A new survey shows travel anxiety is on the rise for U.S. travelers. Roughly 30% of Americans who have only traveled domestically and 20% of those with international travel experience say they feel nervous about taking future trips.
Many cite concerns like potential flight delays, changing government policies, and personal safety for their unease. In fact, 65% of respondents are now considering purchasing travel insurance to get extra peace of mind on their next journey.
This shift in traveler psychology highlights an opportunity for the insurance and travel sectors to provide “peace-of-mind” solutions. Companies can step up with policies and services that address travelers’ fears, from more flexible booking options to insurance plans covering disruptions to help anxious customers feel secure.
Anxiety for International Trips
Most Americans are still planning to travel, but many are feeling more anxious about it than before. Nearly 9 in 10 survey participants have trips planned in the next 12 months, yet about 4 in 10 admit they’re already “getting cold feet” and second-guessing those plans.
International travel is the biggest stressor: 30% of respondents who have only traveled within the U.S. said they’re nervous about the idea of going abroad, and even 1 in 5 travelers with past international experience are reluctant to do it again.
In other words, the prospect of leaving the country is now triggering significant anxiety for a large segment of Americans.
These findings indicate travel anxiety in the USA is running high in 2025, especially regarding overseas trips. Travel experts note that this heightened anxiety is not just about cost or convenience – it’s about safety and uncertainty.
A majority of U.S. travelers report feeling a surge of worry at the thought of traveling internationally, with many openly reconsidering or postponing trips abroad because of it.
Top Travel Anxiety Triggers
What exactly is making Americans so nervous about travel? The survey identified the following top causes fueling travelers’ anxiety :
- Potential delays and cancellations – 42% fear trip disruptions like flight delays or last-minute cancellations.
- Mode of travel – 40% are uneasy about the means of travel itself (for instance, nervous flyers or long drives).
- Government policies – 40% worry about changing government rules or restrictions that could affect their trip (such as travel bans, visa issues, or pandemic-related rules).
- Perception abroad – 39% are concerned about how American tourists are viewed overseas and the kind of reception they might face.
Other reported fears include the possibility of getting injured or ill while traveling (31%), unfamiliarity with the destination (27%), and even memories of bad travel experiences in the past (15%).
Additionally, concerns about personal safety and global instability are creeping into travelers’ minds. There is a growing fear of violence or conflict while abroad, exacerbated by doomscrolling on social media – discussions of worst-case scenarios like nuclear war or another world war have further fueled some travelers’ hesitations. All of these factors are contributing to the overall travel anxiety USA 2025 travelers are experiencing.
Travel Insurance Demand is Rising
With anxiety running high, Americans are increasingly turning to travel insurance and other precautionary measures for reassurance.
Only about 10% of travelers bought insurance for their last trip, yet now 65% say they’re considering travel insurance for their next one – a huge spike in interest.
Nearly one-third of those surveyed even said travel insurance has become their “go-to travel hack,” a must-have for feeling confident enough to take a trip. In other words, travel insurance demand is rising sharply as more people look to safeguard their vacations against the unexpected.
This trend is backed up by industry data: the number of insured trips surged in the past year, with demand for travel insurance growing 14% year-over-year in 2024.
Travel insurance providers are responding by emphasizing coverage features that speak directly to travelers’ current worries. “Travel insurance today is more important to travelers than ever before,” notes one industry expert, citing persistent issues from flight disruptions to health emergencies, and pointing out that trip cancellation and medical coverage have become essential for those venturing abroad in 2025.
For travel companies, there is a clear opening to market “peace of mind” – whether through insurance policies, flexible cancellation options, or 24/7 support services – as a key part of the travel experience.
Americans Still Hitting the Road
Despite the heightened anxiety, it’s important to note that Americans aren’t giving up on travel – they’re just approaching it more cautiously. Nearly 90% of respondents have plans to take a trip in the next year.
The most common reasons for upcoming travel are the traditional ones: visiting family (34% of travelers cited this), taking summer vacations (34%), and enjoying weekend getaways (32%). In other words, people still want to travel for important life moments and relaxation, even as travel confidence wavers.
What’s changing is how they travel. Travelers are increasingly planning ahead for possible problems – buying insurance, booking with flexible cancellation policies, and staying informed about travel advisories – all in an effort to reduce their anxiety.
The current wave of concerns may be making trips a bit more complicated to plan, but it’s also driving innovations and offerings aimed at reassuring travelers. In the end, the emerging picture is one of a travel community that is “tense but determined”: Americans are still eager to go places, but they’re seeking new ways to feel safe and prepared while doing so.
By addressing the causes of travel stress and offering safety nets, the travel and insurance industries can help turn that anxiety into confidence, keeping people on the move even in uncertain times.