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Under Fire in Jerusalem

Two Global Rescue members' escape from the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.

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Mild AMS at Dzongla

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Mera Peak AMS Evacuation

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What’s New in Trusted Traveler Programs? Plenty!

From self-service screenings to innovative mobile applications, stay ahead in airport security for a seamless travel experience.

A Global Rescue survey revealed 7-out-of-10 of the world’s most experienced travelers are members of a Trusted Traveler Program, like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. That’s more than double the percentage compared to average American flyers, according to a TSA official Daniel Velez. “Since October 2023, a little over 30% of travelers transiting the checkpoint enjoy TSA PreCheck screening benefits,” he said.

If you traveled during the post-pandemic travel rebound, you probably noticed long lines to check in and get through security. And if you traveled internationally, then you were more than likely waiting in a long line to clear customs.

Long lines at a crowded airport security screening area.

Technological Advancements for Streamlining Traveler Processing

As travel volumes increase, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is advancing programs to streamline traveler processing while maintaining security. Trusted traveler programs, like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, have been embraced by travelers. But new security screening and customs processing programs are on the way, and some are already here.

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), a division of DHS, is relying on technology to speed things up at traveler chokepoints, like security lines, while decreasing the demand for additional staff power. One S&T solution under review is the Screening at Speed Program that allows PreCheck passengers to conduct a self-service screening with “minimal to no assistance” from Transportation Security Officers.

Benefits of TSA PreCheck

How does it work? Like a scene in the movie, Total Recall, Screening at Speed technology would “enable the scanning of walking passengers, acquiring data through most garments and reliably detecting a wider range of prohibited items regardless of concealment,” according to officials. Traveler volunteers helped test the system in March 2023 at Reagan National Airport. In January 2024, PreCheck travelers using the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas will get their first chance to use the self-service screening prototype.

If you’re a PreCheck member then you will be among the first to experience the futuristic scan-while-you-walk screening devices. But you will be one of 15 million waiting to try it. The PreCheck program surpassed 15 million active members, growing by 50% since 2020 and setting a record for the program that began in December 2013.

“PreCheck is one of the most innovative, efficient and effective risk-based security solutions in the agency’s 21-year history,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. The program provides shared benefits that include “wait times of less than 10 minutes, greater checkpoint efficiency and improved security,” he said.

“Most of my travel is domestic, so I’m a PreCheck member because it allows me to be more confident when it comes to timing since I don’t have to build in an extra cushion for potentially long waiting lines,” said Global Rescue’s CFO, Marietta Formanek.

Commercial airplanes wait at their gates at an airport during sunset.

But the program’s popularity sometimes backfires. “Sometimes the shorter lines for PreCheck don’t exist,” said Matt Aubin, Global Rescue’s associate director of channel partnerships and a PreCheck member. “It’s uncommon but I’ve actually seen times when PreCheck lines are longer than standard,” he said.

While that is a rare occurrence, PreCheck members don’t have to undress or unpack like their non-PreCheck counterparts to get through security – and that’s a benefit. Michael Holmes, who is a TSA Precheck member and the head of Global Rescue marketing, likes the shorter lines and faster speed through security the pass affords him. “Not having to take off my shoes, remove my computer from the bag, or take off my jacket to get through security is great.”

If the scan-while-you-walk tech succeeds, by 2025 PreCheck travelers like Holmes won’t even need to stop walking to get through security, let alone take their shoes off.

Exploring the Global Entry Program

Global Entry is another DHS traveler program. The main benefit is that it allows members to glide through customs processing into the U.S. following an international trip. It requires pre-approval, which can be time-consuming.

“Global Entry was a pain to get at the time,” said Wil Klass, Global Rescue’s marketing director. “The next available interview time was more than a year away or a one-hour drive away. I opted to do my final required interview on the return from an international trip. Other than that, I love it because now I easily speed through customs,” he said.

The other main benefit of Global Entry, $100 for five years, is that it includes PreCheck, which costs $78 for five years. For the extra $22, most international travelers say the pros outweigh the cons, by far.

“When I return from an international trip and look at the lines for travelers without Global Entry, I always think that this is the best $100 I’ve spent,” said John Morris, associate director Enterprise Sales at Global Rescue.

The Global Entry Mobile Application Can Be a Life Saver!

If you’re a Global Entry member, your flight through customs will be faster if you use the recently introduced Global Entry Mobile Application, an app (available for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to complete your arrival processing instead of waiting in line to use a portal.

That’s good news for the 12 million Global Entry members who simply take a selfie photo which will be compared to a photo gallery to verify their identity through facial biometrics. After they submit their photo, the traveler receives a receipt on the app. “Once the traveler arrives at the primary customs inspection area, they can bypass the Global Entry portals and go directly to the Customs Border Patrol (CBP) officers to efficiently process their entry into the United States by showing their mobile receipt,” according to officials.

“The new Global Entry Mobile Application leverages the latest technologies, in order to enhance security while further improving the travel experience for CBP’s trusted travelers,” said CBP’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller.

The Global Entry Mobile Application is only available at seven airports: Seattle Tacoma International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. CBP will continue to evaluate and expand the use of the app at airports where Global Entry processing occurs in the future.

Alternative Options for Expedited Customs Processing

What if you’re uncertain about getting a Global Entry trusted traveler membership? Perhaps you don’t travel internationally much, or you don’t want to wait a for long time for a final interview or travel far to get that interview? You’re in luck.

If you are a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or eligible Canadian visitor there’s a free, downloadable app that does not require pre-approval and can speed up your entry to the U.S. It’s called Mobile Passport Control (MPC) and allows you to answer immigration questions after landing in the U.S. from an international destination but before reaching the immigration checkpoint, helping you to move more quickly through customs.

A person holds a passport with a brown travel bag on the ground next to him.

Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL, TSA PreCheck member and the security manager for Global Rescue, is a world traveler and loves MPC. “I have used the MPC app and it’s faster than Global Entry – but that may be because it’s so new. I download the app, create an account, enter my arrival and travel information upon landing, and I go straight through immigration and there are hardly ever any lines,” he said.

MPC use is available in limited areas, including four seaports, 11 preclearance locations and 33 U.S. international airports like: Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Denver International, and JFK airports. Eligible travelers submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through the app on their smartphone or other mobile device.

MPC streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the U.S. by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. You still have to be processed by a CBP officer but travelers using MPC will be directed to a specific processing lane for streamlined entry.

[Related Reading: Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Best for You?]

Pro Tip

Make sure you enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN) every time you book your ticket and confirm in advance it is on your boarding pass. If it’s not, you may have entered your information incorrectly or simply forgotten. Either way you’ll need to get help from a ticket agent to enter your KTN and reissue your boarding pass. You can also call your airline or the TSA.

