In late 2024, travel insurance company World Nomads, conducted a survey to uncover participants’ travel aspirations for 2025. And, while the results found that vacationers have their sights set on a variety of destinations and experiences in the new year, the data also revealed a glaring trend among respondents: adventure travel is hot, hot, hot. A niche that’s soared in popularity over the last few years, travelers are still looking to get outside in 2025 with 42% of participants sharing they’re looking forward to a solo expedition, 46% reporting they’re dreaming of embarking on a mountainous escape and 55% stating they plan to prioritize adventurous activities like hiking and trekking.
Because going off the beaten path has more assumed risk than a less adventurous vacation, World Nomads asked survey-takers which travel mishaps they’re most concerned about as they begin planning for upcoming getaways. Interestingly, 32% of respondents said they worry about getting sick or injured far from home while 18% cited losing their luggage or personal belongings as a top fear.
While no one ever expects their vacation to go awry, the truth is, bad things can and do happen. That’s why it’s important for travelers to protect their investment by purchasing travel insurance from a trusted provider. Don’t know where to start? Ask your local travel agent. In the meantime, check out these fun tidbits from World Nomads surrounding three common travel mishaps.
Baggage Woes
According to a recent article from mlive.com, over 2.8 million pieces of checked luggage were lost, damaged, delayed or stolen among Americans who flew domestically in 2023. That’s a lot of bags, and the startling stat was corroborated by World Nomads who shared that a high percentage of their total claims account for lost luggage, especially those filed by U.S. travelers. Further, World Nomads revealed the top five countries for lost bag claims, according to its data,
naming Switzerland, Mexico, France, Itay and the U.S. as the top offenders. Likewise, the top three destinations with the highest rate of stolen bags, according to World Nomads, are Spain, Italy and Mexico; something the company attributes to large crowds and pickpockets who often target distracted tourists.
To avoid coming down with a case of baggage blues, World Nomads recommends travelers utilize trackers like Air Tags which can be physically attached to their luggage and tracked in real time.
Fender Benders
Nothing quite compares to the stress of an accident, especially when you’re on vacation or driving a rental car. While vacationers can take steps to prepare for driving in a new destination, including ensuring they’re comfortable behind the wheel in their native country and brushing up on road rules and regulations wherever they plan to travel, accidents are just that: accidental. Curious where the most fender benders occur? According to World Nomads, Norway, Peru and France have a high rate of claims for vehicular accidents due to their scenic one-way roads, high mountain passes and limited public transport. On the flipside, the company reported Greenland, Romania and Mongolia as less likely countries for car accidents.
Regarding rental cars, World Nomads’ data showed that Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. ranked as especially accident-prone for U.S. drivers, possibly due to the requirement to drive on the opposite side of the road. Surprisingly, Iceland ranked low for rental car damage, a result that varies from my lived experience, as my husband and I found our windshield chipped after touring the Golden Circle.
Sickness and Injury
Anyone who travels will agree, it can take it out of you. From long days with little time to rest and recuperate to changes in routine that can mess with the body, exploring the world can be hard work. Knowing how difficult it is to bounce back while on the road, World Nomads reminded travelers that a little preparedness can go a long way, encouraging them to pack essentials like medications and face masks to help prevent sickness while away from home.
Interestingly, the company cited Italy, Spain and Tanzania as the destinations with the highest percentage of claims for medical sickness and Thailand and Indonesia as the highest for medical accidents and injuries, many of which can be chalked up to motorcycle accidents.
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