Escalating tensions and conflicts around the world are not stopping travellers; however, a recent survey has found that it is changing how people travel, especially when it comes to picking a destination.
The latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey found that 72% of experienced international travellers say geopolitical tensions, civil unrest and security concerns influence where they travel at least a moderate amount, including 42% who say those issues influence their destination choices a great deal or a lot.
In fact, just 8% say security concerns play no role in selecting international destinations.
The good news is 71% of travellers have continued with their original travel plans despite the increasingly uncertain global security environment in 2026, while 9% changed destination. Only 7% postponed their trip, and just 6% cancelled.
Dan Richards, ceo of The Global Rescue Companies, says geopolitical instability has become part of the travel planning process. “Travellers aren’t giving up on international travel, they’re making more informed decisions about where and when to go,” he says.
“Experienced travellers understand that informed destination selection is one of the most effective ways to reduce travel risk while still enjoying the world.”
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As for how these travellers are being informed, the study found that most are looking to authoritative sources, this including government travel advisories, with 49% citing these as their most important source of information before travelling internationally.
A further 21% rely primarily on news reports, while 16% turn first to travel security providers.
Richards says the question is no longer simply where do I want to travel, but also what risks exist there today, and how quickly could conditions change.
