Article Highlights:

  • Election-Related Travel Risks:  How upcoming national elections in key countries could lead to heightened instability for travelers.
  • Rising Demand for Security Services: Why travelers increasingly invest in security extraction and advisory protection.
  • Overtourism vs. Accessible Destinations: How global travel trends are shifting based on crowding and relaxed entry policies.
  • Travel Over Material Possessions: Why more people prioritize experiences over luxury goods.
  • The Future of Global Tourism: What travelers and policymakers must do to sustain safe and responsible tourism.

 

Political instability is shaping travel decisions. With ongoing conflicts, civil unrest, and upcoming elections in various regions, travelers are becoming more cautious about their destinations. Many are opting to avoid countries experiencing heightened political tension, particularly those where protests, strikes, or government crackdowns could disrupt travel plans. Election-related risks, such as sudden policy changes, visa restrictions, or security concerns, also play a role in decision-making. This uncertainty is prompting travelers to seek alternative locations perceived as safer and more stable. As global events continue to unfold, political considerations will remain a critical factor in shaping the future of travel.

 

Travel Security and International Election-Related Risks

As global travel rebounds, travelers must be vigilant about potential risks posed by national elections abroad. Political instability, demonstrations, and even violent outbreaks are common in election cycles, particularly in regions with histories of unrest. Global Rescue, a leading travel risk and crisis management firm, has identified key countries where travelers should exercise caution due to elections in 2025.

Kent Webber, Senior Manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and a former senior intelligence operations officer at the Pentagon, warns: “Elections, while vital to democracy, often lead to increased political unrest. Understanding these risks and preparing accordingly is crucial for safe travel.”

The U.S. Department of State classifies the following four countries as “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” due to potential election-related unrest:

  • Ecuador – Political tensions, corruption allegations, and criminal gang violence have led to instability. Protests against President Daniel Noboa’s policies, including power cuts, could escalate during elections in April 2025.
  • Tanzania – The October 2025 presidential election raises concerns over human rights violations, including reports of political repression, abductions, and killings of opposition figures.
  • Ivory Coast – The country has a history of deadly election violence, with past conflicts resulting in thousands of deaths. Its next presidential election in October 2025 could provoke unrest.
  • Kosovo – Rising tensions after the Central Election Commission declined to certify the Srpska Lista party could lead to violent protests, especially in the north where ethnic Serbs seek greater autonomy.

Even more severe risks exist in countries labeled “Level 4 – Do Not Travel”:

  • Venezuela – Chronic economic turmoil and political instability often lead to mass protests during election cycles.
  • Belarus – Government crackdowns and mass protests in response to disputed elections have created an environment of extreme instability.
  • Iraq – A fragile democratic system with a history of conflict makes Iraq a high-risk destination for election-related violence.

On the other hand, countries with historically stable elections include Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway, where robust democratic institutions ensure minimal travel risks.

With geopolitical instability overtaking other concerns, travelers prioritize safety like never before. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey:

  • 63% of travelers would obtain security extraction services for destinations rated “Level 1” or “Level 2” by the U.S. State Department.
  • 51% would seek security extraction services when visiting high-risk regions with possible or ongoing conflicts.

“Travelers are increasingly factoring in civil unrest, violent conflicts, and war zones when planning trips, opting for advanced security protection,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies.

More travelers are securing safety protections due to rising global unrest. Demand for personal security services among travelers is on the rise. Business executives, high-net-worth individuals, and tourists increasingly seek enhanced security protection services, travel risk assessments, and crisis management plans to ensure their safety abroad. Digital security solutions, like the Global Rescue Intelligence Delivery System (GRIDSM), provide real-time threat alerts, emergency response, GPS asset tracking, and intelligence delivery for travelers. These resources have become essential tools. As travel risks evolve, proactive safety measures are no longer seen as a luxury but as a necessity for those navigating an unpredictable global landscape.

 

Several people riding camels in the sand dunes of Morocco.
Camel rides in Morocco.

Traveler Attitudes: Overtourism and Experiences

As global travel patterns shift, travelers are redefining their priorities. Overcrowded destinations are being abandoned in favor of lesser-known, accessible locations. Three-quarters of surveyed travelers (73%) worry about overtourism, while 33% have personally experienced it, according to the survey. More than half (53%) reported plans to avoid overpopulated hotspots such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Peru. Only 16% of travelers still plan to visit Italy, followed by Spain (15%) and France (14%), despite overtourism concerns.

Richards underscored the importance of sustainable tourism management. “Overtourism weakens destinations, strains infrastructure, and depletes resources. Governments must implement visitor caps and promote off-peak travel.”

As popular destinations lose favor with tourists, lesser-known ones are attracting new visitors. Cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Bali are implementing restrictions to manage overwhelming crowds, while governments are imposing new taxes and visitor limits to curb the adverse effects of mass tourism. Meanwhile, several countries are actively attracting tourists by easing entry restrictions, including Morocco, Kenya, and Wales, which are emerging as favored alternatives. Other countries, like Egypt, Cambodia, India, and Taiwan, want to increase tourism by relaxing entry requirements.

Concerns over environmental degradation and strained local resources are also pushing conscious travelers to rethink their choices. As a result, many travelers are looking beyond the usual hotspots in search of less-crowded, more immersive experiences or destinations that promote responsible tourism practices. Emerging destinations, such as lesser-known towns, remote nature reserves, and off-the-beaten-path cultural sites, benefit from this shift.

Government leaders have the power to mitigate these dangers. “Implementing visitor caps, promoting off-peak travel, and targeted investments in tourism infrastructure are critical to easing the burden on high-traffic destinations,” Richards said.

As global tourism expands, the urgency for proactive destination management has never been greater. “Travelers and policymakers share a responsibility to ensure that tourism remains a force for good, driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding the environment,” he added.

Travel experiences continue to gain favor over consumer materialism. Consumers are shifting their spending habits, prioritizing travel experiences over luxury goods. According to the survey, 65% of travelers value international travel over material possessions. Travel ranks higher in importance than buying a new smartphone (75%), a new car (74%), expensive jewelry (89%), a new wardrobe (88%), or even a second home (62%).

People are spending money on travel instead of on luxury goods. Instead of investing in luxury goods like designer handbags, high-end watches, or expensive cars, travelers are opting for unique cultural adventures, wellness retreats, and immersive experiences that provide personal growth, enrichment and meaningful memories with loved ones.

“Luxury car sales are slowing, second home purchases are declining, and jewelry sales are down, yet international travel is booming,” Richards said. “The pursuit of experiences has overtaken the pursuit of possessions.” This change in consumer behavior is reshaping the travel industry, prompting airlines, hotels, and tour operators to design packages that focus on experiential travel rather than luxury accommodations alone.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

The travel landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties, technological progress in security and communication, and evolving traveler preferences. To navigate this changing environment, individuals must embrace international travel with increased vigilance, strategic preparation, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable practices—along with the support of a Global Rescue membership.

As travelers embark on more frequent trips, explore remote regions, and engage in high-adventure activities, the demand for robust safety, security, and medical assistance continues to grow. From conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East to natural disasters like earthquakes in Japan and unexpected medical emergencies, having access to Global Rescue’s expert services provides essential reassurance. Whether it involves medical evacuation from a remote wilderness, security extraction from an unstable area, or real-time guidance during unforeseen crises, Global Rescue equips travelers with the resources and confidence to explore the world safely and responsibly.