Speed Through Security and Travel Worry-Free with Trusted Traveler Programs and Global Rescue

The best ways to expedite security and provide you more peace of mind at the airport are through Trusted Traveler Programs. Travelers with a sense of adventure will bring along a Global Rescue medical evacuation and travel risk membership for peace of mind. A Global Rescue membership pays for the expense of a field rescue or medical evacuation, which can reach $300,000, if you become ill or hurt while traveling. For members of Global Rescue, the cost is $0. Without charge. In the absence of Global Rescue, your travel emergency may take longer, cost more and exacerbate a risky scenario. And, as Global Rescue’s Dan Richards told Forbes recently, given the unpredictability of the world today, travelers should be ready to evacuate their current location swiftly.

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Survey: Travelers Moving Toward Riskier, Immersive Adventures

(Lebanon, N.H. – December 11, 2023) More than a third of the world’s most experienced travelers (34%) are planning to take more adventurous or riskier trips in the future, according to the Global Rescue Fall…

(Lebanon, N.H. – December 11, 2023) More than a third of the world’s most experienced travelers (34%) are planning to take more adventurous or riskier trips in the future, according to the Global Rescue Fall Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Most respondents reported that the possibility of travel restrictions in the future and the YOLO maxim – you only live once – drives them to get as much adventure travel in as possible before they no longer can.

“Travelers are exhibiting behavior consistent with a mounting desire for immersive experiences,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Most travelers responding to the survey (65%) want to go to destinations they have never been to, while 17% want curated trips to new, unusual destinations where they can have completely new experiences. New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, Iceland and Japan were the most frequently mentioned places survey respondents listed as bucket list travel destinations.

“Revenge travel demand initially contributed to the growing adventure travel boom. We anticipate increasing interest in adventure travel like African safaris, hiking trips, camping excursions and motorcycle tours,” Richards said.

Not everyone, however, is seeking more risk or adventure in their travel itineraries. More than half of respondents are taking the same number of adventurous or risky trips since the end of the pandemic, reporting they enjoy the way they travel and do not see a need to change. More than a tenth (13%) said they would take fewer adventurous trips to minimize health and safety risks while traveling. Some reported they were scaling back their level of risk-taking after learning about high-profile disasters involving adventure travel.

With increasing desires for more risk and adventure travel coupled with elevated international war and violent conflict, most survey respondents welcome the technological advances like adding satellite connectivity to smartphone capabilities. Most respondents (82%) said they would feel safer with satellite connection abilities on their smartphone. They liked knowing they could call for help if they lost cell coverage, even though only 13% said they had lost cell coverage in the past. Many liked the peace of mind it would give their friends, family or colleagues.

###Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 2,300 of its current and former members from October 5-12, 2023. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

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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Ski Smart, Ski Strong: The Art of Ski Season Readiness

From leg-blasting workouts to safety guidelines and international travel tips, ensure a shred-ready winter with expert ski season planning insights.

Each fall, millions of skiers and snowboarders partake in an annual tradition that goes something like this:

First, it’s unearthing the equipment tucked away in garages, closets and basements the previous spring, blowing off the dust that’s collected over the past six months’ disuse, and assessing the gear’s readiness for action. Next, it’s off to the ski shop or tuning room to bust the rust off edges, wax the bases and ensure bindings are working properly. From there, it’s back home to buy seasons passes or ticket specials at local ski areas. Maybe still, this is the year that Swiss Alps trip with friends becomes a reality.

For all of the logistics and schlepping – there’s a lot of schlepping – that goes into the gear and trip planning it’s no wonder that people refer to skiing and snowboarding less as sports and more as lifestyles. What is perplexing, however, is why so many seemingly organized skiers and riders neglect to prepare the one thing that can truly make or break a great ski season: their ski health, fitness and Alpine intelligence.

So, as winter approaches and so many millions of us anticipate what will undoubtedly be a snowfall season for the ages (the power of positive thinking, right?), let’s explore the key aspects of ski season prep, including fitness, safety considerations and international trip planning should you finally book that trip to the Swiss Alps.

Physical Preparation

This will come as a shock to exactly no one: regular physical activity is good for your health. But it’s a cornerstone of a successful ski season. Even the most seasoned alpine veterans will benefit from physical preparation, particularly exercises that target leg strength and cardiovascular endurance. Pre- and early season training programs that include squats, lunges and core exercises help build the muscle strength necessary to shred the slopes, or at least get you down in one piece.

Tom Wolfe, a mountain guide and the founder of Sawback Alpine Adventures, a Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner, suggests his “leg blaster” routine. “Leg blasters are a simple sequence of squats and lunges, and get you in shape quickly,” he says. “There are two versions: the standard and the mini. I recommend starting with the mini, which is perfect for those not used to it. From there you can work up to the standard routine.”

A young woman leg squats on a dock by a lake.

If your skiing or riding is more the human-powered variety, i.e. skinning or Alpine ski touring, there’s simply no substitute for the real thing. “To prepare for the season in full, there’s nothing more important than time spent on the skintrack,” says Ryan Koupal, founder and director of 40 Tribes Backcountry Adventures, another Global Rescue Safe Travel Partner. “Going through the motions is a great way to prepare: climbing, transitioning, descending, transitioning, and doing it all over again.”

On the nutrition side, again, no surprises here. A well-balanced diet is crucial for sustaining energy levels during extended skiing sessions. Generally speaking, eating foods rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential nutrients supports muscle recovery and overall stamina. But as Sawback’s Wolfe points out, “Nutrition is highly personal. It’s important to keep a steady flow of energy. You need to figure out what’s best for you.”

Part of that energy flow comes from proper hydration (and no, we’re not talking about the Après ski scene). The cold mountain air and physical exertion can lead to increased fluid loss, especially if you’re skiing or riding at a higher altitude. You may not feel as thirsty but take our word for it: you are. Drink plenty of fluids.

Understanding and Adhering to Safety Guidelines

Depending on where you’re skiing or riding, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about safety guidelines and weather and snow conditions, no matter how familiar you are with the area. Ski resorts have specific rules and regulations designed to promote a safe experience for all visitors. Knowing guidelines for trail difficulty ratings, trail closures, designated areas for specific types of skiing and snowboarding such as terrain park skiing, and rules regarding speed and overtaking, is essential for preventing accidents. As they say, know the code.

A smiling woman in yellow and red clothing skis on a steep slope in the high mountains on a sunny day.

If you’re in the backcountry or skiing with a guide, adherence to safety guidelines can be the difference between a safe run and serious injury or even death. The backcountry is an uncontrolled environment, rife with dangers like crevasses, cliffs, tree wells, and the omnipresent threat of avalanches. Websites like avalanche.org or others listed here depending on where you’re skiing are essential information stops before heading out.

