More than a third of the world’s most experienced travelers are planning to take more adventurous or riskier trips in the future, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Most travelers responding to the survey want to go to destinations they have never been to, while the rest want curated trips to new, unusual destinations where they can have completely new experiences. New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, Iceland and Japan were the most frequently mentioned places survey respondents listed as bucket list travel destinations.

“Revenge travel demand initially contributed to the growing adventure travel boom. We anticipate increasing interest in adventure travel like safaris, hiking trips, camping excursions and motorcycle tours,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

With increasing desire for more risk and adventure travel coupled with elevated international war and violent conflict, most survey respondents welcome technological advances – like adding satellite connectivity to smartphone capabilities – to increase their safety and the peace of mind it would give them.

Of course, it takes more than satellite connectivity to really travel with peace of mind. With a travel protection services membership like Global Rescue, a vacation is truly time to relax, escape and enjoy. Members get field rescue and medevac for emergencies as well as access to a team of medical and security experts for advisory. In an average month, Global Rescue completes hundreds of operations in dozens of countries and territories.

Below are highlights from some of our most recent operations in various locations:

 

Tumor in Tunisia

A 78-year-old member encountered distressing symptoms while traveling in Tunisia. He contacted Global Rescue and reported severe forgetfulness, difficulty texting, confusion in distinguishing right from left, and a noticeable impairment in his right leg. In response to this alarming situation, Global Rescue medical operations recommended an in-person evaluation at a hospital in Tunisia. The member underwent a comprehensive assessment, including an MRI scan and consultation with a neurologist and case review with Global Rescue. The results of the evaluation revealed the presence of a brain tumor. The treating physicians recommended immediate treatment and surgical intervention to address the member’s critical condition. The medical team, including the member’s primary care physician in the U.S., concurred an immediate transport to the member’s home hospital of choice in the U.S. with his spouse acting as a non-medical escort was the best course. Global Rescue provided business class seats for the return flight, along with wheelchair and luggage assistant throughout the journey. The member arrived successfully in Seattle and was quickly admitted to his urgent care hospital of choice for further evaluation and medical interventions.

 

A mountain resuce team member wearing an orange jacket and a white helmet waits on the ground below an approaching helicopter.

Long Line Chopper Rescue in Nepal

Ama Dablam is one of the toughest mountains for high-altitude climbers. It’s also one of the toughest for rescue operations. The high winds, rapidly changing weather conditions and troublesome terrain prevent some helicopter rescues from landing and, instead, requiring a long-line rescue – a rapid rescue response used in remote, high-angle terrain. When a member was on his descent after summitting Ama Dablam he was struggling to breathe, had difficulty with his motor functions, and could barely speak, according to a member of the expedition team who contacted Global Rescue. The medical operations team evaluated the member who was showing signs of altitude mountain sickness in addition to losing his ability to work with safety equipment. Global Rescue medical operations authorized an immediate airborne evacuation which would require a long-line rescue from Ama Dablam Camp 3 to a hospital in Kathmandu. The member was safely transported to the hospital where he was admitted overnight, treated with IV fluids, bronchodilators and antihistamine. He was discharged with a diagnosis of HACE, HAPE, dehydration, and upper respiratory tract infection, and prescribed medications.

 

A pier lit up above light blue water at dusk in the Bahamas.

Broken Kneecap in The Bahamas

While visiting Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, a member tripped, fell and suffered a severe knee injury. She quickly contacted Global Rescue while her friends arranged a taxi to transport her to a medical center for evaluation. Following an X-ray examination, treating staff identified a broken kneecap. The treating physician strongly recommended that the member seek additional evaluation and treatment in the U. S. Global Rescue medical operations reviewed the case and concurred immediate treatment was needed. The member had no further travel plans and expressed her desire to receive medical care near her home in Miami. Global Rescue provided two business class seats for the member and her non-medical escort’s flight from the Bahamas to Miami. Global Rescue arranged for the member’s admittance to the Florida hospital upon arrival. Wheelchair and luggage assistance was also arranged by Global Rescue for the member who expressed her gratitude and insisted no further assistance would be necessary.

 

A boat cruises up a river in the Brazilian rain forest.

Burning Eyes in Brazil

A member was on a boat ride on Rio Negro in Brazil when her eyes started burning. The river waters are similar in color to strong tea, which comes from humic acid due to an incomplete breakdown of phenol-containing vegetation from sandy clearings. She contacted Global Rescue. The member became increasingly uncomfortable during the boat ride. She removed her contact lenses and rinsed her eyes for relief. She tried locally-procured eye drops as well as an American brand but her condition didn’t improve. Due to the risk to her eyesight, Global Rescue medical operations advised the member to seek immediate medical attention. A medical evacuation by floatplane was initiated by Global Rescue operations due to the member’s remote location which had limited transportation options. The combined floatplane and ground transportation medical field rescue successfully delivered her to a hospital where she received antibiotic and other eye treatment from an ophthalmologist. After a short hospital stay, the member was discharged to further recover at her hotel before returning to her home in Texas after reporting her condition had improved.

 

Remember, a Global Rescue travel membership has your back in all sorts of ways. Sure, there are the services we provide to our members if there’s a need: field rescue, medical evacuation, medical and security advisory, to name just a few. But it’s the benefit of peace of mind, inspired by those services – and the emergency experts who deliver them 24/7/365 – that resonates most with our members.