Top Traveler Concerns in 2025 and How Travel Protection Can Help

77% of U.S. travelers say they’re happy or excited to travel this year, according to our latest survey of summer travel plans. But this excitement comes with risk, danger, and unexpected pitfalls that travelers are worried about.

From concerns like flight delays, scams, and lost luggage to more serious risks like illness abroad and natural disasters, travelers are increasingly aware of how unpredictable the travel landscape has become. These concerns are prompting more people to think about how to prepare for the unexpected — including the smart use of travel insurance and assistance services.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key findings from the survey data and show how you can plan a more confident trip this summer.

Top Travel Concerns: What’s Worrying U.S Travelers in 2025?

Even with growing excitement, the 2025 travel landscape brings new concerns. Knowing these risks can help you take steps to avoid them or reduce their impact on your trip.

In addition to the usual concerns about travel delays or cancellations, some other findings in the survey stood out:

• Worry about getting sick while traveling is up 16% from last year. Concerns about another pandemic are up 17%. The memories of the Covid-19 pandemic are still fresh, and travelers want assurance they won’t be stranded without access to care.
• Fear of natural disasters has risen 41% this year. Wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes have disrupted travel plans across the globe in recent years, and 2025 looks no different.
• Political instability is a growing concern, up 37%. With global conflicts and local unrest making headlines, more travelers are researching about geopolitical risks before booking international trips.
• 41% are concerned about personal safety during trip planning. Whether it's crime, unsafe transportation, or unfamiliar locations, personal security is now top-of-mind for a growing number of travelers.

These fears aren’t unfounded. In 2024 alone, travel was disrupted across multiple regions  due to weather emergencies, unexpected strikes, border closures, and health alerts. As more people look for meaningful travel experiences, they are also seeking peace of mind.

Also Read: The Most Common Vacation Accidents – And How Travel Protection May Help

Delays and Cancellations Still Plague Air Travel

Concern over trip cancellations and delays has increased by 28%. Airlines continue to face challenges related to staffing shortages , weather disruptions, and logistics.

The ripple effects of even a minor delay can result in:

• Missed events or tours
• Unexpected hotel stays
• Additional transportation costs
• Long hours spent on rebooking and rearranging travel plans

If you're flying this summer, allow extra time in your itinerary and consider flights with longer layovers to minimize disruption.s Booking nonstop flights where possible and traveling earlier in the day can also improve your chances of staying on schedule. Flexibility is key.

Travel Scams Are Becoming More Sophisticated

According to a recent survey, 42% of U.S. travelers are concerned about scams. Criminals are adapting quickly to digital behavior, using convincing fake websites and social media ads to lure travelers.

Common scam tactics include:

• Fake booking sites that mimic legitimate travel agencies or airlines.
• Phishing emails that claim your booking has changed and ask you to “log in” to fix the issue.
• Vacation rental scams, where travelers arrive only to find the property doesn’t exist.

These scams can lead to:

• Financial loss
• Identity theft
• Missed travel opportunities

To help protect yourself, always book through trusted platforms, verify URLs, and use payment methods that offer fraud protection. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Lost and Delayed Luggage

Lost luggage remains a top frustration for U.S. travelers. Bags may be delayed, mishandled, or never arrive — especially during peak travel months.

To prepare:

• Pack essentials in your carry-on, including medications, toiletries, one change of clothes, and valuables.
• Use GPS luggage tags or tracking apps to monitor your bag’s location in real-time.
• Save receipts or take photos of packed items to help with reimbursement claims if your bag is lost or delayed.

Baggage and Baggage Delay coverage included in travel protection plans can make this headache much easier to deal with — by helping to reimburse you for essentials while your bag is missing or replacing certain items that never return.

Changing Plans Mid-Trip

Life happens! Trips sometimes need to be adjusted or canceled. Whether it’s a family emergency, illness, or severe weather, unexpected changes can be costly if you’re locked into non-refundable bookings.

Even minor changes like missing a prepaid tour or needing to leave a day early can add up. Travel protection may help recover those lost costs and give you flexibility when things don’t go according to plan.

Travel Protection: Why It Matters in 2025

Despite growing concerns about travel disruptions , just 41% of travelers say they plan to purchase travel protection this summer. That leaves a large number of people vulnerable to financial losses if their plans go sideways.

In a time when flights are more expensive, experiences are often booked months in advance, and disruptions are more frequent, travel protection is no longer a luxury — it’s a smart necessity.