International Travel Planning

For those with their eyes set on an international destination, here are some key considerations for travel during the ski season:

Research and Choose the Right Destination – Booking an international trip must be done well in advance, but you can still use current conditions and other information to make a more informed decision about whether to go or not. When researching ski resorts, consider factors such as terrain, weather conditions, and the availability of amenities and other things to do in case the snow isn’t great. Just like at home, not all international ski areas are the same. If you’re taking your young family on a ski trip, for example, you’d want to avoid the fearsome terrain of La Grave, France, and instead consider a resort that would make everyone happy, like Courmayeur, Italy, or Avoriaz, France.

A snowcat climbs a ski slope at night to groom the snow.

Check Entry Requirements – If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a passport to enter the country, of course. Once you’re within any country that’s part of western Europe’s Schengen Area – the 27 European countries that have done away with passports and many other types of border control at mutual borders – you don’t need to present formal documentation. Starting in 2025, however, US citizens must register within the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), allowing citizens to continue to travel visa-free to countries like France, Germany and Italy.

Health Precautions – Check with your healthcare provider to ensure you are in good health for high-altitude activities. Some individuals may experience altitude sickness, so it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and take necessary precautions.

Language and Cultural Considerations – Familiarize yourself with the local language and cultural norms of the destination. This can enhance your overall travel experience and help you navigate any cultural differences. What’s customary or routine at your home ski hill may not be in other countries or regions.

Three snowboarders ride down an open snow field with cliffs on the side.

Transportation and Transfers – Arrange transportation from the airport to the ski resort in advance. Research the availability of shuttles, taxis, or rental cars to make sure you can get to the ski destination and back.

Travel Services Protection – Get a Global Rescue membership to ensure you’ve got a contingency plan in case you have a medical emergency. It saved Martin Kosich’s life after a ski accident in Zermatt, Switzerland, in 2013, and Richard Jorgensen’s life after a heli-skiing accident in British Columbia in 2018. The inherent risks involved with skiing and snowboarding, especially in the backcountry, compel many outfitters like Sawback and 40 Tribes Backcountry to require a service like Global Rescue’s in the event it’s needed.

In many parts of the northern hemisphere, the ski season is already here, and countless skiers and riders are rejoicing. Of course, with the arrival of each new season comes the anxiety of a good or bad snowfall year. Asked what his predictions were for snowfall this upcoming season in North America, Sawback’s Wolfe says, “No idea!” At which point he quickly brushed off the possibility of a less-than-stellar snow year and reminded us of that all-too-common refrain of the passionate skier or snowboarder: a bad day on the slopes beats a good day at work.

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The Top Movies, Literature and Music Inspiring Today’s Make-Up Travel

Expert travelers reveal their top picks for the movies, books and songs that ignited their wanderlust in 2023.

After filming the movie “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” in Cambodia, actress Angelina Jolie was deeply moved by the country’s beauty and culture, inspiring her to travel more extensively and become involved in humanitarian work around the world.

Chris Hemsworth, the actor portraying superhero Thor, was inspired to visit India after hearing the song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the Bollywood movie “Dil Se.” The infectious energy of the song and its depiction of a vibrant train journey through India sparked Hemsworth’s curiosity and desire to explore the country.

Sophia Danenberg, the first African-American woman to summit Mount Everest, acknowledges that her high-altitude passion was triggered by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” She heard the glaciers were disappearing. “I thought I should see them up close while I still can. I wanted to say I saw them in case they disappeared,” she said.

The travel rebound continues as travel volumes break records. More than 80% of the world’s most experienced travelers took as many or more trips in 2023 than at any time before the pandemic, according to Global Rescue’s Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. The enduring travel recovery is welcome news for the industry, and travel continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

“Adventure travel, luxury travel and other activity-focused segments continue to see strong growth. Many places are at capacity or are over-subscribed and have waiting lists,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Hot air balloons take off into the purple and pink sky at dusk with hundreds of people silhouetted by the dwindling light.

The forces driving the rebound include catching up on missed opportunities due to the pandemic shutdown, anxiety that future travel may not be available, and entertainment media. The possibility of travel restrictions in the future and the YOLO maxim – you only live once – drives millions of travelers to get as many trips in as possible before they no longer can.

But travelers also highlight the movies, books and music that inspire them to travel.

According to the survey, the movie “Out of Africa” starring Meryl Streep, the book “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne, and the song “Beautiful Day” by U2 were the leading art forms inspiring trips among the world’s most experienced travelers.

Five zebras graze on an African prairie with sunbeams illuminating the background.

Close behind “Out of Africa” in the category of travel-inspiring movies were the Indiana Jones series led by Harrison Ford, Under the Tuscan Sun starring Diane Lane, “Seven Years in Tibet” featuring Brad Pitt, “Into the Wild” directed by Sean Penn, and “Lawrence of Arabia” led by Peter O’Toole.

The five books survey respondents noted for inspiring travel after Verne’s classic were “A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance“ by Robert M. Pirsig, “On the Road“ by Jack Kerouac, “Eat, Pray, Love“ by Elizabeth Gilbert, and “The Alchemist“ by Paulo Coelho.

A man wearing sunglasses, lounges in the salt water of the Dead Sea, reading a book on a sunny day.

The Annual List of Top Songs Inspiring Travel includes perennial favorites like “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, “Take It Easy” by the Eagles, “Vacation” by The Go-Gos, and “Margaritaville” by (the late) Jimmy Buffett. There are a dozen new entries for 2023 (below) and you can find the complete list of the top travel inspiring songs from the past several years here:

“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse

“Beautiful Day” by U2

“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

“Moondance” by Van Morrison

“Piano Man” by Billy Joel

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

“Son of a Son of a Sailor” by Jimmy Buffett

“Sweet Caroline” by Neal Diamond

“Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith

“Truckin’” by the Grateful Dead

Travel confidence is exploding in a positive direction and travelers are finding inspiration for their trips between the pages of books, inside movie theaters, and listening to music. Call it revenge travel or make-up travel, the comeback to international travel is surging.

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Track Hacks: A Smart Explorer’s Guide to Safe Train Travel in Europe

Navigating Europe’s revitalized railroad renaissance for budget routes, sleeper trains and safe and scenic adventures.

What’s the hottest new way to travel across Europe? It’s not budget airlines anymore. It’s the clickety clack of wheels on rails – Europe’s railroad system. Whether scenic daytime travel or sleeper cars at night, high speed or old school locomotives, new routes and amenities – plus a lower environmental footprint – make train travel the most attractive option in decades. All of this can be yours if you understand where the benefits are, how to avoid the pitfalls and what safe travel looks like in this new age of trains.

Budget Routes With Benefits

Paige McClanahan for The New York Times writes that this new wave is thanks, in part, to public and private investment to help citizens thrive in the midst of a difficult economy.

For example, Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national rail company, offered affordable monthly passes in response to the sharp rise in everyday costs of living, like electricity and food. The Deutschland-Ticket was subsequently created to allow virtually unlimited, affordable travel on trains, buses and subways.

