trekking in Dingboche, Nepal, when they experienced severe altitude-related symptoms, including respiratory infections and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). After contacting Global Rescue, they were evacuated via helicopter in a combined mission to Kathmandu. Both individuals were admitted to the hospital for comprehensive treatment. The timely intervention and medical support allowed them to recover safely, and they were discharged with medications and precautions for altitude sickness.

 

Bathroom Slip in Italy

A traveler from Colorado faced an unexpected mishap in Sorrento, Italy, after slipping in her bathroom late one evening. She fell, hitting her hip against the sink and bumping the side of her head. Concerned primarily about the intense pain in her left hip and her limited ability to move, she sought help through Global Rescue. Our medical operations team directed her to contact local emergency services, and she was quickly transported by ambulance to Sorrento Hospital. After undergoing x-rays, it was confirmed that she had ligament damage but no fractures, much to her relief. She was prescribed pain medication and a crutch for mobility, along with a recommendation to rest for at least ten days. Thankful for the support, she expressed confidence in managing her recovery, knowing that our team would be available for assistance around the clock if needed.

High-Altitude Rescues

Participation in mountaineering, trekking, and other high-altitude activities has increased rapidly in recent years. Global Rescue is expanding and enhancing our services for this community by increasing our capabilities to provide emergency services in more regions, committing to longer deployments of our medical operations personnel, and extending our in-field rescue operational durations.

Implementing the High-Altitude Evacuation Package and making it available to members 16 years of age and older who travel above 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) during any part of their trip (excluding airplane travel) and who require emergency transport due to injury or illness enables us to continue enhancing our current service capabilities for the climbing and trekking community worldwide.

Members can add a High-Altitude Evacuation Package to their membership by contacting our member services team. Please note that the package must be purchased before an illness or injury occurs during a high-altitude trip and is limited to Global Rescue members who are 16 years of age or older.