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Most Travelers Use Points for Travel, But International Travelers Lag Behind

(Lebanon, NH – September 4, 2025) – Nearly two-thirds of travelers use points to pay for some or all of their trips, and that behavior is consistent regardless of age or gender. But the likelihood…

(Lebanon, NH – September 4, 2025) – Nearly two-thirds of travelers use points to pay for some or all of their trips, and that behavior is consistent regardless of age or gender. But the likelihood of using travel rewards drops significantly outside the United States, according to the Global Rescue Summer 2025 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey.

Overall, 63% of respondents said they use points for travel, with usage rates nearly identical among men (65%) and women (61%). Age made little difference, with 62% of travelers under 35, 66% of those aged 35–54 and 63% of travelers 55 and older reporting they use points.

“Whether you’re young or old, male or female, point-based travel has become a core strategy for managing travel expenses,” 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. “But we see a sharp divide between US and non-US travelers.”

US travelers are 35% more likely to use points than their non-US counterparts (67% vs. 50%). Meanwhile, 41% of non-US respondents said they do not use points for travel — a rate nearly 46% higher than among Americans (41% vs. 28%).

The disparity may reflect differences in access to loyalty programs, rewards systems, or the popularity of travel credit cards between countries.

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For more information contact: Bill McIntyre | Email: bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | Phone: +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 2,900 current and former members between June 24–30, 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.

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Deepfakes, Scams and Phishing Threaten International Business Travelers

Learn the top smartphone, laptop and hotel security tips to stay protected.

Article Highlights:

  • International business executives are prime targets for phishing, deepfakes, ransomware and hotel scams while traveling abroad.
  • Juice jacking attacks at public USB stations and hotel rooms compromise smartphones and laptops.
  • Deepfake audio and video are increasingly used to impersonate executives and steal funds or data.
  • Fake hotel Wi-Fi networks, calls from “front desks,” and room service scams are on the rise.
  • Global Rescue’s GRID system delivers real-time security alerts and emergency support worldwide.

 

 

International travel is increasingly essential for business leaders. But it’s also increasingly dangerous. Executives don’t just navigate geopolitics, contracts and currency, but also have to defend against an evolving world of cyber threats, phishing attacks and targeted scams. Deepfake impersonations, malware hidden in hotel Wi-Fi, communication “smishing,” etc., modern business travelers face a gauntlet of risks for which few are prepared.

International executives are high-value targets. They carry sensitive corporate data, maintain access to financial assets and often lack local security support. Their visibility makes them attractive to cybercriminals using tactics like juice jacking, spear phishing, vishing, smishing and even AI-generated deepfakes.

 

Scams and Juice Jacking Upon Arrival

Cyber threats spike the moment an executive lands in a new country. Unfamiliar surroundings, limited support and unpredictable infrastructure create a perfect storm for opportunistic scams. Particularly in high-risk countries — Afghanistan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Syria and certain parts of Mexico — physical and digital security threats overlap.

Public USB charging ports at airports and hotels are a major concern. These ports can be rigged for juice jacking, a type of attack where malware is installed or sensitive data is extracted as the device charges. Likewise, public Wi-Fi networks, especially those in hotel lobbies, are hotbeds for man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing hackers to intercept communications or deploy malware.

 

Spear Phishing, Vishing and Smishing

Social engineering remains the most effective weapon in the hacker’s arsenal. Executives regularly receive emails with infected attachments, malicious links or convincing requests for wire transfers. This is phishing, but when explicitly tailored to the individual, it’s spear phishing, and it’s deadly effective.

Beyond email, scammers are turning to vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS or text phishing), pretending to be company leadership, banks or even travel management providers. These calls and messages often escalate during international trips, when targets are distracted or disoriented.

 

Deepfakes Are Changing the Game

Perhaps the most insidious threat on the rise is the use of deepfakes. AI-generated voice or video can convincingly impersonate a CEO, instructing an assistant to initiate a wire transfer or divulge sensitive information. In 2024, one European company lost over $200,000 when attackers used a deepfake voice of the CEO during a live phone call.

Deepfakes are especially dangerous during business travel, when communication occurs across multiple time zones and platforms and where verifying authenticity is more difficult.

 

International Business Traveler Hotel Room Safety

Hotels are not safe havens. They’re frequent targets for criminals using sophisticated scams. Common attacks include:

  • Fake Front Desk Calls: Criminals call rooms claiming to be hotel staff needing to “verify payment details.” Guests, half-asleep and unaware, often give up credit card info.
  • Evil Twin Wi-Fi Networks: Hackers create Wi-Fi networks that mimic hotel access points. Once connected, executives’ emails, passwords and sensitive documents are up for grabs.
  • DarkHotel Attacks: These advanced persistent threats (APTs) involve malware hidden in hotel networks, used to target high-profile travelers through spoofed software updates.
  • Fake Room Service: Scammers distribute fake menus or offer tours/events, collecting payment for services that don’t exist, or worse, using it as a pretense to enter rooms.

Even the USB ports in hotel rooms can be rigged for juice jacking. Savvy travelers now avoid hotel USB outlets altogether and rely on wall plugs, portable power banks or USB data blockers.

 

Smartphone and Laptop Defense Tactics

While it’s tempting to work from the road, using corporate laptops and smartphones without the proper protections can be catastrophic.

Mobile device security is paramount. Avoid installing unfamiliar apps, disable Bluetooth when not in use and always use VPNs. Executives should travel with devices that use robust encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA) and remote wipe capabilities in case of loss or theft.

Updates should be completed before departure and critical data should be backed up, ideally to a secure cloud location. For added protection, organizations should implement Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control access remotely.

 

Hotel Security Tips From a Navy SEAL

Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and Global Rescue’s associate director of security operations, views hotel check-in as one of the most vulnerable points in any executive’s travel itinerary. His hotel safety strategy includes:

  • Staying between the 3rd and 6th floors for security and fire safety.
  • Keeping luggage between your feet during check-in.
  • Politely requesting that your room number not be spoken aloud.
  • Inspecting locks, safes, windows and peepholes immediately.
  • Using a makeshift alarm, such as a door wedge or noise-making object.
  • Locate the nearest stairwell or exit in case of evacuation.

His most important tip? “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Ask for another room, or another hotel.”

 

Beyond the Hotel: Situational Awareness and Solo Travel

According to a recent Global Rescue survey, 93% of solo travelers say situational awareness is their top travel safety strategy. This includes recognizing suspicious behavior, avoiding distractions like phones in public and staying in well-lit areas.

Business travelers should also be wary in parking garages, a hotspot for theft, assaults or surveillance. Park near exits, avoid dark corners and keep keys in hand when walking to your vehicle.

 

Cyber Hygiene and Booking Best Practices

  • Book directly with reputable hotel chains or via secure corporate travel portals. Avoid third-party sites with poorly designed checkout pages.
  • Ignore unsolicited emails or texts claiming to be from hotel staff. Always call the front desk directly if you receive odd communication.
  • Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and password managers to secure accounts.
  • Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking or confidential business. Hotspot or VPN access is a must.
  • Carry RFID-blocking wallets, secure zippered bags and backup power supplies to minimize risk.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Despite all precautions, risk can never be eliminated entirely. That’s where Global Rescue comes in.

For international business executives, access to real-time alerts, emergency communication and on-the-ground extraction can mean the difference between crisis and control. The Global Rescue Intelligence Delivery system (GRID) offers precisely that.

GRID connects travelers directly to Global Rescue’s medical and security professionals, including special operations veterans, via secure in-app messaging. It provides:

  • Real-time alerts about civil unrest, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and more.
  • Location check-ins and tracking capabilities for traveling personnel.
  • Crisis response and coordination from regional security and medical experts.

Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, GRID empowers businesses to safeguard their most valuable assets: their people.

In a world where cyber threats, phishing scams, deepfakes and ransomware are increasingly sophisticated, GRID provides a vital layer of protection. For international business travelers, it’s more than a mobile app; it’s a lifeline.

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South America’s Best Wildlife Adventures

Explore the top places to see rare South American animals in their natural habitats.

Article Highlights:

  • Explore rare marine life in the Galapagos Islands archipelago on guided Galapagos tours.
  • Spot elusive jaguars and pink dolphins in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest during the dry season.
  • See pumas and condors amid Argentina and Chile’s Patagonian steppes from November to March.
  • Discover sloths, monkeys and toucans year-round in Costa Rica’s (in Central America, yes) vibrant cloud forests.
  • Trek the Andean Mountain range to encounter llamas, vicuñas and high-altitude condors.

