(Lebanon, NH – June 1, 2026) – International travelers are actively reshaping where they go, and where they won’t, in 2026, avoiding regions tied to active conflict, geopolitical instability and persistent security risks, according to new data from the Global Rescue Spring 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The findings reveal a clear hierarchy of avoidance led by the world’s most volatile regions. Nearly three-quarters of travelers (73%) say they are avoiding countries in the Middle East adjacent to Israel, Syria and Iran. Pakistan follows at 50%, along with African nations near conflict zones such as Sudan, Libya and Somalia (45%). Central European countries bordering Russia and Ukraine are also widely avoided (40%).

“These results show that travelers are not retreating from international travel, they’re becoming more selective and risk-aware,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “Active conflicts and geopolitical instability are directly influencing where people are willing to go.”

Beyond active war zones, avoidance extends to regions associated with crime, instability and governance concerns. Approximately one-third of travelers (33%) report avoiding Mexico, while 31% are steering clear of parts of South and Central America near Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala and Colombia.

Caribbean destinations near Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica are being avoided by 23% of travelers, and 20% report avoiding India. In contrast, traditional low-risk destinations remain largely unaffected, with fewer than 2% of travelers avoiding Canada or Australia/New Zealand.

Gender Differences in Risk Perception

The data reveals a consistent pattern of higher risk sensitivity among female travelers, particularly in regions associated with conflict or instability. Women are significantly more likely than men to avoid the Middle East (79% vs. 72%), Central Europe near Russia and Ukraine (45% vs. 37%) and parts of South and Central America (38% vs. 28%).

“Women are demonstrating heightened sensitivity to geopolitical and regional instability, particularly where conflicts are active or evolving,” said Richards. “That aligns with broader trends in risk perception and travel planning behavior.”

Differences are narrower in destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean, where avoidance rates between men and women are relatively aligned.

US-based and non-US-based Travelers Diverge

Geography plays a defining role in how travelers assess risk. US-based respondents are significantly more likely to avoid destinations in Mexico (37% vs. 21% of non-US-based travelers), Pakistan (52% vs. 43%), African conflict-adjacent countries (46% vs. 39%) and India (23% vs. 12%).

At the same time, non-US-based travelers are far more likely to avoid the United States itself, with 31% indicating avoidance compared to less than 1% of US-based respondents, one of the most pronounced perception gaps in the data.

“This is a clear example of how risk perception is shaped by perspective and proximity,” Richards said. “What feels familiar to one group may feel uncertain or risky to another.”

A More Selective Global Traveler

The data reinforces a broader shift in traveler behavior: rather than avoiding international travel altogether, travelers are actively managing risk through destination selection.

“Travelers are not standing still—they’re adapting,” Richards added. “Understanding where risks are increasing and adjusting accordingly has become a fundamental part of modern travel planning.”

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About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,200 current and former members between April 7 – 13, 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.