Two-fifths of Americans (39%) have either booked or plan to book an international trip for 2021 or 2022 already, 72% have either booked or looked into purchasing travel insurance, suggesting that Americans are becoming more inclined to protect their trips. That likelihood has increased significantly as travelers realize the many scenarios that can not only impact travel plans but also result in unnecessary fees due to potential changes or issues.
The study showed that younger Americans are looking to travel internationally, with over six in ten (63%) 18–24-year-olds and half (51%) of 25–34-year-olds planning on it as compared to three in ten of those aged 45-54 and 55-64 who plan to do the same (both 31%).
Overall, Mexico is the most popular country Americans plan to visit in 2021 or 2022 (13%), followed by the Bahamas (9%), Italy (9%), Canada (7%), and Germany (7%). Research findings show that Mexico is an especially popular destination among those aged 35-44, where one-fifth (19%) of international travelers in that age group plan on visiting the country. Among the European countries, Italy (9%), Germany (7%), France (6%), Spain (5%), and Greece (3%) make up the top five destinations. In the Caribbean, the top five countries Americans plan to visit include the Bahamas (9%), Jamaica (5%), Aruba (4%), the US Virgin Islands (4%), and the Cayman Islands (3%).
For travelers aged 25–34, adventure travel is of greatest interest (20%), with Americans also seeking culture (17%), relaxation/wellness (15%), and visiting family/friends (15%) during their upcoming travels. Hiking appears to be one of the most popular activities when it comes to outdoor adventures, with 30% of Americans stating they have plans to. Other popular activities Americans traveling internationally plan to do include fishing (22%), camping (18%), backpacking (17%), and sailing (15%). Overall, around three-fourths (73%) of Americans traveling internationally in 2021 or 2022 plan on doing some sort of adventure travel.
When it comes to planning for upcoming travel, study findings showed that two-fifths of Americans traveling abroad are unaware that travel insurance is mandatory in certain countries. Awareness increases amongst younger demographics and three-fourths (75%) of those aged 18-24 who are traveling internationally in 2021/2022 are aware travel insurance are mandatory in certain countries, compared to about half of those aged 55-64 and 60+ (55% and 50%, respectively). Among the countries currently requiring travel insurance are Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.
Travel insurance requirements will not be impeding travel plans, however, with 60% of Americans stating it would not prevent them from traveling abroad. This figure rises among older Americans, where eight in ten (79%) of those aged 65+ who are planning to travel in 2021 or 2022 would still go to a country that required travel insurance. Americans are even willing to purchase additional travel insurance with 65% stating it was fairly or very likely they would.
“After so many Americans experienced abrupt changes to their travel plans last year, resulting in major losses in investments that they likely planned on for months or even years, travelers are savvier when it comes to protecting their valuable travel plans,” said Sasha Gainullin, CEO of battleface. “At battleface, our goal is to provide simple travel solutions that truly cater to what they need. Our Explorer plan, for example, is designed for more active travelers, while our newly launched Discovery option can be completely adapted to the exact needs and requirements of the customer.”
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