Experienced international travellers are redefining how they travel, favouring meaningful experiences, quieter destinations and value overcrowded attractions and social media-driven itineraries, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey.
The survey reveals that travellers are gravitating toward experiences that prioritize personal fulfillment and authenticity rather than checking destinations off a list.
The strongest trend is the continued rise of YOLO (“You Only Live Once”) travel, with 68% of respondents saying they are much more or somewhat more interested in prioritizing once-in-a-lifetime experiences, spontaneity and bucket-list adventures than they were a year ago. By comparison, 29% report no change and only 3% are less interested.
Interest in quieter, less crowded destinations (JOMO – Joy of Missing Out) is also surging. Nearly 66% say they are more interested in escaping crowded tourist destinations, while 34% report no change and virtually none say they are less interested.
In contrast, travellers are increasingly rejecting trends driven by social pressure. Perhaps most striking, travellers everywhere are turning away from social media-driven travel motivations.
Interest in FOMO itineraries, movie-inspired travel and event-centered trips remains low. Only 15% are more interested in packing vacations with as many activities as possible to avoid missing out (FOMO), while 58% report no change and 27% are less interested.
Movie and television-inspired travel appears to have the weakest appeal. Only 5% say they are more interested in visiting destinations featured on screen, while 60% report no change and 35% are less interested.
“Experienced travellers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their time abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “They’re choosing experiences that are personally meaningful rather than simply popular. Instead of chasing crowds, they’re seeking authenticity, flexibility and memorable experiences.”
The movement extends beyond destination selection. Nearly 31% of travellers say they are more interested in selecting destinations based on value, compared with 58% reporting no change and 11% becoming less interested.
“The survey reflects a maturing traveller mindset,” Richards said. “People aren’t travelling to impress others or recreate what they’ve seen online. They’re travelling to create experiences that matter to them personally. That’s changing where they go, how they plan and what defines a successful trip.”
The findings also suggest that experienced international travellers are balancing aspiration with practicality. While many continue to pursue ambitious bucket-list adventures, they are increasingly combining those goals with quieter destinations, better value and more personalized travel experiences.
“Today’s experienced traveller isn’t abandoning adventure,” Richards added. “They’re redefining it. The emphasis has shifted from seeing the most places to having the most meaningful experiences.”
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