NEWS

(Lebanon, N.H. – November 18, 2024) Nearly a third of the world’s most experienced travelers (31%) plan to obtain a satellite-enabled smartphone soon and 10% already have one, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The primary appeal of satellite-enabled smartphones is travelers’ ability to ensure safety in emergencies.

“Having a reliable way to communicate during emergencies, even when you’re in the most remote corners of the world, offers peace of mind,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations at Global Rescue. “Being able to alert first responders or send out SOS signals could make all the difference during a crisis, whether travelers are experiencing a medical emergency or a natural disaster.”

Eight out of 10 travelers (82%) revealed they would feel safer with a satellite-enabled smartphone. Nearly half (49%) cited the ability to call for help when out of cellular range as the primary reason for wanting one. More than a third of respondents (37%) said having satellite communications capabilities would ease the anxiety of family and friends.

As travel becomes increasingly adventurous and remote destinations more accessible, satellite-enabled smartphones are rapidly gaining popularity. However, satellite communications connectivity is not guaranteed, especially if a clear view of the sky is obstructed. “Mountains, forests and urban with tall buildings have topography that can interfere with satellite signals,” Bush said.

Satellite-enabled devices are not all the same. “Satellite-enabled smartphones, like the iPhone, generally have less power and bandwidth compared to dedicated satellite communication devices like Zoleo or inReach,” added Bush. "While the technology is improving, travelers should be aware of these limitations to maximize their effectiveness."

As more companies race to develop direct-to-cell satellite services, travelers can expect even better connectivity, allowing them to explore the world without losing the ability to stay in touch. “Satellite communication technology is transforming how people travel,” said Bush. “Whether you’re hiking in remote areas or sailing in the middle of the ocean, having the ability to reach first responders gives travelers the freedom to explore with confidence.”

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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

(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. ###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.

(Lima, Peru – November 12, 2024) – In a dramatic and historic showdown at the Pickleball World Cup 2024, the Puerto Rico Pickleball Team emerged victorious, claiming the championship title after a nail-biting series of matches held in Lima, Peru. Led by standout player Melissa Roth Richards, the team demonstrated skill, resilience, and teamwork to bring home the win for Puerto Rico.

Richards – vice president and general counsel for Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services – noted the tournament was about more than winning. “It was about celebrating the sport we all love. Competing alongside such talented players from around the world is an honor, and the camaraderie and sportsmanship we shared with each team is something I’ll cherish. We’re all ambassadors of pickleball, and together, we’re helping it grow into a truly global sport," she said.

The journey to victory was not without its challenges. In the crucial match against India, Puerto Rico’s dynamic duo, Claudia Santini and Richards, took on India’s top players Rakshika Ravi and Anshi Sheth. In a close and intense game, Santini and Richards edged out their opponents with a 15-13 win, showcasing their strength and synergy on the court.

Richards admitted the Indian team was exceptional and fierce competitors. “They challenged us on the court. They brought an incredible energy and skill level that pushed us to give everything we had. Competing against such strong opponents only deepened my respect for the sport and the players worldwide who make it so special," she said.

However, the competition intensified in the women’s doubles final, where Richards and Santini faced home team Peru who had a huge crowd in the stands cheering. In this game to 21, Richards and Santini fought back from a 17-20 deficit to come back and win 27-25 overcoming 5 match points against them. After the women’s match, in a show of determination and focus, the Puerto Rico team swept their opponents 3-0 to secure the Pickleball World Cup title.

"Our team poured their hearts into every game. Each one of us played not only for ourselves but for Puerto Rico. The spirit and dedication I saw in my teammates was inspiring, and it's a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared goal," Richards said. The Puerto Rico Pickleball Team’s win marks a significant achievement in the sport, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of pickleball worldwide. The team’s outstanding performance at the World Cup will undoubtedly inspire players across Puerto Rico and beyond.

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Contact:

Bill McIntyre, bmcintyre@globalrescue.com +1 (202) 560-1195

About Pickleball World Cup 2024

The Pickleball World Cup held October 22–28, 2024 in Lima, Peru is an annual international tournament bringing together the best amateur pickleball players with a max DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) rating of 5.5 in a team format similar to Major League Pickleball – women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles matches. If there is a 2-2 tie, a Dreambreaker singles tiebreaker takes place with one player from each team playing singles against each other, swapping in a different singles player every four points until one team reaches a score of 21 and wins by two points.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue provided emergency and crisis support during the Pickleball World Cup 2024 in the event of illness or injury. Global Rescue is 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. 

(Lebanon, N.H. – November 4, 2024) Overtourism is a rising concern among the world’s most experienced travelers, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Three out of four travelers (76%) expressed concerns about overtourism, while 31% have personally experienced it in 2024. The survey revealed slightly more men (33%) than women (28%) experienced overtourism in 2024 but women (83%) are more concerned about overtourism compared to men (74%).

The combination of the travel industry rebound and government inaction are contributing factors for overtourism, the negative impact caused when too many tourists visit a particular destination.

To keep pace and prevent overtourism, officials at popular and new destinations need to manage the tourism resurgence and growth. “Local governments can institute measures such as limiting the number of visitors to sensitive areas or promoting sustainable tourism practices," 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.

Overtourism isn’t just a challenge for locals. “Travelers can reduce their impact by choosing off-peak seasons to visit and exploring lesser-known regions,” Richards explained. "Tourists and local authorities must collaborate to ensure that popular destinations are preserved for future travelers while respecting the needs of local communities. Solutions can include promoting lesser-known destinations and educating travelers on responsible tourism practices."

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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.