 

 

South America is a continent of extremes: towering mountains, dense jungles, volcanic islands and sweeping grasslands. For wildlife enthusiasts, it offers some of the most diverse and thrilling opportunities to see animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re birding in the cloud forests of Costa Rica or swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos archipelago, every region has something wild to offer. Here’s a guide to the best places to see wildlife across the continent, along with when to go and what you might encounter.

 

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands archipelago is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world, and for good reason. These volcanic islands, scattered 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are home to species found nowhere else on Earth. You’ll encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants and playful sea lions, all up close and often unafraid of humans.

Wildlife lovers can book Galapagos Islands tours that offer hiking, snorkeling and kayaking excursions across islands like Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal. The best time to visit is from June to November when the Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich waters, making marine life sightings particularly spectacular.

Global Rescue was recently called to action in the area when a member suffered serious injuries while biking on Isla de San Cristobal. Swift intervention and medical transport ensured she received surgical care without delay, highlighting the need for robust travel protection, especially in remote areas like the Galapagos.

 

Amazon Rainforest, Brazil and Peru

The Amazon rainforest stretches across nine countries, but Brazil hosts the largest section, offering unrivaled access to its jungle wildlife. Travelers can expect to see jaguars (if they’re lucky), sloths, pink river dolphins, macaws, howler monkeys and poison dart frogs. Boat tours through flooded forests and nighttime jungle treks increase your chances of encountering both predators and prey.

The dry season (June to November) is the best time to explore the Amazon, as lower water levels make wildlife more visible. During one trip through the Amazon region of Brazil, a Global Rescue member experienced sharp chest pain while on a boat tour. With no helicopter or floatplane access, Global Rescue coordinated ground transportation and cardiologic care, ultimately helping the member return safely home. It’s a stark reminder that even an epic wildlife adventure in the Amazon requires preparation for the unexpected.

 

Costa Rica

Though technically in Central America, Costa Rica belongs on any list of top wildlife experiences for travelers exploring the broader region. With more than 25 percent of its land protected as national parks or reserves, Costa Rica is a biodiversity powerhouse. You’ll see three-toed sloths hanging from trees, capuchin monkeys swinging through the canopy and resplendent quetzals flashing their iridescent feathers in the cloud forests.

Costa Rica’s wildlife is on full display year-round, but the dry season (December to April) offers the best conditions for hiking and photography. Global Rescue was instrumental in saving a traveler who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while visiting San Jose. The member needed an emergency pacemaker and was later escorted home by a Global Rescue medical team. It’s a powerful example of what happens when expert support is on your side, even in highly developed eco-tourism destinations.

 

Patagonian Steppes, Argentina and Chile

For a truly remote and rugged wildlife experience, head south to Patagonia. Spanning southern Argentina and Chile, the Patagonian steppes and mountains offer stunning backdrops for spotting guanacos, foxes, Andean condors and even elusive pumas. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are ideal launch points for wildlife safaris and trekking expeditions.

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere — November through March — is the ideal time to visit. Clear skies, longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures make wildlife watching more accessible. Puma tracking tours in Torres del Paine have become increasingly popular, offering rare glimpses of South America’s top predator in its native habitat.

 

Andean Mountain Range

Running like a spine down the continent’s western edge, the Andean mountain range cuts through Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. This high-altitude region is home to an impressive cast of mountain-dwelling animals, including spectacled bears, chinchillas, llamas, vicuñas and condors. In Peru, condors soar above Colca Canyon, while in Bolivia, flamingos gather in surreal high-altitude lagoons.

May through September is generally the dry season, offering the best conditions for trekking and wildlife photography. Whether you’re climbing Incan trails or exploring colonial towns nestled in the Andes, encounters with wildlife are often unexpected and awe-inspiring.

 

Pantanal Wetlands, Brazil

Often overshadowed by the Amazon, the Pantanal is one of the best places on Earth to see jaguars in the wild. This massive tropical wetland in western Brazil is also teeming with caimans, giant river otters, capybaras and hundreds of bird species, including the jabiru stork and hyacinth macaw.

July through October, during the dry season, is prime time for jaguar spotting along the riverbanks. The open landscape of the Pantanal makes wildlife easier to observe than in the dense Amazon rainforest. Lodges and river-based safaris offer immersive multi-day experiences perfect for serious wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.

 

Iguazu National Park, Argentina and Brazil

Famous for the thundering Iguazu Falls, this national park is also a biodiversity hotspot. The surrounding Atlantic rainforest is home to coatis, toucans, howler monkeys and even jaguars. Elevated walkways and boat rides offer a unique perspective on both the falls and the fauna.

Visit from April to June or August to October for the best mix of weather and lower crowds. The falls are in full force, and wildlife tends to be more active during cooler periods. The park’s infrastructure makes it more accessible than some remote wildlife destinations, but the thrill of seeing a toucan swoop past the falls remains unforgettable.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Wildlife adventures in South America promise jaw-dropping scenery, rare animal encounters and unforgettable stories, but they also come with inherent risks. Whether you’re trekking through the Patagonian steppes, cruising deep into the Amazon rainforest or pedaling across San Cristobal in the Galapagos, access to timely medical care is never guaranteed.

Global Rescue has helped members in each of these iconic destinations, delivering emergency care after a bike accident in the Galapagos, arranging a complex field rescue in the Amazon when air transport wasn’t possible and ensuring a safe medical escort home from Costa Rica following a life-threatening cardiac event.

With a Global Rescue membership, you’re not just protected, you’re connected to a global network of medical and security professionals who are ready to respond anytime, anywhere.

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Altezza Offers Kilimanjaro Expedition Prize in Global Rescue’s 2025 Travel Boldly Contest

Win a Kilimanjaro expedition with Altezza in the 2025 Global Rescue Photo & Video Contest. Enter by Oct 2 to share your boldest travels.

Article Highlights:

  • Altezza Travel sponsors the 2025 Global Rescue Photo & Video Contest with a Kilimanjaro expedition prize.
  • Photography and video are central to Altezza’s mission, from marketing to social impact in Tanzania.
  • Altezza emphasizes capturing human connections and emotions as the most meaningful travel memories.
  • Stories like 86-year-old Angela Vorobeva’s summit climb prove a single photo can inspire generations.
  • Contest entries close October 2, 2025, with nearly $10,000 in prizes awaiting bold travelers.

 

Adventure has always been about more than just reaching a destination — it’s about the stories we bring back, the emotions captured in fleeting moments and the inspiration that travels with us long after the journey ends. As 2025 comes to a close, Global Rescue is celebrating that spirit with the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest, themed Travel Boldly. The contest pays tribute to explorers, storytellers and dreamers who transform their adventures into art.

To match this bold theme, Global Rescue has partnered with extraordinary sponsors offering prizes that elevate travel experiences far beyond the ordinary. Among them, Altezza Travel stands out, contributing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a guided ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. This prize is more than just a climb — it’s a chance to walk through Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, share unforgettable moments with fellow adventurers and stand atop Uhuru Peak, 19,341 feet above sea level.

With nearly $10,000 in prizes — from guided expeditions and immersive experiences to Global Rescue memberships for ultimate peace of mind — this contest invites adventurers everywhere to show the world what bold travel looks like.

 

The Power of Visual Storytelling in Travel

For Altezza Travel, photography and video are central not just to marketing, but to creating meaningful connections with clients. “Quality visual content is crucial for any travel company’s operations,” an Altezza representative explains. “Captivating images help potential clients imagine themselves in the journey, but they also serve practical purposes, such as clarifying details about expedition tents or routes.”

In today’s digital-first world, short-form videos are increasingly powerful. Altezza has witnessed a dramatic rise in their YouTube following over the past three years as more travelers turn to 3–to-5-minute videos for inspiration and preparation.

Beyond business, visual storytelling also amplifies Altezza’s community projects in Tanzania. From tree planting in deforested regions to building a school canteen and supporting rhino rehabilitation, the company ensures these efforts are captured through photography. “We don’t simply want to help — we want to inspire others to do good in their communities as well,” they note.

 

What Moments Matter Most on the Mountain?

It’s natural for climbers to dream of that summit photo at Uhuru Peak, or to snap close-ups of Tanzania’s wildlife on safari. But Altezza’s guides remind us that the most valuable moments aren’t always the obvious ones.

“The most important moments to capture are the people and their emotions,” Altezza shares. “Conversations with new friends, morning coffee at sunrise or the simple view of a village from the trailhead bus — these are the memories that stay with you.”

While thousands of Kilimanjaro photos already exist online, the images you capture hold a deeper power. They evoke the unique emotions of your journey, making your adventure truly yours.

 

Stories That Inspire Generations

Photography can do more than document — it can transform lives. One of Altezza’s most powerful stories dates back 11 years, when 86-year-old Angela Vorobeva summited Kilimanjaro.

