NEWS

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 11, 2025) – A survey of the world's most experienced travelers revealed a significant shift in traveler sentiment, with fewer people opting for risky trips, more turning to artificial intelligence for travel planning, and strong confidence in the industry's post-pandemic recovery, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

More than half of travelers (59%) are not planning to visit riskier destinations in 2025, marking a 145% increase in risk aversion compared to 2023, when only 24% avoided such trips. Only a fifth (22%) of travelers plan to take riskier trips this year, a 35% drop from 2023. Another 19% remain undecided about venturing into high-risk areas.

"The data shows that travelers prioritize safety over adventure more than ever before," said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Concerns over global instability, natural disasters, and health risks are leading many to reconsider riskier travel plans."

Travelers' use of AI for trip planning is rising. Most travelers (59%) still do not use AI for travel planning, but the latest survey marks a 34% decline from Fall 2024, when 90% reported avoiding AI. Most travelers who rely on AI for travel use it for general itineraries, basic destination research, activity suggestions, transportation and lodging recommendations, and dining and restaurant suggestions.

"AI is playing an increasing role in travel, helping individuals make informed decisions more efficiently," Richards noted. “As technology improves, we expect even more travelers to incorporate AI into their planning."

In 2025, most travelers choose to travel with family, friends, or a mix of both. Solo travel remains a strong trend, with 35% of surveyed travelers reporting that at least some of their trips will be completely alone. Another 16% plan to travel solo but as part of a larger group with people they don't know.

The future of travel looks good, based on survey results. The travel industry lost 75% of its value in 2020 and has steadily rebounded. More than half of travelers (61%) believe the travel industry resurgence will continue to grow and surpass pre-pandemic levels. A quarter (26%) expect the industry to recover fully and stabilize; only 4% believe it will decline again.

"The travel industry is on a trajectory of sustained growth," Richards stated. "People are eager to travel, and as safety concerns are addressed and technology improves, we anticipate even stronger momentum in the years ahead."

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel. 

About Global Rescue  

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. – March 5, 2025) – The majority of the world’s most experienced travelers expect Americans will be less welcome and perceived more negatively while traveling internationally in 2025 due to recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S., according to the results of a Global Rescue Snap Survey conducted following President Trump’s address to Congress.

Seven out of ten (72%) surveyed travelers said Americans will be perceived more negatively and less welcome when traveling abroad. Nearly a fifth (16%) reported there would be no difference in how Americans are perceived, 9% didn’t know and 3% said Americans will be perceived more positively.

“The data is clear—travelers are expecting a shift in how they are received abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “This doesn’t mean Americans should cancel their travel plans, but they should be aware of their surroundings, practice cultural sensitivity, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.”

International travel veteran Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue, advised it's important to remember that locals may have strong opinions about international policies, but they often distinguish between a country's government and its citizens. “They know it's not you that is making the decisions and policies. Be a gracious guest and don't discuss politics,” he said.

American international travelers can take several measures, all of which are recommended during any international trips, to travel safely and confidently despite growing concerns about their perception overseas. “Americans traveling abroad should be aware there could be an increase in political demonstrations and should obtain security advisory services to keep them informed of anti-American protests,” Bush said.

• Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid displaying overt symbols of American nationality, such as clothing with political slogans or nationalistic imagery. Blending in with local customs and attire can help minimize unwanted attention.
• Stay Informed: Travelers should research the political and social climate of their destination before departure. Understanding local attitudes toward the U.S. can help visitors navigate conversations and interactions more smoothly.
• Practice Cultural Awareness: Demonstrating respect for local customs, traditions, and social norms is essential. Learning basic greetings and etiquette in the local language can go a long way in fostering goodwill.
• Use Smart Travel Practices: Keep a low profile in public spaces, avoid discussing sensitive political topics, and be aware of your digital footprint on social media, as online expressions can sometimes lead to confrontations in person.
• Leverage Professional Travel Security Resources: For those visiting high-risk areas or facing increased concerns, working with security professionals and travel risk management firms like Global Rescue can provide invaluable guidance and support.