“The possibilities are enticing,” she writes. “Beer lovers, for example, could travel from Düsseldorf to Cologne to Bamberg and onward to Munich, hopping off for distinctive local brews along the way. Those in search of scenery, meanwhile, might prefer the West Rhine Railway, stretching down the Rhine from Cologne in the north to Mainz.”

Spain’s Avlo service offers a different take on budget travel. It operates high-speed, low-cost trains, running between Madrid and Barcelona. Tickets start around $7 for this budget route, which expanded in June of this year. France has its own high-speed, low-cost routes through Ouigo, with tickets starting from $11. Routes begin in Paris and extend throughout the country.

Cat Jones, founder of Byway Travel, which focuses on overland journeys, told National Geographic’s Ben Lerwill that “rail travel is about far more than being whisked from A to B, advocating the benefits of being able to explore using the relevant rail passes.”

“There’s huge investment in night services and high-speed rail, but the off-the-beaten-path, rural stopping services can be more fun and more flexible,” she said. “They’re focused on the richness of the experience. You see how the landscapes shift. Countries like Italy and Switzerland are more enjoyable on so many levels if you don’t fly miles above them.”

Hotels and restaurants are offering benefits for train travelers, like regional passes as a part of a hotel stay or local food and goods along the train route, writes Alex Ledson for Forbes.

Beds with pillows next to a window looking out at the passing countryside from inside a train's sleeper car.

The Rise of Sleeper Trains

In 2016, sleeper trains seemed to be on the out, Will Hawkes wrote for The Washington Post. The government of France cut funding for sleepers and dwindling consumer interest would surely follow.

But sleeper trains are hardly being put to bed. In fact, several countries are investing big bucks in improvements to them. McClanahan also covered their rise, sharing a perspective from Alain Krakovitch, director of travel at SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company.

“It’s true that this is a huge draw for passengers. The idea of being able to fall asleep in Paris and wake up in Nice saves a night in a hotel,” Mr. Krakovitch told The Times. “It allows you to arrive very early in Nice without being tired. It’s a product that has many benefits, but we had to invest heavily to relaunch it. We hope to keep this momentum going.”

Finding the Right Routes and Best Deals

If you’re traveling within a country, it can be fairly easy to identify the best routes and deals. Traveling to other countries becomes a bit more difficult because routes are not always coordinated.

Lerwill points travelers to trainline.com and raileurope.com to “provide the connectivity and journey-planning logic to make the relevant reservations in one place.”

Travel spanning across the continent gets even more complicated.

“A one-stop shop for continent-wide ticketing simply doesn’t exist,” Lerwill writes. “Which also means that some of the best information on money-saving passes and advance fares is buried away on country-specific websites, often not in English.

For this, he recommends tour operators, such as Trailfinders, Saga and Riviera Travel.

Safe Travel by Train

From a U.S. traveler’s perspective, it may seem unusual that some European railways don’t necessitate passenger identity checks or require their luggage to go through scanners or metal detectors prior to boarding.

Eurostar trains travel between the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany and passengers are required to present a valid passport or identity card, as they might pass through customs depending on the journey taken, according to Rail Europe.

Train station security is more relaxed than at airports. There are no lengthy check-in procedures or security screenings for most train travel, according to the Savvy Backpacker. “You simply show up a few minutes before the train leaves, buy a ticket if you don’t have one (often from a ticket machine with English instructions), and hop on the train.”

Does this make rail travel dangerous? It doesn’t appear so. Sure, there have been emergencies. Like the Dutch train hostage crisis half a century ago, when nine terrorists hijacked a train and held hostages for 20 days, or the incident nearly a decade ago when a man opened fire on a train bound for Paris from Amsterdam before French, American and British passengers confronted the attacker and subdued him.

Overwhelmingly, however, rail travel in Europe is one of the safest means of travel out there. According to a 2022 report on Railway Safety and Interoperability in the EU, “major accidents (with five or more fatalities) [are] becoming increasingly rare and significant accidents have decreased in recent years.”

Safe travel means more than just getting from one place to another in one piece, however. Trains are not immune from – and can in fact be hubs for – classic travel scams. This includes everything from pickpocketing to ticket scams.

Before you arrive at the train station, look at a map and identify where ticket counters and train platforms are located. That way, when you arrive at the station, you can move confidently to your destination and not look like a lost tourist, which is likely to attract scammers.

On trains, keep an eye on your baggage. Don’t leave it unattended in baggage compartments at the end of your train car, as it could be swiped before your stop. If trains get crowded, keep an eye on your purse and pockets, as crowded train cars are ripe for thieves.

“Trained” To Handle Any Emergency

As always, purchase your Global Rescue membership ahead of your trip to ensure that if a crisis occurs – even on a scenic train trip through the Alps – you’ve got the world’s best medical, security and evacuation services just a phone call away.

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Mission Briefs: Global Rescue In Action – November

A brief recap of standout operations in which Global Rescue was involved during November 2023.

Travelers are taking more trips than ever in 2023 and many are seeking higher levels of adventure, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Survey. More than a third of survey respondents (34%) are planning to take more adventurous or riskier trips in the future. Most respondents reported that the possibility of travel restrictions in the future and the YOLO maxim – you only live once – drives them to get as much adventure travel in as possible before they no longer can.

“Travelers are exhibiting behavior consistent with an increasing desire for immersive experiences,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

As travelers venture to places they have never been, find unusual destinations where they can have completely new experiences, or simply stick with the tried-and-true locales, Global Rescue is answering the service needs of travelers here and abroad without any disruptions. In a typical 30-day period, Global Rescue executes hundreds of operations in dozens of countries and territories. Below are highlights from some of our most recent operations in various locations.

Infant Evacuation in Nepal

A 19-month-old baby from Brazil needed a high-altitude field rescue and medical evacuation from Dingboche, Nepal, (14,470 feet/4,410 meters) after developing symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). The Dingboche-based medical clinic staff reported the baby registered low oxygen levels, elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and cyanosis (skin bluing). Due to the baby’s worsening condition, Global Rescue medical operations activated an airborne medical evacuation. She was safely transported to a hospital in Kathmandu, where she was evaluated, treated and admitted. Fortunately, the baby’s symptoms improved significantly at the lower elevation and with treatment. She was discharged to her parent the next day with a diagnosis of AMS.

The rooftops and Sacre Couer of Paris, France.

Pitfall in Paris

A U.S. member slipped and fell in Paris injuring her left shoulder. Local physicians diagnosed a fracture of the left humeral bone and recommended immobilizing the shoulder for six weeks. Unfortunately, the injury was painful and limited the member’s mobility. Global Rescue medical operations physicians reviewed the medical report and recommended luggage and wheelchair assistance for the member during her flights home as well as car service from the airport to her home. She successfully returned home for follow-up care and recovery.