“After her trip, we received many inquiries from people in their 60s who doubted their ability to attempt such adventures. Angela’s photos at Uhuru Peak completely changed their minds. A simple picture inspired many to overcome fears and scale Kilimanjaro,” says Altezza.

Angela’s journey didn’t end there. She later trekked in the Andes, explored Antarctica and Australia and is now writing a book at age 96 about her extraordinary life — with Altezza supporting its publication. Her story is living proof of the power of one image to spark courage in others.

 

Living in the Moment vs. Capturing It

When standing on Kilimanjaro’s slopes or watching elephants cross the Serengeti, travelers face a choice: experience the moment fully or preserve it in an image. Altezza believes in letting clients decide.

“In Tanzania, adventures move at a relaxed pace,” they explain. “Whether on foot or by vehicle, travelers have time to take plenty of photos while also soaking in the landscapes without the need for a camera. For some, the photo itself is the moment. For others, the memory is enough.”

 

Reliving the Adventure Years Later

Even the most vivid memories can fade, but photographs and videos bring them rushing back. Many Altezza clients are seasoned world travelers who rank their Tanzanian adventure as their most meaningful.

“Over time, memories may dim, but a reminder on Facebook or a photo notification can revive those emotions instantly,” Altezza shares. “A single image can inspire travelers to set out again, reliving the thrill of their first ascent or safari.”

 

The Altezza Prize: Climb Kilimanjaro

As a premier sponsor of the Global Rescue 2025 contest, Altezza is offering winners the chance to embark on a guided Kilimanjaro expedition. Known for expert guides, professional logistics and a balance of safety and comfort, Altezza has helped thousands of climbers achieve their dream of summiting one of the world’s famed Seven Summits.

This unforgettable prize includes:

  • A guided expedition up Kilimanjaro, traversing rainforest, alpine desert and glaciers.
  • Professional support and safety-first logistics.
  • An immersion into Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife and culture.

To ensure peace of mind, winners will also receive a 14-day Global Rescue membership, providing medical and security advisory and evacuation services should the unexpected arise. Together, Altezza Travel and Global Rescue ensure adventurers not only reach the summit but do so with confidence and safety.

 

Contest Details

The Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest is open now and accepting entries until October 2, 2025. After submissions close, an expert panel of judges will review the entries and select winners whose work best represents the theme Travel Boldly.

Whether your travel images are raw, spontaneous or carefully crafted, this contest is about celebrating fearless curiosity, human connection and the spirit of adventure. Nearly $10,000 in prizes — including Altezza’s Kilimanjaro expedition — await those bold enough to share their journeys.

CTA [Learn more and submit your entry here: Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest

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From Glacier Training to Summit Shots, Climbing the Seven Summits Inspires Bold Adventures

Enter Global Rescue’s 2025 contest for a chance to win Climbing the Seven Summits’ Mount Baker Classic Climb. Submit by Oct 2 to travel boldly.

Article Highlights:

  • Climbing the Seven Summits sponsors the 2025 Global Rescue Photo & Video Contest with a Mount Baker Classic Climb prize.
  • Photography is central to Climbing the Seven Summits’ philosophy, showing that expeditions are about more than summits.
  • The Mount Baker Classic Climb teaches glacier travel, ice axe use and rope techniques under expert instruction.
  • Day-by-day itinerary includes base camp setup, skills training and a summit push with sweeping views of the Cascades.
  • Contest entries close October 2, 2025, with nearly $10,000 in prizes across all categories.

 

Adventure is never just about a destination — it’s about the journey, the people, the lessons and the moments that live on long after the trail has ended. In 2025, Global Rescue is celebrating this truth with the Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest, themed Travel Boldly. This year’s contest is a tribute to explorers, storytellers and dreamers who dare to transform their travels into works of art.

Global Rescue has joined forces with extraordinary partners to create prizes that go far beyond the ordinary — nearly $10,000 in guided expeditions, immersive experiences and Global Rescue memberships are waiting for winners. Among the most exciting prizes is a spot on the Mount Baker Classic Climb, offered by Climbing the Seven Summits, one of the world’s premier mountaineering outfitters.

 

Photography as the Language of Adventure

At Climbing the Seven Summits, images and videos are more than just souvenirs — they are tools for storytelling. “Photography and video allow us to show that expeditions are about much more than the summit,” the team explains. “They highlight preparation, teamwork and resilience, while inspiring future climbers and connecting families to the journey.”

For many climbers, the mountain experience is almost indescribable. The crunch of crampons on ice, the breath of thin air, the camaraderie at camp — these details are hard to put into words. Through photos and videos, Climbing the Seven Summits can capture these fleeting sensations and share the deeper meaning of the climb.

 

The Power of Capturing the Journey, Not Just the Summit

Every climber dreams of a triumphant summit shot, ice axe raised in victory. But Climbing the Seven Summits believes the most memorable photos are often taken long before the peak.

“One of the best views in the Khumbu Valley is the first sight of Everest and Ama Dablam rising above Namche Bazaar,” a guide reflects. “That moment captures both the anticipation and the beauty of the community and landscape that make the Khumbu so special.”

For climbers on Mount Baker, equally powerful memories can be found along the trail — sharing a sunrise coffee at base camp, practicing rope techniques on the glacier or catching the first glimpse of the North Cascades stretching endlessly on the horizon. These images preserve not just a destination, but the very essence of the adventure.

 

How Photos Keep the Mountain Alive

Long after an expedition ends, photographs and videos become time capsules of emotion. “A strong photo or video brings back the feeling of the moment as much as the scenery itself,” Climbing the Seven Summits explains. “Looking back, climbers remember the laughter at camp, the nerves before a summit push or the joy of reaching the top. The visual memory makes the experience last forever.”

In fact, for many clients, these images become the spark for future adventures. A single snapshot of standing on Baker’s summit ridge or navigating an ice field can reignite the desire to set bigger goals, inspiring climbers to take on peaks across the world.

 

The Prize: Mount Baker Classic Climb

As part of the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest, Climbing the Seven Summits is offering winners the chance to join its 3-Day Mount Baker Classic Climb in Washington State.

Mount Baker is an active stratovolcano rising more than 10,000 feet, and it serves as the perfect training ground for mountaineers. The experience blends instruction, practice and challenge, offering both an introduction to alpine climbing and a stepping stone toward bigger objectives.

Here is a closer look at what the winners can expect:

Day 1: Orientation and Ascent to Base Camp

The adventure begins with a gear check, safety briefing and introduction to the climbing team. Participants then hike from the trailhead through lush forest toward the mountain’s lower slopes. As the group ascends, the views of the North Cascades open up, with rugged ridges and distant snowfields hinting at the challenges ahead.
By late afternoon, climbers arrive at base camp, where they set up tents, review camp craft and enjoy their first night on the mountain. The evening often includes an orientation to glacier travel and basic safety techniques.

Day 2: Skills Training on the Glacier

On the second day, climbers move onto the ice for intensive skills training. Under the guidance of expert instructors, participants practice essential mountaineering techniques:

  • Rope team travel and communication
  • Self-arrest with an ice axe
  • Crampon use on snow and ice
  • Crevasse rescue basics
  • Proper pacing and efficiency on steep terrain

This hands-on instruction builds confidence and ensures that every climber is prepared for the summit attempt. The day ends with a hearty camp meal and an early bedtime to prepare for the climb.

Day 3: Summit Attempt

Summit day begins well before dawn. Climbers set out in rope teams by headlamp, ascending the glacier in the stillness of night. As the sun rises, the snowfields glow pink and gold, revealing the dramatic skyline of the Cascades.
The final push to Baker’s 10,781-foot summit is both challenging and exhilarating. Reaching the top, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views stretching from Mount Rainier to the Canadian border. After photos and celebration, the group descends safely back to camp and eventually to the trailhead, completing an unforgettable three-day journey.

The Mount Baker Classic Climb is designed to teach essential skills, build confidence and leave climbers with both lifelong memories and the ability to take on bigger adventures.

And to ensure peace of mind, winners also receive a 14-day Global Rescue membership, which provides world-class medical and security advisory and evacuation services should the unexpected arise.

 

Beyond the Mountains: A Philosophy of Bold Travel

Climbing the Seven Summits has built its reputation by guiding climbers of all levels, from those tackling their first glacier climb to seasoned adventurers chasing the Seven Summits challenge. At the heart of their work is a belief that travel — especially in wild, demanding environments — can be transformative.

Every climb offers moments of challenge and triumph, but also cultural encounters, friendships and a newfound respect for the natural world. This is what Climbing the Seven Summits encourages its climbers to capture: not just the pinnacle of achievement, but the small, authentic moments that tell the whole story.

