Travel is showing no signs of slowing for risk averse travellers who are motivated by the adoption of a YOLO (You Only Live Once) appreciation for life (43%) coupled with having more money and time (31%) available to dedicate to their travel plans, according to the Summer 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

“The combination of individuals with more time, disposable income, and a carpe diem attitude is sustaining travel industry growth,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.

According to the survey of experienced global travellers, eight out of 10 (81%) indicate they are either planning more trips (43%) or maintaining the same number of trips (38%) this year compared to their previous travel habits.

In 2024, a third of travellers (34%) are planning, or taking, longer trips, seeking to maximize their experiences away from home. As wanderlust grows, nearly half (49%) of respondents are eager to explore new destinations, while 44% are inclined to venture into more remote locales.

Notably, 27% are even pursuing riskier destinations, reflecting a shift to bolder travel experiences.

Despite ongoing global challenges, including the war in Ukraine and violent conflict in the Middle East, travellers appear undeterred.

Civil unrest and terrorism are no longer the leading concerns on the minds of travellers about their future travel. According to the survey, having an injury or illness (51%) is the foremost concern among travellers, followed by civil unrest and terrorism (15%), losing a passport, credit cards or wallet/purse (10%), trip cancellation (9%), natural disasters (6%) and being robbed (4%).

“Travellers are shrugging off concerns about international travel risks in favour of focusing on the benefits of exploration and adventure,” said Richard.

(Founded in 2004, Global Rescue is a leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments, and individuals).