The Northern Lights, Kenya safaris and the Galapagos Islands are leading dream destinations or attractions that travellers want to experience but haven’t, according to results of the Global Rescue 2025 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. But what about the nightmares?

“Travellers continue to seek more immersive travel experiences,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, a leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

While both genders prioritize the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands, women list the blooming of Cherry Blossoms in Japan as their top choice followed by the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands.

Men selected a safari in Kenya after the Northern Lights and ahead of the Galapagos Islands. They listed the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms in Japan sixth.

Following their top aspirational experiences, travellers dreamed about visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China.

Nightmares

At the other end of the spectrum, travellers reported they are least interested in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, spending New Year’s Eve in New York City, and visiting the Colosseum in Italy, signalling a shift toward more unique and nature-focused travel adventures.

“Travellers are evolving beyond superficial experiences and, instead, seek the authenticity of natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, the connection to the unique ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands, and the wildlife adventure of a safari,” Richards said.

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