Why Bold Travel Deserves to Be Shared

Global Rescue’s 2025 Photo and Video Contest, with its theme Travel Boldly, is about more than aesthetics. It’s a recognition that images have the power to connect us across cultures and inspire new journeys.

For Climbing the Seven Summits, this theme resonates deeply. Every expedition is built on bold choices — from the decision to leave home and step into the unknown, to the courage to learn new skills and push personal limits. Photography and video preserve those bold choices, turning fleeting experiences into lasting legacies.

 

Contest Details

The Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest is open for submissions until October 2, 2025. Adventurers are invited to submit their most powerful images and videos that embody the spirit of Travel Boldly.

Once entries close, a panel of expert judges will review submissions, searching for photographs and videos that tell unforgettable stories of exploration and connection. With nearly $10,000 in prizes — including the Mount Baker Classic Climb with Climbing the Seven Summits — the contest offers both recognition and extraordinary adventure opportunities for winners.

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or someone who captured a spontaneous, breathtaking moment on your phone, your work has the potential to inspire others to venture into the world boldly.

Enter the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest.

 

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Fresh Adventures Brings Rockies Magic to the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest

Win Fresh Adventures’ 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience in the 2025 Global Rescue Contest. Enter by Oct 2 with your boldest travel photos.

Article Highlights:

  • Fresh Adventures sponsors the 2025 Global Rescue Contest with a 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience prize.
  • The trip blends alpine hikes, turquoise lakes, starry nights and cultural exploration.
  • Small groups foster camaraderie, connection and shared stories worth capturing.
  • Winners also receive a 14-day Global Rescue membership for peace of mind.
  • Contest entries close October 2, 2025, with nearly $10,000 in prizes across all sponsors.

 

Travel is more than a change of scenery — it’s a chance to step into new landscapes, embrace new perspectives and return with stories that last a lifetime. In 2025, Global Rescue is honoring that spirit with the Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest, themed Travel Boldly.

The contest celebrates explorers, storytellers and dreamers who dare to turn their journeys into art. Whether it’s a spontaneous snapshot from a winding mountain trail or a carefully composed video of life on the move, this competition shines a light on the power of images to connect us all through travel.

To match the boldness of this year’s theme, Global Rescue has partnered with extraordinary sponsors to offer prizes that go far beyond the ordinary. Together, they’ve assembled nearly $10,000 in guided expeditions, immersive experiences and Global Rescue memberships designed to inspire new adventures. Among the most exciting prizes is a coveted spot on the 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience with Fresh Adventures, one of Canada’s most innovative outdoor travel companies that also provides programs in the Rockies.

 

Fresh Adventures: Redefining Exploration in Canada

Fresh Adventures is known for creating small-group journeys that balance the thrill of exploration with cultural immersion. From camping beneath starlit skies to wandering through mountain towns, their trips capture the essence of Canada’s wild beauty while fostering camaraderie among participants.

With a focus on inclusivity and connection, Fresh Adventures crafts experiences where guests not only explore landscapes but also build friendships along the way. This philosophy makes them a natural fit for the Global Rescue contest, which celebrates both the adventure and the shared human experience of travel.

 

The Prize: A 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience

Contest winners will embark on Fresh Adventures’ 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience, a journey that showcases the Canadian Rockies in all their grandeur. The itinerary weaves together adventure, relaxation and discovery, creating a once-in-a-lifetime prize that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Here’s what the adventure entails:

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

The trip begins in Calgary or Banff, where winners will meet their guides and fellow travelers. After a warm welcome and orientation, the group heads into the Rockies, setting up camp and getting their first taste of life in the wilderness. A shared campfire dinner sets the tone for the week ahead — adventure balanced with community.

Day 2–3: Hiking Turquoise Lakes and Alpine Meadows

Early days are spent hiking some of the Rockies’ most iconic trails. Think emerald-blue waters of Moraine Lake, the towering cliffs around Lake Louise or the alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. Guides share stories about local geology, ecology and First Nations history, adding layers of meaning to the views.

Evenings bring time to relax, whether swapping stories by the fire or enjoying hearty meals prepared in camp. The combination of physical challenge and quiet reflection builds a rhythm that defines the week.

Day 4–5: Hidden Corners and Cultural Exploration

Midweek, the group ventures to lesser-known trails and hidden gems. This could mean exploring remote valleys, visiting waterfalls tucked deep in the forest or hiking ridges with panoramic views of the Continental Divide. Along the way, there are opportunities to visit charming mountain towns, meet locals and enjoy moments of cultural exchange.

Fresh Adventures emphasizes balance: strenuous hikes are paired with time for relaxation, allowing participants to fully absorb the spirit of the Rockies.

Day 6: Summit Goals and Starry Nights

By the penultimate day, camaraderie among the group is strong. Climbers may attempt a more challenging summit hike, testing the skills and confidence built over the week. The reward is sweeping views of glaciers and peaks that stretch to the horizon.

The evening is spent beneath a canopy of stars, reflecting on the week’s achievements and the friendships forged in the mountains.

Day 7: Farewell in the Rockies

The final morning allows for a relaxed breakfast, final photos and a last walk in the crisp mountain air. Travelers return to Calgary with memories, skills and bonds that last well beyond the journey.

For Fresh Adventures, this prize is about more than showing participants breathtaking landscapes. It’s about creating moments worth capturing — whether on camera or in the heart.

The turquoise reflection of a glacial lake. The laughter around a campfire after a long hike. The quiet of alpine dawn. These are the images that inspire travelers to travel boldly and share their experiences with others.

This ethos aligns perfectly with Global Rescue’s contest theme. Travel is not only about reaching summits or ticking destinations off a list; it’s about bold choices, fearless curiosity and the willingness to see the world in new ways.

 

Community and Connection

Fresh Adventures emphasizes the bonds formed on the trail as much as the scenery itself. Small groups ensure that everyone has the chance to connect, whether it’s through teamwork during a challenging hike or conversations over shared meals.

This spirit of camaraderie translates beautifully into photography and video. Contest entries that highlight not only landscapes but also friendships, emotions and cultural exchanges will embody the Travel Boldly theme.

To complement the Rockies prize, winners will also receive a 14-day Global Rescue membership. This membership provides medical and security advisory services, as well as evacuation resources in case of unexpected emergencies.

Together, Fresh Adventures and Global Rescue ensure that travelers can embrace bold exploration with confidence, knowing that safety and support are part of the journey.

Contest Details

The Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest is open for submissions until October 2, 2025. Adventurers are invited to submit their best photos and videos that capture the essence of Travel Boldly.

After submissions close, a panel of judges will carefully review the entries to select winners whose work showcases creativity, storytelling and authenticity. Nearly $10,000 in prizes are on the line, including the 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience with Fresh Adventures.

Whether your travel stories are told through spontaneous snapshots or polished videos, this contest is about celebrating the fearless curiosity that drives us all.

Enter the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest

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Explore Death Valley With Four Points Adventures in the 2025 Global Rescue Contest

Win a 3-Day Death Valley Overland Adventure with Four Points Adventures in the 2025 Global Rescue Contest. Submit bold travel photos by Oct 2.

Article Highlights:

  • Four Points Adventures sponsors the 2025 Global Rescue Contest with a 3-Day Death Valley Overland Adventure prize.
  • Photography builds trust and authenticity, showing travelers the real landscapes and experiences that await.
  • The most important images capture both smiles and landscapes — joy paired with natural beauty.
  • The trip blends overlanding, camping and skill-building in one of Earth’s most extreme environments.
  • Contest entries close October 2, 2025, with nearly $10,000 in prizes for bold travelers worldwide.

 

Travel is at its best when it inspires us to push boundaries, embrace new perspectives and come home with stories that last a lifetime. In 2025, Global Rescue is celebrating this idea through the Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest, themed Travel Boldly. This contest pays tribute to explorers, storytellers and dreamers who turn their journeys into art — capturing fleeting moments, grand landscapes and human connections that define the essence of travel.

To match the spirit of bold exploration, Global Rescue has partnered with extraordinary sponsors offering prizes that go beyond the ordinary. Together, they’ve created opportunities that range from summiting legendary peaks to venturing into untamed deserts. With nearly $10,000 in prizes up for grabs, including guided expeditions, immersive experiences and peace of mind from a Global Rescue membership, participants are invited to showcase what it truly means to travel boldly.

Among these prizes is an unforgettable journey with Four Points Adventures: a 3-Day Overland Adventure in Death Valley National Park, one of the most extreme and awe-inspiring environments on Earth.

