The bustling summer travel season has become a distant memory, and the pandemic’s mask mandates and lockdowns are now history. So, is it finally, at long last, safe to venture out and travel once more? Well, it’s a nuanced answer. According to industry experts, travel still carries inherent risks, and navigating these waters requires caution. While concerns like a resurgence in COVID cases and geopolitical tensions linger, possibly the most substantial threat you face is yourself.

Former U.S. Army Green Beret and Global Rescue security operations supervisor, Adam Bardwell, points out that the most significant security risk travelers encounter often lies within themselves. It’s attributed to insufficient planning, a lack of familiarity with the destination, and disregarding potential signs of danger.

Recent incidents are clear examples. In the last month, a British tourist died trying to climb a dangerous 131-foot ladder called the Stairway to Heaven in Austria. And earlier this summer, another British traveler lost their life while attempting to drink every cocktail at a Jamaican hotel’s pool bar, which had drinks like the Kamikaze and Club Stinger – a clear warning.

These instances highlight the need for careful planning and using common-sense safety measures. Even though travel might seem safer now, there are still potential risks. Checking the State Department’s travel advisories shows that well-liked international destinations like England, France, and Italy are usually considered safe, but that doesn’t mean complete safety.

According to John Gobbels, Chief Operating Officer of air medical transport and travel security at Medjet, hotspots can erupt quicker than governments can react. Escalating political tensions between Taiwan and China, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, ongoing riots in France, and protests across Central and South America, coupled with natural disasters, all contribute to traveler unease.

Furthermore, even in seemingly secure destinations, travel isn’t without risk. Illness is a bigger worry now compared to the summer, as there has been a rise in respiratory problems observed by Medjet.

For domestic travelers, the State Department doesn’t provide a safety rating for U.S. travel, but the U.K and Canada. offer their assessments, which can be disconcerting. The U.K. warns that terrorists are very likely to attempt attacks in the USA.

In light of these factors, experts urge travelers not to lower their guard and instead increase their safety measures. Christina Tunnah, General Manager of Marketing and Brands at World Nomads, recommends a series of precautions, including thorough destination research to avoid risky activities and areas, current vaccinations (especially for international travel), purchasing adequate travel insurance, including medical evacuation memberships like Medjet or Global Rescue, and creating backup plans with emergency contacts.

Among these precautions, efficient planning is often underestimated. For instance, Daniela Shields shared her experience of purchasing a Global Rescue membership for her daughter, who became entangled in violent protests while studying abroad in Hong Kong in 2019. Shields hadn’t expected security problems, but when they emerged, Alli knew what to do, and Global Rescue swiftly helped her return home safely.

In short, traveling always involves some level of risk, even in very safe places, and unexpected events can happen anytime and anywhere. However, taking proactive steps like checking your insurance, staying healthy, staying connected while abroad, and knowing who to contact in emergencies can greatly reduce these risks. With the arrival of the fall season, it’s essential to prioritize your health, get vaccinated, use masks when necessary, and carry hand sanitizer. Staying in constant contact, particularly when journeying overseas, is vital for safety, and solutions like eSIMs can assist with this. In summary, preparedness is crucial because, as the saying suggests, unexpected events can occur while traveling.