NEWS

(Lebanon, NH – August 7, 2026) – With only a few days remaining before the August 12 total solar eclipse, travelers heading into the path of totality should prepare for more than finding the perfect place to watch. Global Rescue medical and travel risk experts are urging eclipse watchers to plan for transportation disruptions, unpredictable weather, crowded viewing locations, limited communications and serious eye injuries from improper solar viewing.

“Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can injure the retina and cause solar retinopathy, potentially resulting in blurred or distorted vision, dark spots in the center of the visual field or permanent vision loss,” said Jeff Weinstein, medical operations senior manager at Global Rescue.

The August 12 eclipse will sweep across parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small corner of Portugal. Much of the rest of Europe, along with portions of North America and northwestern Africa, will experience a partial eclipse.

“Regular sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, are not adequate for directly viewing the eclipse. Safe direct viewing requires eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard,” he added, noting that eclipse glasses should be obtained from a reputable manufacturer or supplier rather than relying solely on an ISO marking.

For international travelers chasing totality, the event combines the challenges of a major public gathering with the complications of travel to destinations where weather, infrastructure and medical resources may vary considerably.

Travelers should expect heavy traffic around popular viewing areas, crowded public transportation, pressure on cellular networks and possible access restrictions. Those traveling to remote areas of Greenland or Iceland should be especially prepared for limited infrastructure and potentially lengthy travel times to medical care.

Global Rescue Eclipse Safety Tips

• Use proper eclipse glasses. Use solar viewers obtained from a reputable supplier or manufacturer that comply with ISO 12312-2 requirements. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient. Supervise children to make certain they are using solar viewers properly.
• Inspect glasses before use. Do not use eclipse glasses that are scratched, punctured, torn or otherwise damaged.
• Protect cameras, binoculars and telescopes. These devices require special-purpose solar filters secured over the front of the optics. Looking through an unfiltered optical device can cause severe eye injury, even when wearing eclipse glasses. Eclipse glasses are not a substitute for a solar filter secured over the front of the optics. Never look through an unfiltered optical device, even while wearing eclipse glasses.
• Remove eclipse glasses only during totality and only if you are within the path of totality. Travelers within the path of totality may view the eclipse without protective glasses only during the brief period when the moon completely covers the sun. Eye protection must be replaced immediately when any portion of the bright sun reappears.
• Use indirect viewing when necessary. Pinhole projectors and other indirect methods allow travelers to observe the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
• Prepare for crowds and delays. Carry water, food, essential medications, first-aid supplies and backup battery power. Allow extra time for transportation before and after the eclipse.
• Download offline maps. Cellular systems may become congested in heavily attended or remote viewing areas.
• Know where medical help is available. International and adventure travelers should identify nearby medical facilities and understand how they would obtain assistance or evacuation if a serious illness or injury occurs.

“A total solar eclipse is extraordinary, but travelers shouldn’t allow the excitement of the moment to override basic safety,” Weinstein said. “Prepare for the crowds, know what you will do if weather forces you to change locations, and protect your eyes every second the sun is visible.”

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.

(Lebanon, NH - August 3, 2026) — Experienced international travelers are redefining how they travel, favoring meaningful experiences, quieter destinations and value over crowded attractions and social media-driven itineraries, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The survey reveals that travelers are gravitating toward experiences that prioritize personal fulfillment and authenticity rather than checking destinations off a list.

The strongest trend is the continued rise of YOLO ("You Only Live Once") travel, with 68% of respondents saying they are much more or somewhat more interested in prioritizing once-in-a-lifetime experiences, spontaneity and bucket-list adventures than they were a year ago. By comparison, 29% report no change and only 3% are less interested.

Interest in quieter, less crowded destinations (JOMO – Joy of Missing Out) is also surging. Nearly 66% say they are more interested in escaping crowded tourist destinations, while 34% report no change and virtually none say they are less interested.

In contrast, travelers are increasingly rejecting trends driven by social pressure. Perhaps most striking, travelers everywhere are turning away from social media-driven travel motivations. Interest in FOMO itineraries, movie-inspired travel and event-centered trips remains low. Only 15% are more interested in packing vacations with as many activities as possible to avoid missing out (FOMO), while 58% report no change and 27% are less interested. Movie and television-inspired travel appears to have the weakest appeal. Only 5% say they are more interested in visiting destinations featured on screen, while 60% report no change and 35% are less interested.

