International travel demand remains resilient in 2026, with 70% of experienced travelers maintaining their overseas itineraries, according to a new survey from Global Rescue. The findings, drawn from more than 1,100 frequent travelers, reveal persistent divides along geographic and gender lines that travel industry stakeholders — from airline network planners to hotel revenue managers — should factor into their strategies.
Geopolitical Fears and Cost Pressures Shape Travel Decisions
Geopolitical instability is the single largest deterrent, cited by 37% of respondents as a reason to avoid or postpone international trips. The concern is notably higher among women (47%) than men (35%). Non-US-based travelers also express greater unease (42%) compared to their US counterparts (39%). Economic factors compound the picture: 23% of non-US respondents cite cost as a barrier, versus just 12% of US-based travelers.
These patterns align with broader shifts in global travel behavior. As noted in our coverage of India leading the global domestic travel trend for 2026, rising costs and geopolitical tensions are prompting many travelers to reconsider long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home options.
Gender and Geography Drive Divergent Travel Intentions
While men and women travel internationally at similar rates, their future intentions diverge. Men are more uncertain: 28% say they are unsure about returning to international travel within the next year, compared to 14% of women. Women, however, are more conditional in their planning — 15% say their return depends on evolving circumstances, versus just 3% of men.
Geographic differences are equally pronounced. Non-US-based travelers show a stronger intent to resume global travel, with 44% very likely to take international trips in the next 12 months, compared to 37% of US-based respondents. US travelers are more inclined to substitute international trips with domestic travel, a trend that benefits domestic-focused carriers and hotel chains but challenges international destinations reliant on American visitors.
Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, summarized the findings: "Confidence is shaped by geopolitical awareness, economic pressures, and individual risk tolerance, with meaningful differences across gender and geography."
Implications for Travel Industry Players
For airlines, the data suggests that carriers with strong domestic networks — such as Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and IndiGo — may see sustained demand from US-based travelers, while international carriers like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa should tailor marketing to address safety concerns and offer flexible booking policies. Hotel groups, including Marriott International and Accor, could benefit from promoting domestic and regional properties to risk-averse segments.
Cruise lines, which often navigate multiple geopolitical zones, may need to emphasize itinerary safety and transparent communication. Tour operators and travel advisors should prepare to offer clients detailed risk assessments and alternative routing options. The findings also underscore the importance of loyalty programs that reward both domestic and international travel, as seen with boutique Maldives resorts joining global loyalty programs to attract luxury travelers seeking intimacy and security.
Despite the divides, 63% of respondents are likely to return to international travel within the next 12 months, signaling that the overall market remains healthy. Travel-tech vendors can leverage this sentiment by offering tools that help travelers navigate geopolitical risks — such as real-time safety alerts and AI-driven itinerary adjustments, similar to the AI adoption surge among affluent women in lower-tier cities.
As the industry adapts to a bifurcated travel landscape, the key takeaway for executives is clear: confidence is not monolithic. Tailoring products, messaging, and risk management to specific traveler segments will be essential to capturing demand in 2026.
