Article Highlights:

  • Half of travelers remain unconcerned about natural disasters despite extreme weather forecasts.
  • 88% of travelers research political or social stability before booking a trip.
  • Over 30% of travelers have changed or canceled travel due to civil unrest or geopolitical risk.
  • 2025 Atlantic hurricane season expected to bring up to five major storms.
  • Security memberships have risen 17% as travelers seek smarter, safer solutions.

 

The idea of a vacation or international trip used to conjure thoughts of culture, cuisine and carefree adventure. Today, for many travelers, those plans come with caveats. The travel mindset has shifted with global threats ranging from wildfires to war zones. More than ever, comfort levels hinge on risk awareness and response capabilities.

According to the Spring 2025 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, more than half of travelers say they are not significantly concerned about natural disasters disrupting their travel plans. This is despite official forecasts predicting up to five major hurricanes in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and a growing number of travelers reporting weather-related travel interruptions.

 

Natural Disasters

“Travelers are proceeding with their plans despite the risks of natural disasters. This is a testament to the resilience of the travel industry,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. He noted that even among travelers who express little concern, many have experienced the real-world effects of wildfires, floods or hurricanes rerouting or delaying their itineraries.

Nearly 40% of travelers surveyed said they had already experienced a travel disruption due to extreme weather. Still, 52% reported being only “a little” or “not at all” concerned about future disruptions. This attitude may reflect growing confidence in backup plans and emergency services or the belief that these threats remain unlikely to affect them directly. Yet, Richards sees an opportunity for stronger traveler education and more thoughtful planning.

 

Hurricane Season and Civil Unrest

“Risk is now a permanent part of the travel landscape,” he said. “The solution is not to stop traveling, it’s to travel smarter. That means understanding local environmental conditions, monitoring government advisories and having emergency support systems in place.”

While hurricane seasons and natural disasters have become more frequent and destructive, geopolitical instability and civil unrest are commanding even greater attention among travelers. According to the same Global Rescue survey, more than 85% of travelers expressed at least some concern that political turmoil or social unrest could affect their travel plans. These concerns are not abstract: over 30% of respondents admitted they had previously canceled or altered a trip due to instability.

 

A large unit of law enforcement personnel shoot tear gas into a protesting crowd in an Asian city.

Travel Advisories and International Travel

A striking 88% of travelers say they now actively research a destination’s political or social environment before booking, a significant cultural shift from when weather and cost were the dominant planning factors. Government travel advisories play an influential role in shaping these choices. Two-thirds of respondents said such advisories affect their travel decisions at least moderately, while only 5% said they ignore them entirely.

This caution is mirrored in actual travel behavior. Roughly three-quarters of respondents said they would avoid destinations experiencing ongoing protests or civil unrest. Even countries rated safe by the US State Department may experience slumping interest if they are geographically close to conflict zones. When asked if a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war would make them more likely to visit nearby countries such as Poland, Latvia or the Czech Republic, only 20% said yes. Forty-five percent said they had no plans to visit those countries in 2025, regardless of safety upgrades.

“Even in regions classified as safe, perception matters,” Richards explained. “A conflict next door can be enough to alter travel demand across an entire region. It’s why clarity, transparency and timely advisory updates are essential, not just for traveler safety but for the stability of global tourism economies.”

As risk becomes an unavoidable part of travel, the market responds. Security-related travel services are on the rise. According to Global Rescue, security program enrollments rose 17% in the last quarter alone, driven partly by increasing demand from leisure and business travelers who want access to emergency response in uncertain situations.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Travel risk management has never been more critical. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire or street protest, modern travelers need the tools to plan, respond and recover. Global Rescue supports members in high-stakes situations, offering medical and security advisory, evacuation assistance and 24/7 crisis support.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, typhoons and floods are often predictable, offering time to prepare and respond. Earthquakes and flash events are not. The key is to plan. Travelers should monitor local conditions, pack emergency supplies and have an evacuation plan. When geopolitical instability is a factor, knowledge is power. Understanding local tensions, avoiding high-risk areas and having real-time support can be the difference between inconvenience and danger.

Global Rescue offers that support through expert advisory teams, veteran military specialists and an unwavering commitment to member safety. Preparation isn’t paranoia; it’s protection. With Global Rescue, travelers never have to face uncertainty alone.