NEWS

(Lebanon, NH – September 8, 2026) — The world's most experienced international travelers are sending a clear message about what motivates them to cross borders, and what doesn't. More than 40% say golf vacations, wellness escapes and yoga retreats are the least appealing reasons to travel internationally, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The category overwhelmingly ranked last among all travel motivations, with 41% of respondents identifying golf and wellness travel as the least attractive reason to leave home. The next closest category—wine, vineyard, brewery and distillery tours, was selected by just 14%, followed by festivals, concerts and sporting events (12%).

By comparison, relatively few travelers dismissed outdoor adventure activities (5%), culinary travel (5%), museums and art (5%), beaches (4%), historical sites (3%) or nature and wildlife experiences (2%) as reasons to travel internationally.

"The world's most experienced travelers aren't looking for experiences they can find almost anywhere," 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 seeking destinations that offer adventure, extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, history and cultural immersion. International travel is about discovery, not simply relaxation."

The survey found remarkably little difference between US-based and non-US-based travelers. Forty-one percent of US-based travelers and 40% of non-US-based travelers ranked golf and wellness travel as their least appealing reason to travel abroad. Likewise, wine tourism ranked second among both groups, although US travelers were slightly more likely to dismiss it (15% versus 11%).

While travelers agree on what they don't want, their preferred reasons for international travel reveal a strong appetite for active, experience-driven journeys.

More than one-quarter (27%) say outdoor adventure activities, including hiking, skiing, diving and similar pursuits, are their primary reason for traveling internationally. Another 21% travel primarily for nature, wildlife and natural phenomena, while 15% choose destinations for historical sites, heritage travel and architecture.

Other motivations trail considerably. Only 4% primarily travel for museums and art, 3% for beaches, 3% to visit friends and family, 2% for culinary experiences, 1% for wine tourism and fewer than 1% for festivals or sporting events.

The survey also revealed one notable geographic distinction. Non-US-based travelers are substantially more likely to travel for outdoor adventure, with 38% identifying it as their primary motivation compared with 24% of US-based travelers. Conversely, US-based travelers are more likely to travel for historical sites, heritage travel and architecture (17% versus 8%). Interest in nature and wildlife experiences is nearly identical for both groups at about 21%.

"The findings reflect the continued rise of experiential travel," Richards said. "Experienced travelers increasingly measure the value of a trip by what they can do, learn and experience rather than by the amenities where they stay. Adventure, wildlife and history create lasting memories that can't be replicated at home."

Richards said the survey underscores a broader evolution in international travel preferences.

"The world's most experienced travelers generally aren't crossing oceans for a spa treatment or a round of golf," he said. "They're traveling to climb mountains, explore ancient civilizations, encounter wildlife and experience places that fundamentally differ from their everyday lives. Those are the journeys that continue to inspire international travel."

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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 – Sept. 1, 2026) — Competition for overhead bin space has become one of the defining frustrations of modern air travel, with more than three-quarters of the world’s most experienced international travelers saying that securing space for carry-on luggage has become more stressful in recent years, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

For experienced international travelers, the concern extends beyond convenience. Carry-on bags frequently contain prescription medications, passports, travel documents, electronics, valuables and clothing needed immediately upon arrival. Being forced to gate-check a carry-on can create serious complications, particularly during international journeys involving multiple flights, tight connections or delays. If the bag is misdirected, replacing essential items may be difficult.

“Losing access to a critical medication can quickly become more than a travel inconvenience,” 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. “Travelers should keep essential prescriptions in their personal item, carry enough medication for unexpected delays and bring copies of prescriptions or supporting medical documentation when appropriate.”

Overall, 76% of experienced international travelers totally or somewhat agree that finding overhead bin space has become more stressful. Just 18% disagree, while 6% say the question is not applicable.

“The race for overhead bin space has become an unfortunate ritual of modern air travel,” Richards said. “For many travelers, boarding the aircraft isn’t just about finding their seat anymore. It’s about finding a place for the bag that contains everything they need during the flight and, perhaps, for the entire trip.”