What Travel Protection Can Help With

Travel protection plans vary in features and benefits, but a well-rounded plan typically includes several key coverages that address the most common travel concerns in 2025:

• Trip Cancellation Coverage - Helps cover non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason—such as getting sick before departure, a family emergency, or severe weather. With trip costs averaging over $3,000, Trip Cancellation coverage may  help reimburse travelers from losing thousands of dollars.
• Trip Interruption Coverage - If something happens mid-trip and you need to return home early, this benefit may help reimburse unused portions of your trip and help cover the cost of last-minute transportation or accommodations. Think of it as a financial lifeline for unexpected detours.
• Baggage and Baggage Delay Coverage - Luggage gets lost more often during peak travel times. Travel protection may help reimburse you for essential items while you wait for delayed bags—or for certain personal property if your bags are never recovered. It also helps reimburse the costs of replacing necessary items like or clothing.
• Emergency Medical and Dental Coverage - Many domestic health insurance plans don’t provide adequate coverage abroad—or even out-of-state. Travel protection helps reimburse out-of-pocket costs for treatment, hospitalization, or emergency dental care if you’re injured or become ill while traveling.
• Emergency Assistance and Transportation Coverage - If you experience a serious medical emergency, this coverage helps to transport you to the nearest qualified medical facility—or even back to your home country if medically necessary. Costs for emergency air transport can easily exceed $50,000 without coverage.
• 24/7 Travel Assistance Services - These on-call teams are available any time of day or night to assist with emergencies—whether that means finding a local doctor, replacing lost documents, coordinating emergency transportation, or helping rebook delayed flights.

Real-Life Scenarios: Why Travel Protection Pays Off

Travel protection acts as a powerful safety net when the unexpected happens. Here are some real-world situations where having coverage can provide critical support:

• Severe Weather Delays
  A couple’s flight to Florida is canceled due to a hurricane warning. With Trip Cancellation coverage, they may be eligible for coverage that helps offset the cost of their prepaid hotel and excursions—allowing them to reschedule their trip without taking a major financial hit.
• Lost Luggage Abroad
  A traveler arrives in Italy, but their luggage doesn’t make it. With Baggage Delay coverage, they may receive support for purchasing essential items like toiletries, clothes, and vital items. If the bag is never recovered, their plan may offer coverage for the loss of personal belongings.
• Medical Emergency Overseas
  While hiking in New Zealand, a traveler suffers a broken ankle. With Emergency Assistance and Transportation and Medical and Dental coverage, their plan may help cover medical treatment and provide support for safe transportation to a nearby hospital or back home if needed.
• Family Emergency
  Halfway through a road trip in California, a traveler receives news that a parent has been hospitalized. Trip Interruption coverage may help with the cost of returning home and assist with unused portions of the trip, easing the burden during an emotional and stressful time.

These examples show how the right travel protection plan can help shield travelers from not just inconvenience—but serious financial loss.

Travel Protection Can Also Enhance Your Trip

While most people think of travel protection as something you use only in a worst-case scenario, many plans come with services that can improve your experience from the moment you leave home. For instance:

• Concierge Services (available with Generali Global Assistance plans) help with restaurant reservations, finding local tours or attractions, booking event tickets, or locating specialty services in your destination.
• Pre-trip Information can include health and safety advisories, visa requirements, or local customs to help you prepare with confidence.
• Help With Minor Hiccups, such as a lost passport or prescription refill, can help getting your vacation back on track.

These “soft benefits” can turn an average trip into a smooth, hassle-free adventure. Travel protection isn't just about reacting to emergencies — it’s about traveling smarter from the start.

It’s More Affordable Than You Think

Many travelers skip travel protection because they think it will add too much to their travel budget. But for a $3,132 trip (the average cost for two travelers), travel protection can cost only a small percentage of the total — and potentially help with costly expenses if something unexpected happens.

Plus, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected is priceless — especially when exploring new places far from home.

Travel With Confidence in 2025

The 2025 travel season is shaping up to be busy, joyful, and full of new possibilities. But it’s also a time to stay alert and make thoughtful choices. Planning ahead, being flexible, and protecting your trip can make a huge difference if the unexpected happens.

Here’s how to travel smarter this summer:

• Book early to lock in rates and options.
• Use trusted platforms and avoid scams.
• Prepare for delays, especially with flights.
• Stay informed on weather and health advisories.
• Consider travel protection to help safeguard your time, money, and well-being.

Need travel protection for your next trip?
Generali Global Assistance offers plans designed to help when things don’t go as planned. With benefits that help reimburse certain delays, cancellations, lost items, and medical emergencies, plus 24/7 support and helpful Concierge Services, you can explore with greater confidence.

Get a quick no-obligation quote to check plan prices for your trip. Travel safer. Travel smarter.

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