 

The Role of Photography in Adventure

For Four Points Adventures, photography is far more than decoration — it’s a tool for trust and authenticity. “Photography plays an important role because it gives the viewer a sense of trust in where we will be taking them, what they will be seeing and doing,” says the company’s founder. “Photos, even in today’s world of AI, give the viewer a sense of truth where words alone can’t.”

In a world where travelers are inundated with digital content, real, high-quality images stand out. They build confidence, communicate honesty and capture the essence of landscapes where words might fall short. For Four Points Adventures, a striking photograph not only sells a trip but also shows travelers exactly what they can expect: rugged landscapes, star-filled skies and the thrill of self-sufficiency in remote terrain.

 

What Moments Deserve the Camera Most?

When asked what participants should focus on capturing during a trip, Four Points Adventures points to a simple but profound truth: “The most important moments to capture are the smiles and then the location. The smiles are what make your heart remember a place, then the vistas or scenery are what remind you of the beauty or power of the place.”

In Death Valley, that could mean photographing the joy of a group sharing campfire stories, the awe of stepping into a colorful canyon or the quiet satisfaction of watching the sunset from the top of a sand dune. These moments are more than visual souvenirs — they are emotional anchors that make the memory last.

 

Balancing Living in the Moment With Capturing It

In today’s digital age, travelers often face a dilemma: should they live in the moment or capture it for later? For Four Points Adventures, the answer is balance.

“When I’m guiding my clients, my priority is to make sure they are safe, getting important info and having a good time,” explains the founder. “I think it’s also important to help them capture photos or videos for their memories. I’m always happy to stop or help them figure out how to capture a certain scene, but generally photos take a back seat to the actual experience.”

With a background in professional photography, Four Points Adventures understands the temptation to see the world through a lens. But experience has shown that the best memories come from truly living in the moment. “There’s a delicate balance between enjoying and living in the experience versus capturing it for posterity or for ‘the gram,’” they note. “The best memories are made from living in the experience, not the memory of how I photographed it.”

 

The Prize: A Death Valley Overland Experience

As part of the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest, winners will join Four Points Adventures on a 3-Day Overland Adventure in Death Valley National Park.

This prize is more than a sightseeing tour. It’s an immersion into one of the most dramatic and challenging landscapes in North America. Known for its extremes — searing daytime heat, stark salt flats, sweeping sand dunes, multicolored canyons and some of the darkest night skies in the world — Death Valley is a place that demands both respect and wonder.

 

What To Expect on the Trip

  • Overlanding Across Remote Terrain: Participants will navigate trails and terrain that highlight Death Valley’s raw beauty.
  • Camping Beneath the Stars: Nights are spent under one of the clearest skies in the world, where the Milky Way spills across the desert horizon.
  • Learning Overlanding Skills: Guides share expertise in navigation, self-sufficiency and practical survival skills, offering participants more than just views — they gain confidence and knowledge.

This adventure balances challenge with comfort, rugged discovery with camaraderie. It’s a prize designed for those who want to test their limits while savoring the unforgettable beauty of the desert.

 

The Safety Net: Global Rescue Membership

Traveling boldly often means venturing into places where help is far away. That’s why the Four Points Adventures prize also includes a 14-day Global Rescue membership, providing world-class medical and security advisory and evacuation services.

In an environment as extreme as Death Valley, this partnership ensures that participants can explore with confidence, knowing they are supported no matter what arises. Together, Four Points Adventures and Global Rescue deliver both the thrill of discovery and the peace of mind that every adventurer deserves.

 

Why Death Valley Is the Ultimate Bold Journey

Death Valley is not just a destination; it’s a metaphor for bold travel. It challenges assumptions about beauty, resilience and human endurance. To step into its vast silence is to confront both the harshness and the majesty of nature.

For Four Points Adventures, guiding travelers here is about more than logistics — it’s about empowerment. Participants leave not only with photos of surreal landscapes but also with new skills, new friendships and a deeper connection to the wilderness.

In this way, the prize embodies the very spirit of Travel Boldly: daring to enter the unknown, embracing both the joy and the challenge and coming away transformed.

 

Contest Details

The Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest is open now, with submissions accepted until October 2, 2025. After that date, a panel of expert judges will select winners who best capture the contest’s theme of Travel Boldly.

Nearly $10,000 in prizes are available, ranging from climbing expeditions to cultural journeys and rugged overland adventures like the Death Valley trip with Four Points Adventures.

Whether your work is a polished short film or a spontaneous snapshot, this contest is about celebrating creativity, courage and the power of travel to inspire.

Enter the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest

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Win Epic Adventures in the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest

All the details about this biennial photography and videography event.

Article Highlights:

  • The Travel Boldly Global Rescue photo and video contest celebrates fearless exploration, storytelling and creativity.
  • Nearly $10,000 in prizes include guided climbs, overland journeys and Rockies expeditions.
  • Prizes feature safety support with complimentary 14-day Global Rescue memberships.
  • Esteemed judges include acclaimed photographers, journalists and adventure storytellers.
  • Contest entries close October 2, with winners announced in November.

 

Global Rescue is wrapping up 2025 with a celebration of adventure, creativity and the stories travelers bring home from their journeys. This year, travel is defined by bold choices — summiting legendary peaks, venturing into remote landscapes, savoring unforgettable moments with loved ones and capturing the rhythm of life on the move.

The 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest is themed Travel Boldly — a tribute to the explorers, storytellers and dreamers who turn their travel into art. From spontaneous encounters to carefully planned expeditions, your images and videos showcase the fearless curiosity that connects us all through travel.

To match the spirit of bold travel, Global Rescue has partnered with extraordinary sponsors offering prizes that go far beyond the ordinary. Together, they’ve created opportunities that span from scaling iconic summits to navigating wild deserts and immersing in breathtaking mountain landscapes. Nearly $10,000 in prizes are waiting for winners, including guided expeditions, immersive adventure experiences and the peace of mind of a Global Rescue membership.

 

Contest Sponsors and Prizes

Altezza – Kilimanjaro Expedition
Altezza Travel has become one of the most trusted outfitters for adventurers tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak and one of the famed Seven Summits. Known for its highly experienced mountain guides, professional logistics and an emphasis on both safety and comfort, Altezza has helped thousands of climbers from around the world reach Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet. Contest winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime prize: a free Kilimanjaro expedition with Altezza, including all the essentials for a guided ascent. This journey is more than just a climb—it is an immersion into Tanzania’s landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert to glaciers.

A deeply memorable moment during an expedition was when photographs captured 86-year-old Angela V. who successfully climbed Kilimanjaro. “After her trip, Altezza received many inquiries from people in their 60s who had doubts about their ability to undertake such adventures. However, several pictures of Angela at the Uhuru Peak summit completely changed their minds. A simple picture inspired many to overcome their fears and scale Kilimanjaro.”

To further ensure peace of mind, winners will also receive a complimentary 14-day Global Rescue membership, offering medical and security advisory and evacuation services should the unexpected arise. Together, Altezza and Global Rescue provide not only the opportunity to achieve a legendary summit but also the assurance of safety and support throughout the adventure.

 

Climbing The Seven Summits – Mount Baker Classic
Climbing The Seven Summits specializes in guiding ambitious adventurers on world-class climbs across the globe, from beginner-friendly peaks to legendary mountains. As a contest prize, the company is offering a coveted spot on its 3-Day Mount Baker Classic Climb in Washington State. Mount Baker, an active stratovolcano standing over 10,000 feet, offers the perfect balance of challenge, skill-building and reward. Participants learn essential mountaineering skills—including glacier travel, rope techniques and ice axe use—under the guidance of expert instructors. By the summit day, climbers will put these skills into practice while enjoying breathtaking views of the North Cascades.

What moments are most important for participants to capture in photos or videos during these trips? “Summit shots are meaningful, but some of the most powerful images come earlier in the expedition. The journey is so much more than just the summits, it is also the culture and the people along the trail. Clients often look back on these moments as deeply memorable because they capture both anticipation and the richness of the landscape and community.

The experience is designed to empower climbers to take on bigger objectives while providing an unforgettable introduction to alpine climbing. Along with the climb, winners will also be covered by a 14-day Global Rescue membership, ensuring access to world-class medical and security support throughout their expedition.

 

Fresh Adventures – Rockies Mountain Experience
Fresh Adventures is known for designing small-group, all-inclusive outdoor journeys across Canada that blend adventure with cultural exploration. Contest winners will earn a place on the company’s 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience, an epic adventure through some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. Guests can expect a week filled with hiking stunning alpine trails, exploring turquoise lakes, camping under the stars and discovering hidden corners of the Canadian Rockies with knowledgeable guides. The itinerary emphasizes both thrilling activities and moments of relaxation, such as enjoying campfire meals or visiting charming mountain towns.

