Article Highlights:

  • Rick Steves is the top dream travel companion for both men and women, especially among US travelers.
  • Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift rank highly among women seeking inspiring, conversation-rich trips.
  • Men lean toward Rory McIlroy, Robert De Niro and Willie Nelson as fantasy travel partners.
  • International travelers overwhelmingly prefer Robert De Niro, followed by Taylor Swift.
  • Istanbul and Paris top the list of dream destinations travelers want to explore with their celebrity companions.

 

 

If you could choose anyone in the world to travel beside you — from the moment you zip up your suitcase to the instant your passport is stamped — who would it be? For many travelers, the answer reveals not only personal preferences but also deeper ideas about what travel should feel like.

According to new insights from the Global Rescue Fall 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, most people don’t dream of traveling with the flashiest celebrity. Instead, they imagine travel filled with wisdom, laughter, storytelling and discovery.

That’s why the names at the top of the list are less about Hollywood spectacle and more about personality, connection and meaning. Think Rick Steves, Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, Rory McIlroy, Robert De Niro and Willie Nelson — a constellation of figures who evoke curiosity, creativity, depth and fun.

 

Rick Steves: The People’s Choice for a Meaningful Trip

One celebrity rose above all others as the travel partner of choice: Rick Steves. More than one in six travelers surveyed (17%) said they’d choose the beloved travel expert as their ideal companion. Among US travelers, the enthusiasm was even stronger, reaching 22%.

Women in particular showed an affinity for Steves, with nearly a quarter choosing him as their dream companion. The appeal is clear. Travelers don’t simply want a famous face; they want someone who understands culture, geography, food, history and the art of slow, intentional travel. Steves represents that ideal.

In a travel fantasy where meaningful conversations, cultural depth and authentic exploration matter most, it’s no wonder he leads the pack.

 

Women Show Preference for Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift

For many women, the dream of travel is intertwined with connection: deep talks on long flights, shared wonder in a new city, the feeling of seeing the world with someone who radiates insight or creativity. That’s why Oprah Winfrey and Taylor Swift follow closely behind Rick Steves in popularity among female travelers.

Oprah’s reputation for empathy and transformational storytelling makes her an ideal candidate for a soul-enriching trip. Whether strolling through Paris or wandering Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, travelers imagine her turning ordinary moments into extraordinary lessons.

Taylor Swift, meanwhile, appeals to travelers who crave spontaneity, expressive energy and the chance to experience destinations through the lens of a creative powerhouse. For Swift fans and non-fans alike, the idea of exploring a dream destination with one of the most influential artists of the era is irresistible.

 

McIlroy, De Niro and Nelson: The Men’s Dream Team

Men’s choices reflected a different flavor of adventure, one grounded in sport, artistry and Americana. Rory McIlroy, the golf champion, invites visions of iconic courses in Scotland, Ireland or Dubai. His presence suggests calm, focus and a love of landscapes.

Then there’s Robert De Niro, whose decades-long career has shaped the imagination of travelers worldwide. For men, he ranks as one of the most appealing companions. Someone who brings global experience, captivating stories and the ability to turn a simple dinner abroad into something unforgettable.

And, of course, Willie Nelson rounds out the male dream list, conjuring images of road trips, campfires and a soundtrack as legendary as the places visited. Traveling with Nelson feels like a journey across time, music and America itself.

 

International Travelers Choose De Niro, Swift

Among non-US travelers, Robert De Niro stands out as the top choice by a significant margin. His global work, cross-cultural appeal and enduring presence on screen resonate strongly with travelers outside the US He embodies the kind of sophisticated, worldly travel partner who is equally at ease navigating Tokyo, Venice or Marrakech.

Taylor Swift also ranked highly among international respondents, a testament to her global influence and the universal draw of her artistic perspective. Whether imagining a walk along the Seine or a night in Singapore, travelers see in her a companion who blends adventure with creative spark.

 

The Dream Destinations: Istanbul and Paris

When travelers were asked where they would go with their dream celebrity companion, the results reflected a universal longing for destinations rich in culture and character.

At the top of the list sits Istanbul, chosen by 11% of all respondents. Travelers imagine wandering its ancient streets with someone who enhances the experience, whether Steves revealing its Byzantine layers, Oprah reflecting on its history of empires or De Niro weaving stories as breathtaking as the Bosphorus.

Paris followed closely behind, its romance and timelessness calling to travelers who want the perfect setting for conversation, creativity or quiet awe. Women especially favored Paris and Istanbul, two cities where the past and present coexist beautifully. Men leaned slightly more toward London and Dubai, reflecting a mix of tradition, cosmopolitan ease and futuristic energy.

Non-US travelers gravitated toward Istanbul and Singapore — hubs of culture, commerce and global influence — while Americans showed a consistent preference for Paris and Istanbul.

Across every demographic, travelers expressed the same theme: they want destinations that inspire them, challenge them and immerse them in the richness of the world.

 

What Our Dream Travel Partners Say About Us

These choices reveal a broader truth about how people think about travel in now and in the future. In an era of breathtaking technology, global flexibility and constant connectivity, travelers still crave what is timeless: curiosity, conversation, insight, story and connection.

Whether imagining deep discussions with Oprah, laughing through an adventure with Willie Nelson or navigating an unfamiliar city with Rick Steves leading the way, travelers want a companion who enriches their experience.

In this way, fantasy travel mirrors real travel: the memories we cherish are shaped not just by where we go, but by who walks beside us.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Dream travel companions may be a fantasy, but real-world travel requires real-world preparation. Whether you’re exploring Istanbul, strolling through Paris or embarking on your own adventure across the globe, unexpected challenges can arise.

A Global Rescue membership provides peace of mind through:

  • Field rescue from the point of illness or injury.
  • Worldwide medical evacuation to the member’s home hospital of choice.
  • 24/7 medical advisory services.
  • Global security support and crisis response.

While traveling with Rick Steves or Oprah Winfrey might remain a daydream, traveling with the confidence of professional protection is entirely within reach. Wherever your trips takes you — and whomever you imagine at your side — Global Rescue ensures you are never truly traveling alone.