(Lebanon, N.H – April 20, 2026) – Most international travelers are familiar with emerging live translation earbud technology from Google and Apple and view it as a valuable tool for international travel, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Interest is particularly strong among men and non-US travelers, who report higher familiarity and a greater likelihood of use while abroad.

Overall, 86% of travelers report at least some familiarity with live translation earbud technology, including 20% who say they are very familiar and 30% who are moderately familiar. Only 14% say they are not at all familiar, while virtually no respondents reported having no awareness of the technology.

Men and women demonstrate similar familiarity, though women are more polarized, with 19% saying they are not at all familiar versus 13% of men. Non-US respondents (55%) show slightly higher awareness than US respondents (49%).

“When travelers understand the tools available to them, they travel with more confidence and independence,” 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. “Live translation technology removes a major barrier for international travelers and has the potential to significantly enhance both safety and experience abroad.”

Perceived value of the technology is also high. Overall, 67% of respondents rate live translation earbuds as moderately or very valuable for international travel, including 32% who say they are very valuable. Only 7% say the technology is not valuable.

Men and women largely agree on the value, though women are slightly more skeptical, with 9% saying the technology is not valuable compared with 6% of men. Non-US travelers are the most enthusiastic, with 35% rating the technology as very valuable, compared with 30% of US respondents. Only 3% of non-US respondents say the technology has no value.

Interest in using live translation earbuds while traveling internationally is strong across all groups. Overall, 78% of travelers say they would be somewhat or very likely to use the technology if it were available on their smartphone and compatible with their earbuds. Nearly four in ten say they would be very likely to use it.

Men show higher intent to adopt, with 80% indicating they are likely to use live translation earbuds, compared with 70% of women. Women are more likely to express reluctance, with 28% saying they are unlikely to use the technology versus 18% of men. Non-US travelers again lead adoption interest, with 83% saying they are likely to use live translation earbuds, including 45% who say they are somewhat likely and 38% who are very likely.

“Technology that improves communication can also reduce risk,” Richards said. “Being able to understand directions, warnings or instructions in real time can help travelers avoid misunderstandings that escalate into safety issues.”

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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 1,400 current and former members between January 13 – 17, 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.