Article Highlights:

  • 63% of global travelers use points for travel, with similar rates across age and gender.
  • US travelers are 35% more likely than non-US travelers to redeem points for travel.
  • 41% of travelers avoid dangerous airports; under-35 travelers are less likely to do so.
  • Volcano eruptions and earthquakes rarely deter experienced travelers from visiting high-risk zones.
  • Women are more cautious than men about visiting volcanic and earthquake destinations.

 

 

Nearly two-thirds of the world’s most experienced travelers (63%) use points for travel to pay for some or all of their trips. It’s a trend that spans all demographics. Men (65%) and women (61%) redeem points at almost the same rates, and the pattern holds across age groups: 62% of travelers under 35, 66% of those aged 35–54 and 63% of travelers 55 and older.

“Whether you’re young or old, male or female, points-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.”

That divide is clear: US travelers are 35% more likely to use points for travel than their international peers (67% vs. 50%). Meanwhile, 41% of non-US respondents said they never use points, a rate nearly 46% higher than Americans (41% vs. 28%). Differences in loyalty programs, credit card rewards and access to competitive travel credit cards may explain the gap.

 

Dangerous Airports: Why 4 in 10 Travelers Avoid Them

Flight delays and cancellations are prompting many travelers to avoid dangerous airports, defined here as those with frequent operational issues. According to the survey, 41% of all respondents are scheduling air travel to bypass airports like Newark, LAX, Toronto Pearson, London Gatwick and Charles de Gaulle.

Avoidance behavior is similar between men (41%) and women (43%), as well as travelers aged 35–54 (38%) and those 55+ (43%). The exception is travelers under 35, who are 25% less likely to avoid dangerous airports (31%).

US travelers are especially proactive. They are 42% more likely to avoid problem airports than non-US travelers (45% vs. 31%). In contrast, 31% of non-US travelers are comfortable using these airports, compared to 25% of Americans.

 

Volcano Eruptions Rarely Alter Travel Plans

Recent volcano eruptions in Italy and Indonesia have not significantly changed travel plans for most respondents. Despite the global headlines, the overwhelming majority said these events have not made them less willing to visit volcano sites.

“The data shows that volcano eruptions are not deterring most travelers,” Richards said. “For a small group, concerns about environmental risk are real, and they’re choosing destinations more carefully.”

Women were 44% more likely than men to say they were “a little less willing” to visit volcano sites (17% vs. 11%). Younger travelers under 35 were more than twice as likely to say they were “much less willing” to visit (7%) compared to older travelers.

 

Earthquakes and Destination Avoidance Patterns

After the Santorini, Greece, earthquake, nearly nine out of ten travelers said it did not affect their willingness to visit destinations in active earthquake zones.

Among the small group reconsidering trips, Kathmandu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo and Kyoto top the list of destinations to avoid. On the other hand, Vancouver, Auckland, Wellington and Santiago cause little concern.

Women are more likely than men to avoid earthquake-zone destinations. Twice as many women said they would avoid Kathmandu (7% vs. 4%), 50% more would skip Manila and 25% more would bypass Tokyo/Kyoto.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

For seasoned travelers, travel reward points programs, avoiding dangerous airports and continuing trips despite volcano eruptions or earthquakes are part of a larger philosophy: preparation. Global Rescue members know that even with the most meticulous planning, unexpected events can happen, from operational airport shutdowns to environmental hazards.

Consider Brittany and Noah Myers, who set out on their honeymoon trekking in Nepal’s Gokyo Valley when a massive earthquake struck and they found themselves alone, without a guide and surrounded by uncertainty. Global Rescue provided critical information, emotional support and guidance to help them navigate the chaos and return safely, turning a near disaster into a testament to resilience and preparation.

It’s not an isolated incident. There are cautionary tales about the unexpected dangers travelers can face anywhere in the world. With medical and security evacuation services, destination intelligence and real-time alerts via the GRID system, Global Rescue equips members to adapt quickly and safely, ensuring that even when the unexpected happens, the trip can continue.

With medical and security evacuation services, destination intelligence and real-time alerts via the GRID system, Global Rescue equips travelers to adapt quickly and safely. Whether rebooking with points, rerouting around a dangerous airport or confidently visiting a region near a volcano or in an earthquake zone, experienced travelers trust Global Rescue to ensure their trips continue — no matter the disruption.