(Lebanon, NH – August 3, 2026) — Experienced international travelers are redefining how they travel, favoring meaningful experiences, quieter destinations and value over crowded attractions and social media-driven itineraries, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The survey reveals that travelers are gravitating toward experiences that prioritize personal fulfillment and authenticity rather than checking destinations off a list.

The strongest trend is the continued rise of YOLO (“You Only Live Once”) travel, with 68% of respondents saying they are much more or somewhat more interested in prioritizing once-in-a-lifetime experiences, spontaneity and bucket-list adventures than they were a year ago. By comparison, 29% report no change and only 3% are less interested.

Interest in quieter, less crowded destinations (JOMO – Joy of Missing Out) is also surging. Nearly 66% say they are more interested in escaping crowded tourist destinations, while 34% report no change and virtually none say they are less interested.

In contrast, travelers are increasingly rejecting trends driven by social pressure. Perhaps most striking, travelers everywhere are turning away from social media-driven travel motivations. Interest in FOMO itineraries, movie-inspired travel and event-centered trips remains low. Only 15% are more interested in packing vacations with as many activities as possible to avoid missing out (FOMO), while 58% report no change and 27% are less interested. Movie and television-inspired travel appears to have the weakest appeal. Only 5% say they are more interested in visiting destinations featured on screen, while 60% report no change and 35% are less interested.

“Experienced travelers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their time abroad,” 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 experiences that are personally meaningful rather than simply popular. Instead of chasing crowds, they’re seeking authenticity, flexibility and memorable experiences.”

The movement extends beyond destination selection. Nearly 31% of travelers say they are more interested in selecting destinations based on value, compared with 58% reporting no change and 11% becoming less interested.

“The survey reflects a maturing traveler mindset,” Richards said. “People aren’t traveling to impress others or recreate what they’ve seen online. They’re traveling to create experiences that matter to them personally. That’s changing where they go, how they plan and what defines a successful trip.”

The findings also suggest that experienced international travelers are balancing aspiration with practicality. While many continue to pursue ambitious bucket-list adventures, they are increasingly combining those goals with quieter destinations, better value and more personalized travel experiences.

“Today’s experienced traveler isn’t abandoning adventure,” Richards added. “They’re redefining it. The emphasis has shifted from seeing the most places to having the most meaningful experiences.”

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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.