Most travellers say they generally feel safe travelling alone, but a significant portion still modify their behaviour and avoid certain destinations due to security concerns, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2026 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey. Mexico and the Middle East are the most frequently cited destinations travellers avoid due to safety concerns.
Overall, 67% of travellers say they usually feel safe traveling solo in most destinations. However, 19% say they sometimes feel safe, while 6% say they rarely feel safe and 6% say they do not feel safe travelling alone. These findings highlight a prevailing sense of confidence among solo travellers, tempered by persistent underlying risk awareness.
“Travellers may feel confident overall, but that confidence is not universal and it varies significantly by region,” says Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “Non-US travellers, in particular, appear more cautious and less assured when navigating destinations alone.”
That caution is reflected in the safety measures travellers adopt. The most common precaution taken when travelling alone is remaining aware of surroundings at all times, cited by 81% of respondents. Dressing conservatively to blend in follows at 57%, while 45% say they hire reputable drivers or taxis. One-third select lodging with 24-hour security or staffed lobbies, and 23% prioritize hotels with elevator key card access. Only 5% report taking no safety precautions at all.
Non-US travellers consistently report higher use of layered safety measures. Compared to US travellers, they are more likely to choose hotels with elevator key card access, carry portable door locks and stoppers, use personal alarms and rely on staffed lodging. They are also more likely to report constant situational awareness while traveling alone.
Safety concerns are also influencing where travellers choose not to go. Overall, 51% of travellers say they have avoided certain countries due to safety concerns when travelling alone.
“These behaviours show that travellers are not ignoring risk – they are actively managing it,” Richards said. “Avoiding destinations, selecting secure lodging and adjusting daily habits are all part of a broader effort to reduce exposure and maintain personal safety.”
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