(Lebanon, NH – July 20, 2026) — Despite persistent increases in airfare, hotel rates and other travel expenses, the world’s most experienced international travelers are continuing to travel abroad with relatively few changes to their plans, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

More than 7 in 10 travelers (71%) said higher travel costs have not changed their international travel plans. Among US-based travelers, 73% reported costs have not altered their plans, compared with 65% of non-US-based travelers.

When travelers did adjust their plans, the most common response was reducing time spent at their destination rather than canceling or postponing travel. Overall, 16% said they reduced activities or discretionary spending, 6% postponed a trip, 5% chose a less expensive destination and 2% shortened their trip.

Non-US-based travelers were more likely than US-based travelers to seek lower-cost destinations (9% versus 4%) and were slightly more likely to reduce spending (17% versus 15%) or shorten their trips (3% versus 2%).

“The survey shows experienced international travelers remain committed to seeing the world even as costs continue to rise,” 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. “Rather than canceling trips, they’re making thoughtful adjustments that preserve the experience while controlling discretionary spending.”

Travelers overwhelmingly identified airfare as the expense that increased the most over the past year, cited by 77% of respondents. Hotel and accommodation costs ranked second at 47%, followed by food and dining (40%), travel insurance (22%), tours and activities (19%), baggage fees (16%) and ground transportation (14%).

Although airfare increases were reported at nearly identical rates by US-based and non-US-based travelers (78% and 77%, respectively), notable differences emerged elsewhere. Non-US travelers were considerably more likely to report higher hotel and accommodation costs (60% versus 44% among US travelers) and increased food and dining expenses (45% versus 38%). US-based travelers reported slightly higher increases in baggage fees (16% versus 14%) and tours and activities (18% versus 17%).

“Airfare has become the great equalizer, nearly everyone feels those increases regardless of where they live,” Richards said. “But once travelers arrive, local costs vary significantly by destination, exchange rates and regional inflation, which helps explain why non-US travelers are reporting sharper increases in lodging and dining.”

Richards said the findings reflect a broader shift in traveler behavior. Rather than abandoning international travel, experienced travelers are becoming more strategic by booking earlier, seeking greater value and trimming optional expenses instead of sacrificing the trip itself.

“International travel remains a priority for these travelers because they recognize its personal and professional value,” he said. “They’re adapting their budgets, not giving up their plans. That’s a sign of resilience and careful planning, not reduced interest in exploring the world.”

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About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed the world’s most experienced international travelers between June 30 – July 6, 2026. Respondents shared their attitudes, behaviors and preferences related to travel safety, technology and global mobility.

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 maintains exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. The company has provided medical and security support during every major global crisis over the past two decades.