NEWS

(Lebanon, NH – April 14, 2025)— Travelers are bracing for rising costs and rethinking their plans in response to recent US policy developments and economic uncertainties, according to the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

The survey reveals that 83% of the world’s most experienced travelers expect travel costs to rise due to recent US policy initiatives, with nearly half (47%) saying travel costs will "definitely" increase and another 36% responding "probably."

“Travelers are clearly feeling the impact of evolving US policies,” 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. "From anticipated cost hikes to shifting itineraries and delayed plans, US policy and economic signals are shaping traveler behavior and decisions for the rest of 2025."

Economic uncertainty is also factoring into decisions—but not necessarily stopping travel. Nearly 65% of respondents said they have not canceled or postponed an international trip due to concerns about a possible recession. Similarly, 31% have not altered domestic travel plans, despite headlines warning of economic slowdown.

"There's a degree of resilience in today's traveler," Richards added. “People may be modifying their destinations or delaying departures, but they are still prioritizing travel, especially internationally."

According to the survey, more than half of travelers (55%) are changing which countries they visit and 34% are postponing international travel altogether due to international policy shifts. About one in four (24%) say they are not traveling internationally in 2025, while a slight but notable 5% opt out of domestic travel.

"With nearly half of travelers altering their destinations in response to US international policies, the ripple effects of government decisions are clear," Richards said. "As a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, I see the need for balanced policy approaches that support international trade and diplomacy without inadvertently deterring global mobility or discouraging tourism."

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

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 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.

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 28, 2025) Global Rescue is closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 magnitude centered in Myanmar, sending shockwaves throughout Southeast Asia on Friday, killing several people and causing extensive damage, with rescuers in Bangkok searching for nearly 100 people in the rubble of a collapsed building.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake's epicenter was about 10 miles/17 km from the Myanmar city of Mandalay.

"Global Rescue medical and security operations personnel are monitoring the ongoing situation and are prepared to assist in recovery and evacuation efforts," said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel, risk management services. 

Unpredictable natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can strike without warning. Most come from two regions: the Circum-Pacific Belt and the Alpide Belt, an active seismic path running through the Mediterranean and Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece. The Alpide Belt accounts for about 17% of the world's most powerful quakes.  

"Global Rescue responded to earthquake-stricken Haiti and Nepal in the past, deploying emergency personnel to the region and actively engaged on the ground conducting rescue operations, providing intelligence to travelers in the region to ensure their safety, and coordinating airborne resources for evacuations of individuals impacted by the catastrophe," Richards said. 

Thousands of travelers and residents are evacuating the region by air and watercraft.  

Global Rescue advises travelers to ensure their passport, identification, and necessary travel documents are readily accessible. Additionally, they should evacuate sooner rather than later. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Delaying evacuation can lead to being trapped, cut off from necessary resources or rescue efforts, and exposed to greater danger. Individuals should not solely rely on technology for information and communication since power outages or damaged infrastructure can render technology useless.  

"Keep your devices charged. Power could go out for days, weeks or months. It all depends on the local infrastructure," said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security for Global Rescue. "Readiness, swift action and alert decision-making are core characteristics to manage catastrophic situations successfully." 

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.

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 11, 2025) – A survey of the world's most experienced travelers revealed a significant shift in traveler sentiment, with fewer people opting for risky trips, more turning to artificial intelligence for travel planning, and strong confidence in the industry's post-pandemic recovery, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

More than half of travelers (59%) are not planning to visit riskier destinations in 2025, marking a 145% increase in risk aversion compared to 2023, when only 24% avoided such trips. Only a fifth (22%) of travelers plan to take riskier trips this year, a 35% drop from 2023. Another 19% remain undecided about venturing into high-risk areas.

"The data shows that travelers prioritize safety over adventure more than ever before," said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "Concerns over global instability, natural disasters, and health risks are leading many to reconsider riskier travel plans."

Travelers' use of AI for trip planning is rising. Most travelers (59%) still do not use AI for travel planning, but the latest survey marks a 34% decline from Fall 2024, when 90% reported avoiding AI. Most travelers who rely on AI for travel use it for general itineraries, basic destination research, activity suggestions, transportation and lodging recommendations, and dining and restaurant suggestions.

"AI is playing an increasing role in travel, helping individuals make informed decisions more efficiently," Richards noted. “As technology improves, we expect even more travelers to incorporate AI into their planning."

In 2025, most travelers choose to travel with family, friends, or a mix of both. Solo travel remains a strong trend, with 35% of surveyed travelers reporting that at least some of their trips will be completely alone. Another 16% plan to travel solo but as part of a larger group with people they don't know.

The future of travel looks good, based on survey results. The travel industry lost 75% of its value in 2020 and has steadily rebounded. More than half of travelers (61%) believe the travel industry resurgence will continue to grow and surpass pre-pandemic levels. A quarter (26%) expect the industry to recover fully and stabilize; only 4% believe it will decline again.

"The travel industry is on a trajectory of sustained growth," Richards stated. "People are eager to travel, and as safety concerns are addressed and technology improves, we anticipate even stronger momentum in the years ahead."

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel. 

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 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. 

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 5, 2025) – The majority of the world’s most experienced travelers expect Americans will be less welcome and perceived more negatively while traveling internationally in 2025 due to recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S., according to the results of a Global Rescue Snap Survey conducted following President Trump’s address to Congress.

Seven out of ten (72%) surveyed travelers said Americans will be perceived more negatively and less welcome when traveling abroad. Nearly a fifth (16%) reported there would be no difference in how Americans are perceived, 9% didn’t know and 3% said Americans will be perceived more positively.

“The data is clear—travelers are expecting a shift in how they are received abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “This doesn’t mean Americans should cancel their travel plans, but they should be aware of their surroundings, practice cultural sensitivity, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.”

International travel veteran Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue, advised it's important to remember that locals may have strong opinions about international policies, but they often distinguish between a country's government and its citizens. “They know it's not you that is making the decisions and policies. Be a gracious guest and don't discuss politics,” he said.

American international travelers can take several measures, all of which are recommended during any international trips, to travel safely and confidently despite growing concerns about their perception overseas. “Americans traveling abroad should be aware there could be an increase in political demonstrations and should obtain security advisory services to keep them informed of anti-American protests,” Bush said.

• Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid displaying overt symbols of American nationality, such as clothing with political slogans or nationalistic imagery. Blending in with local customs and attire can help minimize unwanted attention.
• Stay Informed: Travelers should research the political and social climate of their destination before departure. Understanding local attitudes toward the U.S. can help visitors navigate conversations and interactions more smoothly.
• Practice Cultural Awareness: Demonstrating respect for local customs, traditions, and social norms is essential. Learning basic greetings and etiquette in the local language can go a long way in fostering goodwill.
• Use Smart Travel Practices: Keep a low profile in public spaces, avoid discussing sensitive political topics, and be aware of your digital footprint on social media, as online expressions can sometimes lead to confrontations in person.
• Leverage Professional Travel Security Resources: For those visiting high-risk areas or facing increased concerns, working with security professionals and travel risk management firms like Global Rescue can provide invaluable guidance and support.

Despite the concerns highlighted by the survey, Richards emphasized that most international travel remains safe when travelers take the right precautions. “Being prepared and situationally aware is key. By exercising good judgment and respecting local norms, Americans can continue to enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences around the world,” Richards said.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue SNAP Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,400 current and former members between March 5, 2025. The respondents revealed whether recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S. would impact, negatively or positively, how Americans are welcomed or perceived when traveling internationally in 2025.  

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 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.