Nearly a third of the world’s most experienced travellers revealed that geopolitical instability is their most significant perceived travel risk, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey, which revealed that travellers are becoming increasingly concerned about the evolving risks in international travel. 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, travellers are keenly aware of how conflicts, currency destabilisation and inflation can suddenly change the landscape of a destination,” said Global Rescue Companies CEO Dan Richards. “It’s important for travellers to be informed and have contingency plans in place, especially when travelling to regions where risks are elevated.”
The survey revealed that more than half of travellers (51%) would obtain security extraction services when travelling to countries or regions where terrorism, civil unrest, or war is an ongoing threat. Travellers are paying close attention to official US 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 travellers (45%) identified injury or illness as their biggest concern during international travel, making health risks the leading issue travellers worry about. Health and safety have always been a concern for travellers, but in today’s unpredictable global climate, it has become a top priority.
“Whether it’s falling ill or experiencing an injury abroad, travellers 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 traveller’s preparation,” he added. “More travellers are proactively seeking advice and protection, even before departure, ensuring they are ready to respond to unpredicted crises.”