Fresh Adventures prides itself on fostering camaraderie among participants, making the trip both a physical adventure and a chance to form lasting connections. To complement the prize, Global Rescue provides a 14-day membership, ensuring that travelers are protected with expert medical and security resources wherever their journey leads. This combination of world-class guiding and reliable emergency support creates a prize that embodies the true spirit of adventure travel.

 

Four Points Adventures – Overland in Death Valley
Four Points Adventures specializes in off-the-grid expeditions that blend overlanding, camping and discovery of some of the wildest landscapes in North America. Contest winners will receive a spot on a 3-Day Overland Adventure in California’s Death Valley National Park, one of the most extreme and fascinating environments on Earth. Known for its otherworldly scenery—salt flats, sand dunes, colorful canyons and star-filled night skies—Death Valley is an explorer’s dream.

So, how does photography and video storytelling play a role in Four Points Adventures? “Photography plays an important role because it gives the viewer a sense of trust in where we will be taking them, what they will be seeing and doing. Photos, even in today’s world of AI, give the viewer a sense of truth where words alone can’t.”

The Four Points experience goes beyond sightseeing: it’s about self-sufficiency, navigation and immersing in the raw beauty of remote terrain. Participants will travel in capable vehicles, camp under the desert sky and learn practical overlanding skills from expert guides. The trip offers both challenge and reward, combining rugged exploration with the comforts of group camaraderie. To safeguard this journey, the prize also includes a 14-day Global Rescue membership, giving participants the confidence of knowing that emergency evacuation and medical advisory services are available even in one of the harshest environments on the planet.

 

Contest Deadline

Contest submissions are open until October 2. After that, our panel of judges will take on the challenge of selecting the very best from your outstanding photo and video entries — all while managing the travel envy your adventures are sure to inspire.

With your travel appetite sparked by these incredible prizes, it’s time to meet the judges who will carefully review your entries and select the very best examples of Traveling Boldly in each category. And remember — no matter how raw or refined your talent may be, these visual experts have an eye for spotting a sensational photograph and an unforgettable video.

 

The 2025 Judges Panel

Ben Horton: Photographer & Director | Environmental Storyteller

Ben Horton is an acclaimed photographer and director known for powerful environmental storytelling. From National Geographic expeditions to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, his work blends adventure, conservation and commercial artistry. He documents remote landscapes and cultural stories, especially in Baja, Mexico, with authenticity and striking visual impact.

 

Jen Murphy: Award-Winning Journalist

Jen Murphy is an award-winning freelance journalist covering adventure travel and fitness. Splitting her time between Colorado and Maui, she writes for The New York Times, Outside, Conde Nast Traveler and more. She loves off-the-grid adventures, snowboarding, surfing and exploring the world’s wildest places.

 

Arnie Weissman: Editor Travel Weekly

Arnie Weissmann is editor in chief of Travel Weekly and executive vice president/editorial director for its parent company, Northstar Travel Group. A nationally awarded writer and photographer, he appears on PBS’s The Travel Detective and has been featured in top media outlets including CNN, BBC, The New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler China.

 

Berne Broudy: Writer and Photographer

Berne Broudy is a Vermont-based outdoor journalist, photographer and filmmaker. With 25 years of experience, her work appears in Outside, Popular Science and National Geographic Adventure. She co-founded an adaptive mountain biking trail group and co-directed Best Day Ever, a film about inclusive outdoor recreation.

 

Geoffrey Morrison: The Inveterate Adventurer

Geoffrey Morrison is a travel writer, photographer and author of Budget Travel for Dummies. Known as the Bald Nomad, he’s visited 60 countries and all 50 US states. His work appears in CNET, Wirecutter and The New York Times. He also writes the Undersea sci-fi novel series.

 

Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren: The Graphic Designer with a Photographer’s Eye

Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren is Graphic Design Lead at Guidehouse and former Head of Design at Global Rescue. Her visual work spans clients like Simon Pearce and the National Park Service. A passionate traveler and hiker, she documents her journeys on film with her beloved FM2 camera.

 

Allie Savage: Video Editor | Candid Storyteller & Run-n-Gun Videographer

Allie Savage is Global Rescue’s video editor, creating social and TV content with a focus on candid, emotional storytelling. A ‘run-n-gun’ videographer, she captures live events and spontaneous moments. Based in New Hampshire, Allie loves travel, adventure and filming unscripted stories that connect with viewers.

About the Global Rescue Photo Contest

The Global Rescue photo contest began in 2013. Photo entries spotlight some of the amazing expeditions and journeys Global Rescue members undertake each year.

“Serving as the world’s leading rescue and evacuation provider for mountaineers, explorers, researchers, adventure, business and leisure travelers since 2004, Global Rescue provides peace of mind as they travel the world,” said Dan Richards, CEO at Global Rescue.

Click here for more contest details.

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Great Scott! What a Shot! – The 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest Is…

Lebanon, NH – September 2, 2025 – Global Rescue is wrapping up 2025 with a celebration of adventure, creativity and the stories travelers bring home from their journeys. This year, travel is defined by bold…

Lebanon, NH – September 2, 2025 – Global Rescue is wrapping up 2025 with a celebration of adventure, creativity and the stories travelers bring home from their journeys. This year, travel is defined by bold choices — summiting legendary peaks, venturing into remote landscapes, savoring unforgettable moments with loved ones and capturing the rhythm of life on the move.

“In 2025, travelers are embracing the richness of experiential journeys,” said Michael Holmes, Global Rescue’s head of marketing. “Whether it’s wild adventures, unexpected discoveries, special moments with family and friends or travel in motion captured on video — the joy of slowing down, the elegance of luxury and the allure of offbeat escapes are defining authentic travel experiences around the world.”

That’s why the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest [https://www.globalrescue.com/lp/photo-contest-2025/] is themed Travel Boldly — honoring travelers’ enthusiasm, curiosity and fearless embrace of the world. The contest is open to all photographers and filmmakers — amateur or professional — until 11:59 PM (EDT) on October 2, 2025. Four category winners will be announced in November. Nearly $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Contest Categories

  • In The Wild: People immersed in nature — trekking rugged trails, pedaling remote paths, swimming in open water or navigating the unknown with grit. Show us the raw beauty of adventure and the moments that connect us to the wild.
  • Between Here and There: Celebrate the rhythm of movement — travelers in transit through airports, hotel lobbies, train stations and public spaces. Capture the vibrance of the in-between.
  • Accidentally Perfect (Family/Friends): The best moments are often unplanned — blurry laughs, surprise hugs and chaotic joy. Share the candid connections that matter most.
  • Life In Motion (Video): A cinematic short film capturing bold exploration — summiting mountains, exploring street markets, diving into oceans or embarking on epic road trips. Let the visuals tell the story.

Complete contest details are available here [https://www.globalrescue.com/lp/photo-contest-2025/].

Meet the Judges Panel    

  • Ben Horton is an acclaimed photographer and director known for powerful environmental storytelling as seem in National Geographic and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.   
  • Jen Murphy is an award-winning freelance journalist covering adventure travel and fitness writing for The New York Times, Outside and Conde Nast Traveler.    
  • Arnie Weissmann is editor in chief of Travel Weekly and a nationally awarded writer and photographer who has appeared on PBS’s The Travel Detective and featured on CNN and the BBC.   
  • Berne Broudy is an outdoor journalist, photographer and filmmaker whose work appears in Outside, Popular Science and National Geographic Adventure.

  • Geoffrey Morrison is a travel writer, photographer and author of Budget Travel for Dummies whose work appears in CNET, Wirecutter and The New York Times.

  • Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren is Graphic Design Lead at Guidehouse and former Head of Design at Global Rescue whose work spans clients like Simon Pearce and the National Park Service.   
  • Allie Savage is Global Rescue’s award-winning video editor, creating social and TV content with a focus on candid, emotional storytelling.  

###

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.   

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.   

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Get To Know the Judges Behind the Global Rescue 2025 Photo and Video Contest 

Meet this year's distinguished panel of award-winning photojournalists, editors and filmmakers.

Article Highlights:

  • Meet the distinguished panel of award-winning photojournalists, editors, and filmmakers judging the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest.
  • Nearly $10,000 in prizes include expeditions to Kilimanjaro, Mount Baker, the Rockies, and Death Valley, plus Global Rescue memberships.
  • Judges bring diverse expertise—from National Geographic expeditions and Travel Weekly editorial leadership to documentary filmmaking and design.
  • Authentic, bold, and emotionally powerful imagery will define the winning entries across categories like In The Wild, Accidentally Perfect, and Life In Motion.
  • Submissions are open until October 2, with winners selected for their ability to capture the spirit of Traveling Boldly in 2025.