Post-Surgical Medical Evacuation from Cyprus

A U.S. member visiting Cyprus was suffering from upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. She was transported and admitted to a local hospital where the doctors diagnosed her with gallstones (cholelithiasis) and underwent surgery immediately. Global Rescue medical operations personnel approved a medical escort to manage the member’s post-surgery assistance and medication administration during transport home. Global Rescue secured business class seating for the member and her children for their return trip home to Chicago. Global Rescue provided wheelchair and luggage assistance for all transfer points as well as car service from the airport to the member’s home where she and her family safely arrived.

Two people ride on a motorcycle in the Namibian desert.

Motorcycle Crash in Namibia

A member from California needed field rescue and medical evacuation from Swakopmund, Namibia, after suffering an accident while riding his dirt bike. He was rushed to a medical clinic and a member of his group contacted Global Rescue. Following a series of CT scans and X-rays, it was determined that the accident caused a broken wrist and severe damage to his neck requiring surgery beyond the capabilities of the clinic. Global Rescue initiated a medical evacuation to another hospital where a specialist neurosurgeon would operate. The surgeries on his neck and wrist were successful and the treating physician discharged the member with orders for a day’s rest and recovery at a hotel with his father. Global Rescue provided business class flights for the member and his father who arrived safely home in Los Angeles.

Severe Allergic Reaction in Tanzania

A Canadian member needed field rescue from Gilman’s Point, Tanzania, after developing facial swelling, elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, and loss of balance. She alerted Global Rescue using her Zoleo SOS button. Global Rescue medical operations personnel assessed her condition and initiated a field rescue from Barafu Camp to a medical center. Following an airborne transport, she was diagnosed with extreme fatigue and photo contact dermatitis with respiratory issues triggered by an allergic reaction to a diuretic used to ease AMS. The treating medical physician discharged her with a prescription for medications to assist her recovery. She returned home with a plan to follow up with her primary care physician.

Inside the cockpit of a helicopter, looking over the shoulder of two pilots, out at a man waving the aircraft in.

Finger Frostbite in Nepal

A U.S. member was trekking in Nepal when he contacted Global Rescue from Kumbhakarna Base Camp in Lelep to report he was suffering from frostbite on his right ring finger and the tips of his left hand. Global Rescue medical operations assessed the situation and discovered the member’s condition was worsening, as a blister became an open wound on one of his fingers and it no longer had any sensation, while his left fingertips had turned purple and were numbing. Global Rescue personnel initiated an immediate emergency helicopter rescue to transport the member to a hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, nightfall and weather conditions delayed the rescue until the next morning. Global Rescue physicians advised the member to descend to a lower altitude to help his body warm thereby providing increased oxygenation for tissue preservation. The next day, the member was successfully transported to a hospital where treating doctors diagnosed him with frostbite. He underwent a five-day iloprost treatment to improve the blood flow and increase skin tissue restoration. The member completed his treatment and reported no issues with his condition.

Volleyball Accident in Switzerland

A U.S. member needed field rescue following a volleyball accident in Switzerland where he injured his right ankle. Global Rescue coordinated with local first responders who reset the ankle before transporting him to a medical facility where staff evaluated the injury and took X-rays. No fractures were noted. The member reported positive recovery progress and noted minimal discomfort from the injury. He and his family planned to return to the U.S. for an MRI and a consultation with a specialist regarding further treatment and care if needed.

Multiple Sclerosis Episode Prompts Evac from Nepal

A U.S. member needed airborne evacuation from Thamel, Nepal, and a medical escort home following a medical episode related to Multiple Sclerosis. During a visit to Kathmandu, Nepal, the member experienced uncontrollable twitching, headache and extreme pain related to nerve damage caused by her disease. Her husband contacted Global Rescue for help. Following an initial assessment, the Global Rescue medical operations team immediately advised the member to go to the hospital. She was admitted and transferred to the intensive care unit for management and monitoring by the hospital’s neurologist. Global Rescue physicians worked with the neurologist in Nepal and the member’s neurologist in the U.S. to discuss the management of her symptoms and travel recommendations. Global Rescue provided business class flights with airport assistance. Unfortunately, the member had another episode, delaying her return home. Following her recovery, Global Rescue deployed a medical escort to assist with the member’s return home and management of her medications. She and her husband arrived home safely without incident where she will continue her treatment.

Medevac Due to Spinal Meningitis in Italy

A U.S. member needed medical evacuation from Firenze, Italy, to her home in the U.S. after being diagnosed with spinal meningitis. Global Rescue was contacted by the member’s representative asking for assistance to transfer her to the U.S. Following an assessment of the medical report, Global Rescue provided air ambulance transport for the member to her home hospital of choice in Florida.

For the modern-day traveler, a Global Rescue membership provides services traditional travel insurance doesn’t offer including field rescue, medical evacuation, and medical and security advisory, to name just a few. But it’s the benefit of peace of mind, inspired by those services – and the Global Rescue emergency experts who deliver them 24/7/365 – that resonates most with our members.

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Record-Breaking Travel Volume, Travelers Taking More Trips Than Before the Pandemic

(Lebanon, N.H. – November 27, 2023) The travel rebound continues as travel volumes break records. More than 80% of the world's most experienced travelers took as many or more trips in 2023 than at any…

(Lebanon, N.H. – November 27, 2023) The travel rebound continues as travel volumes break records. More than 80% of the world’s most experienced travelers took as many or more trips in 2023 than at any time before the pandemic, according to the Global Rescue Fall Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. More than a third of respondents (35%) said they traveled more in 2023 than any time before the pandemic. Nearly half (48%) said they traveled about the same amount and less than a fifth (17%) traveled less.

The enduring travel recovery is welcome news for the travel industry, and travel continues to surpass pre-pandemic travel levels. “Adventure travel, luxury travel and other activity-focused segments continue to see strong growth. Many places are at capacity or are over-subscribed and have waiting lists,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Despite rising travel costs, airline flight disruptions and travel staff shortages, most survey respondents (66%) did not cancel any trips in 2023 and more than a third (38%) did not postpone any travel plans. Fewer than 5% of survey respondents said they had to cancel at least one trip due to rising travel costs and fewer than a tenth (9%) had to postpone a trip.

Experts predicted the travel rebound could lead to crowding at popular destinations, limited flights and lodging availability. More than half of survey respondents (58%) did not encounter any sold-out occurrences for any of their trips. However, nearly a third (30%) said they were prevented at least once from booking something because it was sold out. Fewer than a tenth (7%) said they missed out on a booking three times or more.

For most travelers responding to the survey (67%), it was a flight that was sold out. Fewer than half (41%) of respondents said it was lodging that was unavailable. Fewer than a fifth (16%) said restaurants were unavailable.

