Despite persistent increases in airfare, hotel rates and other travel expenses, experienced international travellers are continuing to travel abroad with relatively few changes to their plans, according to the latest Global Rescue Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey.
More than seven in 10 travellers (71%) said higher travel costs have not changed their international travel plans.
When travellers did adjust their plans, the most common response was reducing time spent at their destination rather than cancelling or postponing travel. Overall, 16% said they reduced activities or discretionary spending, 6% postponed a trip, 5% chose a less expensive destination and 2% shortened their trip.
Non-US-based travellers were more likely than US-based travellers to seek lower-cost destinations (9% versus 4%) and were slightly more likely to reduce spending (17% versus 15%) or shorten their trips (3% versus 2%).
“The survey shows experienced international travellers remain committed to seeing the world even as costs continue to rise,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies. “Rather than cancelling trips, they’re making thoughtful adjustments that preserve the experience while controlling discretionary spending.”
Travellers overwhelmingly identified airfare as the expense that increased the most over the past year, cited by 77% of respondents. Hotel and accommodation costs ranked second at 47%, followed by food and dining (40%), travel insurance (22%), tours and activities (19%), baggage fees (16%) and ground transportation (14%).
“Airfare has become the great equalizer, nearly everyone feels those increases regardless of where they live,” Richards said. “But once travellers arrive, local costs vary significantly by destination, exchange rates and regional inflation (leading to) sharper increases in lodging and dining.”
Richards said the findings reflect a broader shift in traveller behaviour. Rather than abandoning international travel, experienced travellers are becoming more strategic by booking earlier, seeking greater value and trimming optional expenses instead of sacrificing the trip itself.
“International travel remains a priority for these travellers because they recognize its personal and professional value,” he said. “They’re adapting their budgets, not giving up their plans. That’s a sign of resilience and careful planning, not reduced interest in exploring the world.”
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