 

 

Whether it is In The Wild adventures, Between Here and There discoveries, Accidentally Perfect moments with family and friends, or Life In Motion captured on video, in 2025, travelers are embracing and documenting the richness of experiential journeys.

That’s why the 2025 Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest is themed Travel Boldly — honoring your enthusiasm, curiosity and fearless embrace of the world of travel.

 

Nearly $10,000 in Prizes Are Up for Grabs, Including:

  • Altezza: A free Kilimanjaro expedition and a 14-day Global Rescue membership
  • Climbing The Seven Summits: A spot on a 3-Day Mount Baker Classic Climb and a 14-day Global Rescue membership
  • Fresh Adventures: A place for a 7-Day Rockies Mountain Experience and a 14-day Global Rescue membership
  • Four Points Adventures: One space for 3-Day Overland Adventure in Death Valley and a 14-day Global Rescue membership

Contest submissions are open until October 2. After that, our panel of judges will take on the challenge of selecting the very best from your outstanding photo and video entries — all while managing the travel envy your adventures are sure to inspire.

With your travel appetite sparked by these incredible prizes, it’s time to meet the judges who will carefully review your entries and select the very best examples of Traveling Boldly in each category. And remember — no matter how raw or refined your talent may be, these visual experts have an eye for spotting a sensational photograph and an unforgettable video.

 

The 2025 Judges Panel

Ben Horton: Photographer & Director | Environmental Storyteller

www.benhorton.biz

Ben Horton is an acclaimed photographer and director renowned for capturing stunning imagery in the world’s most remote and rugged locations. From National Geographic expeditions to the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, his work showcases his exceptional outdoor skills and technical mastery. Specializing in environmental storytelling, Ben’s images invite audiences to connect with nature and inspire change. His work spans high-level commercial campaigns, documenting breathtaking landscapes and cultural narratives, with a focus on adventure and conservation. Ben’s passion for authenticity drives his projects, as he continues to blend artistry with exploration, especially in Baja, Mexico, and beyond.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    “Images are everything to me. They transform complex narratives into visually compelling experiences.  They let the viewer make up their own mind. Instead of telling someone how to feel, I aim to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and foster a deeper connection with the subject, whether that’s for conservation, exploration, or as a way to elicit feelings about humanity.
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?“Baja, Mexico, stands out for me due to its raw, rugged, and remote, beauty. The stark contrasts between desert landscapes and coastal environments offer an incredible visual story. My time there in 2023, along with my deep connection to the region since 2015, has allowed me to capture its wild, remote beauty in a way that invites others to experience its fragile yet powerful ecosystem.”
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    “My upcoming projects will continue to explore the intersection of the freedom that comes with adventuring out into the wild beauty of Baja, and environmental conservation through appreciation. I’m drawn to remote, underrepresented areas where human impact and natural beauty collide. I’m excited to capture both the untamed landscapes and the people who find themselves drawn to them.”

 

Jen Murphy: Award-Winning Journalist

www.jenrunsworld.com

Jen Murphy is an award-winning freelance journalist who splits her time between Colorado and Maui. She writes about adventure travel and fitness for publications including the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, Travel & Leisure, Bloomberg, Freeskier, and Sessions. She specializes in off-the-beaten path travel and tries to snowboard and surf as much as possible in her free time.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    Images bring my words to life. I often work in tandem with photographers who can capture my story succinctly in a dozen or fewer images. Great images are the difference between a small one-page story in a magazine and a cover story with 10 dedicated pages.
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?
    I live part time in Maui and every time I return, I am overcome with its visual beauty: the vivid colors, the diverse landscapes, the rich culture.
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    I’ll be doing a lot of traveling in the US: Texas, New Jersey, Vermont, Colorado. I think surprising images that show a fresh take on a well-known destination can shift people’s mindsets and stereotypes. We all think we know the Jersey Shore from the TV show or think we know the mountain towns of Colorado but by capturing local people and different vantage points — sometimes less sexy and more unfiltered imagery — we unveil the soul of a place.

 

Arnie Weissmann, Editor, Travel Weekly

www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann

Arnie Weissmann is editor in chief of Travel Weekly and executive vice president/editorial director for its parent company, Northstar Travel Group. Weissmann has published articles and photos in outlets from the Washington Post to The Times (London) to Conde Nast Traveler China. His writing, photos and videography have won multiple national awards. Weissmann is seen regularly on PBS as a contributor to the program “The Travel Detective” and his commentary has appeared on CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, BBC, Sky News and NPR, and he has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    Photography is as critical to a narrative as facts, quotes and written context to convey the reality of what’s being presented journalistically. Images not only bring a dimension to the people, places and objects being presented that complement words but are a format that can inspire and motivate in a unique and different way.
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?
    Two years ago, I went to the North Pole. Whether that destination is aspirational or is one that the reader has no interest in actually visiting, it’s a stunningly beautiful destination with imagery found nowhere else on earth. Whether it’s the midnight sun casting a deep orange light on a glacier or a mother polar bear and cub walking through a vast, empty frozen landscape, the visual images trigger an emotional response that differs from written descriptions of the same events.
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    With the aid of AI, cameras and editing software have advanced to a point unimaginable a decade ago. Travel Weekly and I, personally, are still exploring what can be done with these technological leaps – it’s an exciting time for photography. These advancements will allow us both to capture images more accurately and truly connect viewers with the experience – that’s the ultimate goal.

 

Berne Broudy | Writer and Photographer

www.instagram.com/bernebroudy

Berne Broudy is a Vermont-based filmmaker, photographer, and longtime outdoor journalist whose work spans five continents. A former international guide and philosophy of religion major, she’s spent 25 years capturing stories and images for Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Popular Science, and others. Her photography focuses on people, place, and the transformative power of the outdoors. In 2017, she co-founded a grassroots trail organization that built Vermont’s first fully adaptive mountain bike network. That effort inspired Best Day Ever, a film she co-directed to show how inclusive trails can break down ableism, build community, and expand access to joy for all.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    Images are the trusses on which stories are built. Showing is 1000 times more powerful than telling. It creates wonder, awe, excitement, disbelief, empathy, happiness, sadness, and every other emotion. When the images are strong, words may not be necessary.
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?
    Greenland might be one of the most intensely visual places I’ve been fortunate to cover. So was Mongolia. But I’m inspired by what I see around me, and when I take time to look, even my backyard is captivating
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    Most recently, I’ve been focused on moving pictures. I’m producing and co-directing a documentary, Best Day Ever, about community and the power of accessible recreation. It’s due to start a film festival tour this fall.

 

Geoffrey Morrison: The Inveterate Adventurer

@inveterate_adventurer

Geoffrey Morrison is a travel writer and photographer whose work has appeared in CNET, Wirecutter, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Forbes. His book “Budget Travel for Dummies” will be released in January. Also known as the Bald Nomad, Morrison is the Senior Editor at SoundStage Solo.

He spends most of the year travelling and has been to 60 countries across six continents. During multiple road trips, including a recent 10,000 mile, 2.5 month adventure, he has explored every U.S. state and 23 National Parks.

He is also the writer of the bestselling novel Undersea and its sequel, Undersea Atrophia.

  • Why Photography? “I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures of all kinds, and with travel there’s the added bonus of being able to share what I’ve seen on my adventures with friends and family back home, as well as people online.”
  • Favorite Destination Captured? “It’s a tie between the Scottish Highlands and the South Island of New Zealand, for similar reasons. Just remarkable landscapes, and in every direction, an amazing photo opportunity.”
  • Next Destination Traveling To? “I just got back from 6 weeks in Europe. Not sure where I’m headed on my next trip. Probably to some more U.S. National Parks.”

 

Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren: The Graphic Designer with a Photographer’s Eye

@chelsea_marie802

Chelsea Bakos-Kallgren is a designer, photographer, and traveler who brings curiosity and creativity to everything she does. She’s currently a designer at Guidehouse, where she blends strategy and visual storytelling to help complex industries communicate clearly. Over the years, Chelsea has designed for brands ranging from local artisans to Fortune 500 companies, always with an eye for clean design and meaningful impact. Her love of adventure has taken her across the globe, where she captures people, landscapes, and cultures through a thoughtful lens. Whether designing, shooting, or exploring, Chelsea thrives on connecting beauty and purpose.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    Imagery is one of the most effective ways to instantly connect with an audience. Photography has a unique ability to immerse viewers, drawing them into a story in a way that words or graphics alone cannot. As a designer, my work is goal-driven, focused on communicating an idea or message and often the most effective way to do so is through photography.
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?
    A couple years ago, I trekked through the Peruvian Andes into the top of the Amazon rainforest. The sheer beauty and scale of the landscape felt almost surreal, shifting from towering peaks to dense, lush jungle. Experiencing such dramatic contrasts in such a short span of time was humbling and inspiring.
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    I know it’s cliche, but right now my life is reorienting around being a new parent. I’m looking forward to continuing to document my son’s first year of life with my grandfather’s Nikon FM2 camera.