The bullwhip effect may help reverse rising travel costs and increase flight and lodging availability. “Where previously ordered but undelivered supply like airplanes, buses and trained labor finally arrive in a market with tepid demand, falling prices will result,” Richards said.

###

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

About Global Rescue

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Global Rescue’s 2023 Last Minute Holiday Travel Gift Guide

Lebanon, N.H. – November 20, 2023 – The 2023 Annual Global Rescue Holiday Travel Gift Guide includes 15 perfect gifts for anyone is on your winter shopping list, including you. The Global Rescue 2023 Holiday…

Lebanon, N.H. – November 20, 2023 – The 2023 Annual Global Rescue Holiday Travel Gift Guide includes 15 perfect gifts for anyone is on your winter shopping list, including you. The Global Rescue 2023 Holiday Gift Guide provides curated recommendations from the world’s most experienced travelers, our in-house medical and security professionals, and Global Rescue’s Safe Travel Partners.

“We asked the world’s most experienced travelers — Global Rescue’s medical and security professionals, our Safe Travel Partners and members – to curate a list of must-have gifts for leisure and business travelers,” said Michael Holmes, marketing vice president at Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

“The following recommendations can be part of your holiday wish list or thoughtful goodies to bestow upon your loved ones,” Holmes said.

Global Rescue’s 2023 Winter Holiday Travel Gift Guide

Airfly Wireless Adapter – AirFly is a wireless adapter that lets you use your wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds in places that only have a headphone jack, like airplanes. Plug this tiny transmitter into the headphone jack to listen to in-flight movies, TV and music. “There’s nothing worse than a long flight with poor sound quality,” said Global Rescue’s Operations Manager Dan Stretch. “Airfly also means you can use your noise cancelling settings to drown out any engine noise,” he added.
Airport Lounge Access – Sometimes the worst parts of travel are the long lines, delays, and all the hustle and bustle that’s associated with getting there and going home. But airport lounge access can make transit time much easier and enjoyable. You can purchase a Plaza Premium airport lounge gift card or you can gift a Priority Pass airport lounge access membership.
Bug-Out Bag – The Seventy2 Survival System is called Seventy2 because the first 72 hours of a survival situation is extremely critical, and these kits have been designed — with the help of first responders, doctors, special forces operators and mountain guides — to provide the gear you need in a potentially deadly situation. This bug-out bag, made of heavy-duty waterproof canvas, comes with a tent, water filtration system, fire starter and first aid kit, to name a few items.
Extra Battery Power – The INIU Portable Charger is an Amazon bestseller and has 10,000 mAh, the minimum recommended by Global Rescue’s Associate Director of Medical Operations, David Koo. It’s slim and light and comes with a USB-A to USB-C Cable and a USB-C port that is both an in/out charging port. The Clutch Charger has 5,000 mAh and magnetically attaches to iPhone 12 (and newer models) or to MagSafe cases. It features a built-in cable and LED battery level indicator so you know how much charge is left.
Mealtime Multi-Tool – Whether you’re living on quinoa while trekking across the Swiss Alps or car-camping in the Shenandoah Valley, the ChowPal by Outdoor Edge is the mealtime multi-tool that makes eating easy and convenient. The ChowPal slides apart to reveal a full utensil set — folding knife, fork, spoon, can opener, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver and graduated wrench — then slides back together for storage in a nylon pouch.
Packable, Slip On Walking Shoes – Whether you’re saving luggage space, easing through security, walking all day, or seeking footwear versatility, the options today are better than ever including FitFlops, Allbird Loungers, Kiziks, OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers or Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip On Sneaker. The smart traveler can minimize the number of shoes packed for a trip by getting footwear that’s easier to slip on and off yet has support for all-day walking and is suitable for casual to smart-casual settings.
Portable Door Locks – “I always bring with me a portable door lock that I use in my hotel room for extra security,” said Global Rescue’s Medical Operations Senior Specialist Princess Celmea Aspuria. There is a wide variety of portable door locks. CNN lists the top-15 here and adds, “No matter where you decide to stay or the type of lodging you book, a reliable travel door lock can make you feel even more protected from intruders and unwanted guests.”
Power Adapter – The Epicka TA-105C Universal Travel Adapter is an all-in-one adapter equipped with four different plug types covering 200+ countries and regions. It has three USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for charging iPhone, Samsung and other Android phones, smart watch and fitness tracker, tablet, power bank, camera, handheld game console, headsets, and everything else that is charged through a USB port. The Epicka travel adapter is the top choice for Global Rescue’s IT Quality Assurance Engineer Ayesha Usman. “There are a lot of items that I never travel without, but I believe that the Epicka adapter is one of the most essential items that I cannot imagine people traveling without,” she said.
Smart Watches – There are overwhelming shoutouts for smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic. People who have them swear by their travel usefulness. Global Rescue’s Senior Manager of Quality Assurance Ammad Aslam said he never forgets to take his smartwatch while travelling. “It is my silent travelling partner. I don’t have to continuously look at my phone because it vibrates to let me know when to turn right or left. It’s like having my own personal guide,” he said.
The “Best” Wine Bottle Opener – The Makupon Multi-Tool Waiters Corkscrew is the “best corkscrew for your carry-on travel,” according to Minimalist Travel. “In our personal experience, the corkscrew…is so small that it has never even been given a second glance at a variety of American, Canadian, and European airports, who if they even see it probably don’t understand what it is.” That makes Global Rescue’s Marketing Director Meghan Mahoney happy. “I don’t know how many times I’ve shown up at my hotel or Airbnb jet-lagged with a beautiful bottle of wine and just wanting a glass and there is no wine opener. I only travel with carry-on luggage and this corkscrew is a must have for me,” said Mahoney.
Travel Garment Steamers – Wrinkles, ugh! You packed so carefully only to unpack and discover a wrinkled mess. Garment steamers are a “must have” for Global Rescue’s Associate Marketing Director Samantha Hosking. The handy travel tool is not available at all lodging establishments. Some places provide steam irons but if you have delicate fabrics, a traditional iron can ruin your clothes. Travelers today are learning that compact travel steamers are light, packable and deliver powerful steam to smooth out wrinkles. The Spruce named the True & Tidy Handheld Garment Steamer “best overall” and included half a dozen others for travelers with specific preferences.
Travel Medical Kit – The MyMedic Mini First Aid Kit is a top pick by Global Rescue’s CEO Dan Richards. The kit comes with the things you will need for day-to-day minor injuries, diarrhea, headache, cuts, burns and more, all packed into a small, sleek and compact carrying case. Add azithromycin (antibiotic) and zofran (prevents nausea) for extra protection.
TSA-Approved Multi-Tool Wallet – The Nite-Ize wallet is also a multi-tool, and it’s TSA-friendly. “I’ve used this for years and it always clears TSA security. The tools I use most are the bottle opener, scraper, and screwdriver. I won’t travel without it,” said Bill McIntyre, Global Rescue communications director. The lightweight wallet includes a seven-in-one multi-tool including: bottle opener, scraper, three wrench sizes, flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver/tape cutter and metric + standard ruler.
Water Bottle With Built-in Filters – The Salomon Soft Flask XA filters bacteria and protozoa from natural water sources, so you can drink easily and safely without needing to carry huge volumes of water. Shrinking as you drink to limit water bounce, the flask lets you know exactly how much you have left. It features a wide 42mm cap that is built into the bottle cap.
Travel Protection Membership – Give the gift of peace of mind to the traveler in your life. A Global Rescue membership ensures your loved one is not alone when they board that plane, train or ship. In fact, they are traveling with a virtual team of experts — a paramedic, a translator, a logistics expert, an intelligence analyst and a security advisor. It’s like having a protective detail on standby, prepared to help when you need medical or security advice or a field rescue.

