(Lebanon, NH – March 23, 2026) – Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical instability are significantly influencing how Americans think about international travel, according to new data from a Global Rescue SNAP survey of more than 1,000 of the world’s most experienced travelers.

The survey reveals that concern about how Americans are perceived abroad has entered the mainstream. More than half of American travelers (53%) report being moderately or highly concerned about being targeted or experiencing anti-American sentiment when traveling internationally. Only 12% say they are not concerned at all.

“Concern about anti-American sentiment is no longer fringe, it’s mainstream. That signals a meaningful shift in how travelers are evaluating personal risk tied to global perception,” 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.

This heightened awareness is part of a broader pattern: travelers are increasingly factoring geopolitical risk into their planning, but without abandoning international travel altogether.

According to the survey, 85% of respondents express at least some concern about disruptions caused by global conflicts—including airspace closures, flight rerouting and airport delays. However, nearly two-thirds (67%) have not changed their travel plans.

“Travelers aren’t panicking, but they are re-calibrating. They remain committed to going abroad, but they’re factoring in risk in a much more deliberate, informed way,” Richards said.

Among those who have adjusted plans, behavior reflects adaptation rather than retreat. Approximately one-third of travelers report modifying itineraries, including changing destinations (9%), postponing trips (16%) or canceling travel altogether (9%).

“We’re seeing a pivot, not a pullback. Travelers are navigating around risk, not retreating from travel altogether,” Richards said.

Cost pressures tied to geopolitical instability are also influencing decision-making. Two-thirds of travelers report noticing at least some increase in international travel costs, including airfare and routing changes. Looking ahead, more than half say rising airfares could cause them to reconsider, delay or cancel trips.

“Travelers are thinking beyond logistics to perception risk,” Richards added. “With only a small minority saying they’re not concerned at all, most Americans are aware of how they may be perceived abroad—and that awareness is shaping where they go and how they travel.”

Despite these pressures, demand for international travel remains resilient. More than 40% of respondents (41%) say they expect no change in their international travel frequency over the next 6 to 12 months, while 29% anticipate only a slight reduction.

“Resilience in international travel demand remains strong. That level of stability underscores a durable appetite for global travel, even in uncertain conditions,” Richards said.

The data also shows a nuanced risk posture among travelers. While concern is elevated, it is not translating into widespread alarm. Instead, travelers are making calculated adjustments—balancing safety, cost and perception.

“The modern traveler is managing risk, not avoiding it,” Richards said. “What stands out is that concern levels are high, but behavior changes are measured. Today’s travelers are more sophisticated. They’re weighing disruption, cost and safety simultaneously, and making calculated decisions rather than reactive ones.”

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For more information: Bill McIntyre | bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text)

About the Global Rescue Traveler SNAP Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, collected more than 1,000 responses from current and former members between March 18–23, 2026. The respondents revealed key insights and attitudes regarding travel behavior amid the war in the Middle East.

About Global Rescue

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.