 

Allie Savage: Video Editor | Candid Storyteller & Run-n-Gun Videographer

alexandriasavage.wixsite.com/my-site

Allie Savage is the video editor for Global Rescue’s in-house productions, overseeing everything from social media videos to TV ads across streaming platforms. With a passion for storytelling, Allie specializes in ‘run-n-gun’ videography, capturing dynamic footage at sports events, concerts, and live occasions. Raised in New Hampshire, she has a love for travel and memorable adventures, including a funny experience falling off a horse during an Aruban horseback ride. Allie’s approach to videography focuses on candid moments, using raw, unscripted footage to create authentic, emotional stories that resonate with viewers and bring every experience to life.

  • What role do images play in your storytelling?
    “When I capture both video and photo, I make sure to focus on the candid moments—those raw, unfiltered instances of what’s happening in real time. I believe that’s the golden ticket to storytelling. These authentic snapshots amplify the emotions of both the creator and the viewer, creating a story that can’t be replicated. There’s no better way to tell a story than by capturing it naturally, without a script, reference images, or direction.”
  • Is there a destination you’ve covered that stands out visually? Why?
    “The country that most caught my eye was China in 2017. It was my first time traveling to an Asian country, and I was amazed by the intricate details in the architecture, the landscape, and the numerous religious statues. It was truly eye-opening.”
  • Where are your stories headed next, and what kind of imagery are you hoping to capture or include?
    “I’ve got a few bucket list items I’m eager to check off! Egypt, Greece, and Easter Island are at the top of my list. I want to dive deeper into street photography and capture the daily lives of locals—how they dress, interact, and engage with their environment. It’s fascinating to document what’s foreign to me but native to them.”

 

About the Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest

The Global Rescue Photo and Video Contest began in 2013. Entries spotlight some of the amazing expeditions and journeys Global Rescue members undertake each year.

“Serving as the world’s leading rescue and evacuation provider for mountaineers, explorers, researchers, adventure, business and leisure travelers since 2004, Global Rescue provides peace of mind as they travel the world,” said Dan Richards, CEO at Global Rescue.

 

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Travel Insurance for International Travel Is Not Enough

Learn why traditional travel insurance falls short in emergencies, and how Global Rescue delivers real-time field rescue and medical evacuation anywhere in the world.

Article Highlights:

  • Traditional travel insurance doesn’t include field rescue or guaranteed medevac to your home hospital.
  • Many plans restrict coverage based on activity type, distance from home or region.
  • Global Rescue offers no-questions-asked rescue from the point of injury—no mileage limits, no activity exclusions.
  • Travel insurance from AMEX, Chase and Capital One requires claims, approvals and red tape.
  • Global Rescue memberships start at $139 and include field rescue, medical evacuation and medical advisory.

 

 

Most travelers rely on credit card perks or traditional travel insurance. Options like Amex Travel Insurance, Chase Sapphire coverage and Capital One travel insurance promise emergency medical help and trip protection. But those policies often come with limitations, exclusions and miles of fine print. What if you need a medical evacuation or worse, a medevac from the field? What if your injury occurs while doing something “too adventurous,” like high-altitude hiking, SCUBA diving or backcountry skiing?

A traditional insurance policy may reimburse you after you get help, but it rarely sends anyone to rescue you. That’s where Global Rescue comes in.

 

Medevac and the Reality Gap With Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for international travel isn’t the comprehensive safety net many people assume. Coverage often begins after you’ve reached a hospital, not when you’re lying injured on a trekking trail in Spain or suffering a debilitating heart condition during a safari expedition.

Global Rescue pioneered field rescue services. That means when you become seriously ill or injured — no matter how remote the location — Global Rescue’s team coordinates and executes your field rescue from the point of illness or injury and evacuation to the nearest hospital that can provide the care you need. Rescues are executed by helicopters, 4×4 vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, horseback and on-foot rescue teams…whatever it takes.

In contrast, most traditional travel insurance companies (and even premium credit card programs) won’t lift a finger until you’re admitted to a medical facility. And even then, evacuation may only take you to the closest hospital, not back home.

 

Misconceptions About Travel Insurance Coverage

Many travelers assume their traditional travel insurance plan will take care of them, but they haven’t read the fine print. Here are critical details that often catch people off guard:

  • Activity Restrictions: Trekking in the Himalayas? SCUBA diving off the Maldives? Backcountry skiing in Chile? Most travel insurance providers — including benefits from AMEX, Chase and Capital One — exclude benefits due to injuries from skydiving, rock climbing, bungee jumping and similar so-called “high-risk” activities. Global Rescue has no activity restrictions.
  • Mileage Requirements: Most insurance requires you to be 100 to 300 miles from home for benefits to activate. That means no protection for regional or domestic travel emergencies. Global Rescue? No mileage requirement.
  • Claim Process Delays: With traditional travel insurance, everything from a sprained ankle to emergency medical evacuation requires pre-approvals, proof of loss, receipts and waiting weeks or months for reimbursement. Global Rescue offers direct service, not claims processing. You contact the Global Rescue operations center and they act immediately.

 

Credit Card Travel Insurance: Good Intentions, Limited Execution

Let’s take a closer look at what’s commonly offered:

  • AMEX Travel Insurance can reimburse you for emergency medical expenses, but only after submitting claim forms and getting approval from a benefits administrator.
  • Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance includes emergency care but requires pre-approval, full documentation and coordination with their benefits team.
  • Capital One Venture Travel Insurance provides some protection, but always after a review process, and never includes field rescue or private evacuation back to your hospital of choice.

All of these can be helpful for minor issues or for travelers who are already in urban areas with quality care. But for those venturing off the beaten path or dealing with high-stakes emergencies the limitations are serious.

 

Real Stories, Real Rescue

When Australian Global Rescue member Ben Darlington went climbing, he watched others who used competing companies struggle to get assistance. “Other climbers used other companies and had huge issues,” he said. “I wouldn’t travel without a Global Rescue membership ever again.”

David Helland of Iowa had a similar experience. “When I was calling Global Rescue for the first time, it really impressed me that I was talking to somebody who actually knew something,” he said. “At most companies, the person you talk to doesn’t know what they need to know.”

These aren’t exceptions. They’re expectations.

 

What Traditional Providers Won’t Tell You

If you get seriously hurt in a location without immediate access to a hospital, traditional travel insurance providers can’t rescue you. They can’t even send help. You must figure out how to get to a hospital on your own. And then start the paperwork.

If you’re hospitalized but want to continue treatment at home, most providers only pay for transport to the nearest acceptable facility, not your home hospital. Global Rescue includes medevac to your hospital of choice, and without a bill.

Some companies even deny coverage if your injury stems from “unauthorized” activities like ballooning, mountaineering or paragliding. Global Rescue has zero activity restrictions. You’re protected whether you’re hiking, diving or free climbing.

 

Membership vs. Insurance: Know the Difference

A Global Rescue membership is not insurance. It’s better when you need real-time help. There are no claims to file, no deductibles, no co-pays. You don’t wait. You call and Global Rescue acts.

Plus, members gain access to their exclusive partnership with Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine, one of the most respected names in health care. Want to be treated there? Global Rescue can arrange it. Want to send critical test results fast? They can courier or transmit files across borders in real time.

 

Essential Questions To Ask Before You Travel

  • Will your provider rescue you from the field or only reimburse you after the fact?
  • Do they have mileage limits or activity exclusions that might invalidate your coverage?
  • Will they evacuate you to your preferred hospital, or just the closest one?
  • Do they support worldwide members or only US residents?
  • Do you need to file a claim or call for help?

If the answers to these questions don’t add up to complete, fast protection, you may be trusting your safety to the wrong plan.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Traditional travel insurance—whether purchased separately or as a credit card perk—plays a valuable role in covering trip delays, cancellations and reimbursing out-of-pocket medical expenses. But it was never designed to rescue you from a mountaintop, evacuate you from a war zone or airlift you to the hospital of your choice.

That’s where Global Rescue fills the gap.

For travelers who value fast, no-questions-asked medical evacuation, emergency field rescue and real security extraction, a Global Rescue membership is not just nice to have, it’s essential. At just $139 for a 7-day individual plan (with options for more extended plans, family plans and student plans), it provides the kind of traveler protection services that traditional travel insurance providers can’t deliver.