Traveller fears are dwindling at the same time many are hoping to plan trips to countries that currently garner some government “reconsider travel” warnings, according to a new poll.

Before the pandemic, people were more content with traditional tourist attractions, according to the poll conducted by US-based travel risk and crisis response provider, Global Rescue.

Viewing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and taking a River Seine cruise in Paris, visiting India’s Taj Mahal, or soaking up the sun on the Guanabara Bay, Rio De Janeiro, during Carnival, were historically go-to vacation activities.

But now, tourists have a growing enthusiasm for places and activities beyond the traditional, some of which may be “risky.”

“As the travel rebound continues, traveller worries are shifting dramatically, and their appetite for exploring the world is increasing,” says Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies.

It in its recent member poll of some of the world’s most experienced travellers, Global Rescue says traveller concerns about civil unrest and terrorism decreased by half in the last six months, declining from 14% to 7% since January 2023.

Meanwhile, apprehension about COVID exposure and infection while travelling has dramatically dropped at a rate of 88%, down to 4% compared to 33% in August 2022.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents in the summer 2023 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey said their greatest anxiety is having an injury or accident followed by trip cancellation (13%). Yet, despite that, travellers are increasingly interested in visiting new destinations outside of the traditional ones.

Richards notes that the US Department of State issues a travel advisory for every country and rates them on a risk scale from 1 to 4.

A country with a Level 4 designation carries a “Do Not Travel” advisory due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. A Level 1 travel advisory is the lowest level for safety and security and advises travellers to exercise normal precautions. Travellers going to countries with a Level 2 advisory are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to heightened risks to safety and security.

The countries listed by US officials as Level 3 are the destinations where government officials advise people to reconsider travel due to possible risks to safety and security. Among the list of 20 countries with a Level 3 travel advisory, Egypt, Colombia, China, are the top destinations the world’s most experienced travellers want to visit. Nigeria, El Salvador, Cote d’Ivoire, and Niger were the least desirous places, according to the survey. (Ed. note: A coup in Niger this week proved respondent correct).

“The desire and willingness to travel to less touristy destinations are how many travellers will avoid the crowds associated with the post-pandemic travel rebound,” Richards added. “Before COVID, people were content with traditional tourist destinations. But now, places that are less accessible and a little more risky are gaining interest.”

Survey

The Global Rescue survey of more than 2,300 of its current and former members was conducted from July 11-15, 2023. The respondents exposed a range of behaviors, attitudes, and preferences regarding international and domestic travel.