(Lebanon, NH – September 29, 2026) More than one-third of experienced international travelers (36%) say they are most likely to plan their next international trip around a secluded destination for rest and relaxation, making it the clear leading travel preference, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Another 16% are most likely to choose destinations offering exceptional value because of favorable exchange rates, while 12% say major concerts, sporting events or natural phenomena are most likely to shape their travel plans.

“Experienced international travelers haven’t stopped traveling despite the first half of 2026 recording the most severe and widespread disruption to international flights since the pandemic, instead they’ve become smarter about how they travel,” 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. “They’re choosing destinations that help them recharge while recognizing that flexibility and preparation have become essential parts of every international itinerary.”

The survey findings come as airline disruptions remain a reality for many international travelers. Nearly two in five respondents (39%) report experiencing at least one significant flight disruption, including a delay of more than three hours, a cancellation or a missed connection, during the past year.

Flight Delays Remain a Concern, But Not a Crisis

While airline disruptions remain common, the survey suggests experienced travelers have become more accepting of the realities of international air travel.

Just over half of respondents (52%) say they are either somewhat worried (35%) or slightly worried (29%) about flight delays or cancellations affecting their international travel plans this year. Another 17% say they are very or extremely worried, while 19% report no concern at all.

Non-US travelers express higher levels of concern than US-based travelers. More than one-quarter (26%) say they are very or extremely worried about flight disruptions compared with 16% of US travelers. US respondents, meanwhile, are more likely to describe themselves as somewhat worried (36% versus 29%), suggesting concern without significant anxiety. Non-US travelers are also slightly less likely to say they are not worried at all (15% versus 20%).

“The most seasoned travelers understand that disruptions have become part of international travel,” Richards said. “They build flexibility into their itineraries, avoid overly tight flight connections and prepare backup options before they leave home. Planning for disruptions is now just as important as planning the destination.”

Travelers Adapt to Airline Disruptions While Planning Meaningful Trips

Despite increased international flight unreliability, travelers remain focused on where they want to go rather than the challenges of getting there. A secluded destination for rest and relaxation is the leading inspiration for future international travel among both US-based (36%) and non-US-based (38%) travelers.

Destinations offering favorable exchange rates rank second among defined travel motivations, with 16% of travelers saying exceptional value will influence their plans. Non-US travelers are somewhat more likely than US travelers to prioritize exchange-rate advantages (18% versus 15%).

Non-US travelers also show greater interest in shorter, event-driven travel. Sixteen percent say they are likely to plan an international “micro-cation,” compared with 9% of US travelers. The same percentage (16%) would plan travel around a major concert, sporting event or natural phenomenon, versus 11% of US respondents.

“Experienced travelers understand that flight disruptions are an inconvenience, not necessarily a reason to stay home,” Richards said. “They’ve learned to build flexibility into their itineraries and focus on the experiences that make international travel worthwhile. The destination still outweighs the disruption.”

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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.