###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 decade. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

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

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Global Rescue’s 2023 Winter Holiday Travel Gift Guide

Thoughtful gifts for travelers seeking comfort, safety and convenience during their journeys.

Is there a loved one in your life who is planning travel to a new, remote destination? Is someone in your family heading for a tried-and-true locale? Are you bound for an international excursion or a nearby staycation? Whoever is on your winter shopping list – including you – the Global Rescue 2023 Holiday Gift Guide provides curated recommendations from the world’s most experienced travelers, our in-house medical and security professionals, and Global Rescue’s Safe Travel Partners.

Check out our 2023 holiday gift guide for people who love to travel:

An Airfly adapter plugged into a seatback screen on an airplane.

Airfly Wireless Adapter

AirFly is a wireless adapter that lets you use your wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds in places that only have a headphone jack, like airplanes. Plug this tiny transmitter into the headphone jack to listen to in-flight movies, TV and music. “There’s nothing worse than a long flight with poor sound quality,” said Global Rescue’s Operations Manager Dan Stretch. “Airfly also means you can use your noise cancelling settings to drown out any engine noise,” he added.

An upscale airport business class lounge.

Airport Lounge Access

Sometimes the worst parts of travel are the long lines, delays, and all the hustle and bustle that’s associated with getting there and going home. But airport lounge access can make transit time much easier and enjoyable. You can purchase a Plaza Premium airport lounge gift card or you can gift a Priority Pass airport lounge access membership.

The contents of a "Bug-Out" Bag

Bug-Out Bag

The Seventy2 Survival System is called Seventy2 because the first 72 hours of a survival situation is extremely critical, and these kits have been designed — with the help of first responders, doctors, special forces operators and mountain guides — to provide the gear you need in a potentially deadly situation. This bug-out bag, made of heavy-duty waterproof canvas, comes with a tent, water filtration system, fire starter and first aid kit, to name a few items.

Extra Battery Power

The INIU Portable Charger is an Amazon bestseller and has 10,000 mAh, the minimum recommended by Global Rescue’s Associate Director of Medical Operations, David Koo. It’s slim and light, USB-C in/out port and comes with a USB-A to USB-C Cable. The Clutch Charger has 5,000 mAh and magnetically attaches to iPhone 12 (and newer models) or to MagSafe cases. It features a built-in cable and LED battery level indicator so you know how much charge is left.

The contents of the ChowPal travel utensil kit.

Mealtime Multi-Tool

Whether you’re living on quinoa while trekking across the Swiss Alps or car-camping in the Shenandoah Valley, the ChowPal by Outdoor Edge is the mealtime multi-tool that makes eating easy and convenient. The ChowPal slides apart to reveal a full utensil set — folding knife, fork, spoon, can opener, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver and graduated wrench — then slides back together for storage in a nylon pouch.

Packable, Slip On Walking Shoes

Whether you’re saving luggage space, easing through security, walking all day, or seeking footwear versatility, the options today are better than ever including FitFlops, Allbird Loungers, Kiziks, OluKai Pehuea Slip On Sneakers or Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip On Sneaker. The smart traveler can minimize the number of shoes packed for a trip by getting footwear that’s easier to slip on and off yet has support for all-day walking and is suitable for casual to smart-casual settings.

Two young women happily walk into a hotel room.

Portable Door Locks

“I always bring with me a portable door lock that I use in my hotel room for extra security,” said Global Rescue’s Medical Operations Senior Specialist Princess Celmea Aspuria. There is a wide variety of portable door locks. CNN lists the top-15 here and adds, “No matter where you decide to stay or the type of lodging you book, a reliable travel door lock can make you feel even more protected from intruders and unwanted guests.”

A black universal power adapter.

Power Adapter

The Epicka TA-105C Universal Travel Adapter is an all-in-one adapter equipped with four different plug types covering 200+ countries and regions. It has three USB-C and 2 USB-A ports for charging iPhone, Samsung and other Android phones, smart watch and fitness tracker, tablet, power bank, camera, handheld game console, headsets, and everything else that is charged through a USB port. The Epicka travel adapter is the top choice for Global Rescue’s IT Quality Assurance Engineer Ayesha Usman. “There are a lot of items that I never travel without, but I believe that the Epicka adapter is one of the most essential items that I cannot imagine people traveling without,” she said.

A black Apple Watch.

Smart Watches

There are overwhelming shoutouts for smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Google Pixel Watch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic. People who have them swear by their travel usefulness. Global Rescue’s Senior Manager of Quality Assurance Ammad Aslam said he never forgets to take his smartwatch while travelling. “It is my silent travelling partner. I don’t have to continuously look at my phone because it vibrates to let me know when to turn right or left. It’s like having my own personal guide,” he said.

A travel corkscrew.

The “Best” Wine Bottle Opener

The Makupon Multi-Tool Waiters Corkscrew is the “best corkscrew for your carry-on travel,” according to Minimalist Travel. “In our personal experience, the corkscrew…is so small that it has never even been given a second glance at a variety of American, Canadian, and European airports, who if they even see it probably don’t understand what it is.” That makes Global Rescue’s Marketing Director Meghan Mahoney happy. “I don’t know how many times I’ve shown up at my hotel or Airbnb jet-lagged with a beautiful bottle of wine and just wanting a glass and there is no wine opener. I only travel with carry-on luggage and this corkscrew is a must have for me,” said Mahoney.

A small clothing steamer working on a green shirt.

Travel Garment Steamers

Wrinkles, ugh! You packed so carefully only to unpack and discover a wrinkled mess. Garment steamers are a “must have” for Global Rescue’s Associate Marketing Director Samantha Hosking. The handy travel tool is not available at all lodging establishments. Some places provide steam irons but if you have delicate fabrics, a traditional iron can ruin your clothes. Travelers today are learning that compact travel steamers are light, packable and deliver powerful steam to smooth out wrinkles. The Spruce named the True & Tidy Handheld Garment Steamer “best overall” and included half a dozen others for travelers with specific preferences.