Despite the concerns highlighted by the survey, Richards emphasized that most international travel remains safe when travelers take the right precautions. “Being prepared and situationally aware is key. By exercising good judgment and respecting local norms, Americans can continue to enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences around the world,” Richards said.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue SNAP Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,400 current and former members between March 5, 2025. The respondents revealed whether recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S. would impact, negatively or positively, how Americans are welcomed or perceived when traveling internationally in 2025.  

About Global Rescue   

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. – March 3, 2025) – Despite widespread concern about safety and major health issues, international travelers continue to flock to remote and high-risk destinations—often without checking the quality of emergency medical care available. The most common trip-ending problems are major health issues (35%), according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Half of surveyed travelers identified “safety” as their top priority when selecting an international destination—significantly higher than "cost" (19%), "weather" (15%), or "convenience" (13%).

Yet, while travelers overwhelmingly recognize major health issues as the most significant threats, and half claim safety is most important when choosing a destination, only half (51%) take the time to research the quality of medical care available at their destinations.

"It's an alarming attitude given that more than one in five surveyed travelers (22%) reported needing emergency medical care while abroad," said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Travelers often assume they are prepared for the unexpected, yet paradoxically, the data suggests that few travelers take the necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety abroad," he added.

The survey also revealed that many travelers seek out remote or high-adventure destinations. More than half of travelers (59%) said they are not planning to visit more risky destinations in 2025 compared to past years, but a fifth (22%) are actively planning such trips, and another 19% remain undecided.

"With a significant portion of travelers venturing into remote regions or booking riskier adventures, the importance of knowing the availability of emergency medical care cannot be overstated," Richards said. "The data suggests that travelers equate safety with crime rates and political stability but overlook the equally critical aspect of emergency medical infrastructure," he added.

Travelers should obtain destination reports covering everything from travel health and personal security advice to currency and common scams before taking a trip, especially to a foreign country. A Global Rescue destination report provides travelers with critical information about the healthcare landscape of their chosen destination, including details on local hospitals, the quality of care, potential health risks, and recommended vaccinations. They provide insights into language barriers, accessibility to specialized treatments, and region-specific health concerns.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.   

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey    

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.   

About Global Rescue    

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. – February 24, 2025) – A fifth of travelers report being victims of smartphone snatching or loss during an international trip, but less than 5% of the world's most experienced travelers have faced the same issue, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

Experienced travelers recognize the alarming trend of smartphone theft during travel and implement a variety of preventive measures to secure their devices while abroad.

"When traveling, your smartphone is more than just a device—it’s a necessity. Protect it, because losing it could mean losing control over your plans, finances, and security," said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate director of security for Global Rescue. "Avoid using your phone in crowded, congested areas. It’s best to use it indoors or in a secure location, and always stay aware of your surroundings," Bush said.

According to the survey, keeping the phone hidden in public (43%) is the most popular method used by travelers for securing smartphones from mobile device snatchers. Using Face ID, a fingerprint, or a complex password (25%), ‘Find My Device’ and remote erase features (9%), and locking the SIM card (4%) are the next most common ways to protect your cell phone from theft.

"Never store your cash, ID, or credit cards in a phone wallet attachment. If your phone is lost or stolen, you lose everything at once," Bush advised.

The least used methods are installing anti-theft software, encrypting phone data and using a phone leash (3%), obtaining a burner (throwaway) phone (2%), and removing banking and shopping apps (1%).

Smartphones are communication tools that also hold personal, financial, and sensitive data. When stolen, a thief can use the phone to access banking apps, email accounts, and social media profiles, putting travelers at risk of identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized transactions.

"Think about consequence management—if your phone is linked to two-factor authentication for email and financial accounts, losing it could lock you out of those essential services," Bush said.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

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.