The concern begins before passengers board the aircraft. Thirty-one percent of travelers say they are always or often concerned about finding available overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage. Another 27% are sometimes concerned, meaning 58% worry about overhead bin availability at least some of the time. Only 42% say they are rarely or never concerned.

“The concern isn’t simply whether your suitcase fits,” Richards added. “It’s whether you’ll have immediate access to essential medications, electronics, business materials and travel documents if the overhead bins fill before you reach your row. Experienced travelers think carefully about what goes into their carry-on and what must remain with them at all times.”

The findings reflect broader changes in airline travel. Checked baggage fees, fuller flights, tighter boarding schedules and travelers’ desire to avoid lost luggage have encouraged more passengers to maximize their carry-on allowances. The result is greater competition for limited cabin storage and increased anxiety during boarding.

The survey also reinforces another lesson seasoned travelers have learned over time: Packing efficiently improves nearly every aspect of the travel experience. Travelers who bring smaller, lighter carry-on bags move through airports more quickly, navigate flight connections more easily, and reduce the likelihood that their luggage will need to be gate-checked.

Richards recommends that travelers review airline carry-on size restrictions before departure, board as early as their ticket or status permits and consolidate personal items whenever possible. Travelers should also keep medications, passports, electronics, travel documents and other essentials in a smaller bag that can fit beneath the seat should gate-checking become unavoidable.

“While travelers can’t control how full a flight will be; they can control how prepared they are,” Richards said. “Packing thoughtfully, protecting access to essential medications, keeping critical items within reach and planning for the possibility of a gate-checked bag can eliminate much of the stress before the aircraft door even closes.”

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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 and 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 26, 2026) — Escalating geopolitical tensions, civil unrest and armed conflicts around the world are reshaping international travel decisions, with nearly one-third (29%) of the world's most experienced international travelers canceling, postponing or changing an international trip in 2026 because of destination safety concerns, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

The survey found that 72% of experienced international travelers say geopolitical tensions, civil unrest and security concerns influence where they travel at least a moderate amount, including 42% who say those issues influence their destination choices a great deal or a lot. Only 8% report that security concerns play no role in selecting international destinations.

Among travelers who changed their plans, 9% selected an alternative destination, 7% postponed an international trip and 6% canceled a trip altogether. A

nother 71% have continued with their original travel plans despite the increasingly uncertain global security environment.

"International travelers are adapting to a world where geopolitical instability has become part of the travel planning process," 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. "Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, civil unrest, terrorism concerns and regional security issues are causing experienced travelers to reassess destinations that may have seemed routine only a few years ago. Travelers aren't giving up on international travel, they're making more informed decisions about where and when to go."

While concern is widespread, differences emerge between US-based and non-US-based travelers.

Among US-based travelers, 72% say geopolitical tensions and security concerns influence their destination choices at least a moderate amount, including 44% who say those factors influence them a great deal or a lot. Twenty-eight percent have already changed, postponed or canceled an international trip in 2026 because of destination safety concerns.

Among non-US-based travelers, 74% say security concerns influence their destination choices at least a moderate amount, while 40% report those issues influence them a great deal or a lot. Nearly 29% have also altered their travel plans, but they are significantly more likely than US travelers to change destinations rather than cancel trips. Nearly 14% of non-US travelers selected a different destination compared with 8% of US-based travelers.

Traveler Decision-Making Tools

When assessing destination safety, experienced travelers overwhelmingly rely on authoritative sources. Nearly 49% identify government travel advisories as their most important source of information before traveling internationally. Another 21% rely primarily on news reports, while 16% turn first to travel security providers.

US-based travelers are more likely to rely on government travel advisories (52% versus 41%), while non-US-based travelers place greater emphasis on news reports (28% versus 19%). Only 5% of experienced travelers say they typically do not research destination safety before departing.