Inside of a small first aid kit.

Travel Medical Kit

The MyMedic Mini First Aid Kit is a top pick by Global Rescue’s CEO Dan Richards. The kit comes with the things you will need for day-to-day minor injuries, diarrhea, headache, cuts, burns and more, all packed into a small, sleek and compact carrying case. Add azithromycin (antibiotic) and zofran (prevents nausea) for extra protection.

A Nite Ize multi tool wallet.

TSA-Approved Multi-Tool Wallet

The Nite-Ize wallet is also a multi-tool, and it’s TSA-friendly. “I’ve used this for years and it always clears TSA security. The tools I use most are the bottle opener, scraper, and screwdriver. I won’t travel without it,” said Bill McIntyre, Global Rescue communications director. The lightweight wallet includes a seven-in-one multi-tool including: bottle opener, scraper, three wrench sizes, flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver/tape cutter and metric + standard ruler.

A Salomon soft water flask and filtration system.

Water Bottle With Built-in Filters

The Salomon Soft Flask XA filters bacteria and protozoa from natural water sources, so you can drink easily and safely without needing to carry huge volumes of water. Shrinking as you drink to limit water bounce, the flask lets you know exactly how much you have left. It features a wide 42mm cap that is built into the bottle cap.

Travel Protection Membership

Give the gift of peace of mind to the traveler in your life. A Global Rescue membership ensures your loved one is not alone when they board that plane, train or ship. In fact, they are traveling with a virtual team of experts — a paramedic, a translator, a logistics expert, an intelligence analyst and a security advisor. It’s like having a protective detail on standby, prepared to help when you need medical or security advice or a field rescue.

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Survey: Revenge Travel Continues Despite War; Riskier, Immersive Trips Increase

Travelers are taking more trips than ever, many seeking higher levels of adventure according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

More than 80% of the world’s most experienced travelers took as many or more trips in 2023 than at any time before the pandemic, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. More than a third of respondents (35%) said they traveled more in 2023 than any time before the pandemic. Nearly half (48%) said they traveled about the same amount and less than a fifth (17%) traveled less.

The enduring travel recovery is welcome news for the industry, as traveling continues to surpass pre-pandemic levels. “Adventure travel, luxury travel and other activity-focused segments continue to see strong growth. Many places are at capacity or are over-subscribed and have waiting lists,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Experts had predicted revenge travel could lead to crowding at popular destinations, limited flights and lodging availability. More than half of survey respondents (58%) did not encounter any sold-out occurrences for any of their trips. Nearly a third (30%), however, said they were prevented at least once from booking something because it was sold out. Fewer than a tenth (7%) said they missed out on a booking three times or more.

Despite rising travel costs, airline flight disruptions and travel staff shortages, most survey respondents (66%) did not cancel any trips in 2023, and more than a third (38%) did not postpone any travel plans. Fewer than 5% of survey respondents said they had to cancel at least one trip due to rising travel costs and fewer than a tenth (9%) had to postpone a trip.

A flock of seagulls flies low along the ocean shore during sunset.

Wartime Travel

Despite war and violent conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Israel, close to half of the survey respondents (45%) said they would travel both internationally and domestically for the winter holidays between November 2023 and the end of January 2024, according to the survey. Nearly a third (29%) said they would travel domestically only, 11% would travel internationally only and 16% had no travel plans during that time.

“We’re seeing an understandable increase in traveler concern worldwide, but it is the most pronounced in the Middle East,” Richards said. “Nevertheless, international trip takers continue to gain comfort with wartime travel. We’ve seen this traveler behavior since the war in Ukraine and we’re seeing it today following the attack on Israel,” he said.

Travel uncertainty generally increases traveler demand for emergency medical and security services. “We’ve seen a 33% increase in traveler purchases of security services since the armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian terrorist groups started,” Richards said.

Medical staff wearing pink jumpsuits give a patient a shot while she sits in her car.

Vaccines

According to the survey, the world’s most experienced travelers revealed diverse behaviors when it comes to technology designed to improve airport check-ins, security processing and obtaining COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

More than half (58%) of survey respondents have already received an updated COVID-19 vaccination or plan to get one, which is consistent with the recommendation from U.S. and international official. Fewer than a third (29%) of respondents haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccination booster and do not plan to in the future. The remaining respondents (13%) are uncertain whether they will get a booster shot or not.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are equally as likely to travel internationally and domestically during the holidays between November 2023 and January 2024. “Travelers feel safe planning and taking trips and vacations regardless of their vaccination status,” Richards said.  ”Confidence in institutions recommending the vaccine and boosters has declined dramatically. We expect vaccine booster acceptance to continue to fall among travelers,” Richards said.

Technology

Air travel in 2023 was predicted to be up by nearly a third (29%), according to a report by Statista, and international travel may close out the year up by as much as 50%, according to the International Air Transport Association.

To help ease crowding and accelerate traveler processing, the U.S. TSA introduced the Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) system in 2019. More than two thousand CAT systems have been installed in more than 200 airports.

Based on survey results, travelers have mixed reports about the system. Nearly seven-out-of-10 respondents (69%) have not used the TSA’s CAT system, a fourth (23%) do not know if they have used it, and less than a tenth (8%) said they have used the system. Of those who used the system, about half (49%) said it sped up the security clearance process, 40% didn’t notice a difference, and the rest reported it took as long or longer than the previous system.

Installation of travel hub kiosks at airports and other transportation centers was designed to move travelers through the check-in and ticketing process faster. More than half of respondents (53%) have used the kiosks but nearly as many (47%) have not. Most (61%) said the kiosks sped up the check-in process, but 18% reported they would prefer to check in with a live agent. A minority (3%) said the kiosks were too complicated.

A Japanese temple high up on a hill overlooks a city with Mount Fuji in the background.

Riskier, Immersive Adventures

More than a third of survey respondents (34%) are planning to take more adventurous or riskier trips in the future. Most respondents reported that the possibility of travel restrictions in the future and the YOLO maxim – you only live once – drives them to get as much adventure travel in as possible before they no longer can.

“Travelers are exhibiting behavior consistent with a mounting desire for immersive experiences,” Richards said. Most travelers responding to the survey (65%) want to go to destinations they have never been to, while 17% want curated trips to new, unusual destinations where they can have completely new experiences. New Zealand, Australia, Antarctica, Iceland and Japan were the most frequently mentioned places survey respondents noted as bucket list travel destinations.

[Related Reading: Immersive Adventure Tourism]

Most respondents (82%) said they would feel safer with satellite connection abilities on their smartphone. They liked knowing they could call for help if they lost cell coverage, even though only 13% said they had lost cell coverage in the past. Many liked the peace of mind it would give their friends, family or colleagues.

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