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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

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

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.