"The quality of information matters as much as the destination itself," Richards said. "Experienced travelers don't rely on headlines or social media alone. They compare government advisories, monitor credible news reporting and seek professional security intelligence to understand what's happening on the ground before they commit to an itinerary."

Richards said today's international travelers recognize that geopolitical conditions can evolve rapidly and affect transportation, border crossings, demonstrations, curfews and access to medical care.

"The question is no longer simply, 'Where do I want to travel?' It's 'What risks exist there today, and how quickly could conditions change?'" Richards said. "Experienced travelers understand that informed destination selection is one of the most effective ways to reduce travel risk while still enjoying the world."

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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 17, 2026) — Despite years of international travel experience and countless packing tips, overpacking remains the biggest mistake travelers continue to make, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

Today, 38% of experienced international travelers identify bringing excess luggage as their single biggest international travel mistake. That's an increase from 32% in 2025 and 35% in both 2024 and 2023, suggesting the problem is resurging after a brief decline.

The finding continues a pattern Global Rescue has tracked for years. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed international travel, 74% of travelers identified overpacking as their biggest travel mistake. While today's figure is nearly half that level, overpacking has remained the No. 1 mistake every year, underscoring a persistent challenge: no matter how much international travel evolves, packing light remains elusive.

"Overpacking is the single most consistent preventable mistake we see, year after year," 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. "It's a habit that adds stress, weight and unnecessary complexity to every stage of a trip, when the real goal of travel should be freedom, flexibility and discovery."

Travelers may be overlooking the more serious consequences of overpacking. “Heavy luggage increases fatigue, reduces balance and raises the risk of falls, back strains and other orthopedic injuries while navigating airports, cruise terminals, cobblestone streets or rugged trails,” Richards said.

Overpacking can also become a liability during emergencies. “Whether evacuating ahead of a wildfire, hurricane or civil unrest, travelers burdened with oversized or multiple bags move more slowly, tire more quickly and may have to abandon their luggage altogether. In a crisis, the ability to move quickly can be just as important as what you packed,” Richards added.

The survey also found that non-US-based travelers are even more likely than US-based travelers to identify overpacking as their biggest mistake. Forty-two percent of non-US respondents cited carrying too much luggage compared with 37% of US-based travelers.

While overpacking tops the list, experienced travelers identified several other common mistakes. Nineteen percent said booking excessively tight layover connections caused the greatest problems on international trips, including 20% of US-based travelers compared with 16% of non-US travelers. Another 10% regretted over-scheduling their itineraries with no buffer time, while 8% cited traveling without downloading offline maps and digital booking documents. Another 8% pointed to exchanging currency at expensive airport kiosks instead of planning ahead.

Ironically, the same survey found that experienced travelers already know many of the solutions. Their favorite travel hack is placing smart tags in checked luggage, selected by 31% of respondents, followed by emailing digital copies of passports and identification documents to themselves (16%). Other popular techniques include using compression packing cubes (10%), rolling clothes instead of folding them (10%), using a multi-port wall charger (9%), bringing an empty reusable water bottle through airport security (7%) and downloading entertainment before departure (6%).

Travelers on opposite sides of the Atlantic share many of the same habits but with subtle differences. US-based travelers are more likely to rely on smart luggage tags (34% versus 22%), while non-US-based travelers are more likely to email passport copies to themselves (20% versus 16%), use compression packing cubes (13% versus 10%) and download entertainment before leaving home (9% versus 5%).

"The irony is that experienced travelers have become exceptionally good at using technology to solve travel problems," Richards said. "They track their luggage, digitize important documents and prepare for disruptions. Yet many still start every trip with the same mistake—bringing more than they need."

Richards said lighter packing delivers benefits that extend far beyond avoiding baggage fees.

"A lighter bag makes every part of international travel easier, from navigating airports and train stations to changing flights, climbing hotel stairs or adapting when plans suddenly change," he said. "Experienced travelers know flexibility is one of the greatest luxuries in travel, and packing less is one of the simplest ways to achieve it."

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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.