"Experienced travelers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their time abroad," 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. "They're choosing experiences that are personally meaningful rather than simply popular. Instead of chasing crowds, they're seeking authenticity, flexibility and memorable experiences."

The movement extends beyond destination selection. Nearly 31% of travelers say they are more interested in selecting destinations based on value, compared with 58% reporting no change and 11% becoming less interested.

"The survey reflects a maturing traveler mindset," Richards said. "People aren't traveling to impress others or recreate what they've seen online. They're traveling to create experiences that matter to them personally. That's changing where they go, how they plan and what defines a successful trip."

The findings also suggest that experienced international travelers are balancing aspiration with practicality. While many continue to pursue ambitious bucket-list adventures, they are increasingly combining those goals with quieter destinations, better value and more personalized travel experiences.

"Today's experienced traveler isn't abandoning adventure," Richards added. "They're redefining it. The emphasis has shifted from seeing the most places to having the most meaningful experiences."

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed the world's most experienced international travelers between June 30 – July 6, 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.

(Lebanon, NH – August 1, 2026) — The Global Rescue Companies are saddened to learn that Nirmal “Nims” Purja MBE was killed in an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak in Pakistan with nine other members of his climbing party.

“Nims was an extraordinary man, a valued partner and friend to many in the climbing community. A former British Special Forces soldier with the Brigade of Gurkhas and the Special Boat Service (SBS), Purja was a member of the Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council whose legendary career redefined high-altitude mountaineering,” said Dan Richards, CEO The Global Rescue Companies.

Nims gained global fame through "Project Possible 14/7," summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just 6 months and 6 days, co-leading the historic first winter ascent of K2, and later completing all 14 peaks without supplemental oxygen, extraordinary achievements immortalized in the Netflix documentary *14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible* that elevated recognition for Nepali and Sherpa mountaineers worldwide.

“We have mobilized our resources in the region and will be working in the coming days to bring him and the other Global Rescue members killed in this tragic incident home to their families,” Richards said.

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. 

(Lebanon, NH – July 27, 2026) — Nearly 44% of experienced international travelers are at least somewhat concerned that natural disasters will impact their future travel plans, reflecting a growing awareness that extreme weather and geological events have become a routine travel risk. Their concerns are reinforced by experience: one-third (33%) report they have already had an international trip disrupted by wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other natural disasters, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

"Natural disasters have become an expected possibility of international travel planning rather than a remote one," 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. "When one out of every three experienced travelers has already had a trip disrupted by a wildfire, hurricane, earthquake or volcanic eruption, it's understandable that many now factor these risks into every stage of planning."

Among all respondents, 44% are extremely, very or somewhat concerned about natural disasters affecting future travel, while 33% are slightly concerned and 23% are not concerned.

US-based travelers are somewhat less concerned than their international counterparts. Among US-based travelers, 43% are at least somewhat concerned, 34% are slightly concerned and 23% are not concerned. Among non-US-based travelers, 48% are at least somewhat concerned, 30% are slightly concerned and 22% are not concerned.

Unlike many travel risks, natural disasters can emerge with little warning and rapidly shut down airports, close roads, interrupt communications and overwhelm local emergency services. Recent years have brought increasingly frequent travel disruptions from wildfires across Southern Europe and North America, hurricanes throughout the Caribbean, volcanic eruptions in Iceland and Indonesia and major earthquakes in popular international destinations.

"Travelers can no longer assume their destination will operate normally simply because conditions were fine when they booked," Richards said. "Preparation means monitoring conditions before departure, building flexibility into itineraries and having access to professional assistance if circumstances change."

Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and official advisories before departure, consider flexible travel arrangements where possible, maintain emergency communications and ensure they have access to medical, security and evacuation resources if local infrastructure becomes compromised.

"Preparation is what separates a travel disruption from a travel crisis," Richards added. "Experienced travelers recognize that while they can't prevent natural disasters, they can prepare for them."

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed the world's most experienced international travelers between June 30 – July 6, 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.