Greater than half of Americans who travel internationally require “recovery time” after they first get there (58%), in line with recent research.
A survey of two,000 Americans who’ve traveled abroad inside the past five years checked out how they prepare for his or her excursions and located that coming back home isn’t any easier, as the typical person spends 4 days in “recovery mode” after the trip ends.
On average, respondents begin preparing 15 days before a world trip.
Greater than half said they “physically prepare” themselves by practicing their steps or going to the doctor beforehand (58%).
Other popular ways people prepare for international travel are by making copies of essential documents (37%), arranging to have cellphone service (29%) and buying travel insurance (30%).
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of AIG Travel, the survey revealed that many find all of this prep to be value it, with nearly a 3rd saying international trips are more fun than domestic trips (29%).
Those surveyed recalled a few of their favorite destinations they’ve ever visited, like Hong Kong, Machu Picchu in Peru, Cape Town in South Africa, the Great Wall of China and Sao Paolo, Brazil.
After they travel, respondents discover as “The Planner” greater than another personality type (16%), claiming they’re the one who plans a lot of the trip and keeps everyone on time.
One other 14% say they’re “The Tourist” who all the time desires to see the tourist sites while 13% are “The Foodie” all the time concerned about trying recent foods.
One in eight admit to being “The Wanderer” who doesn’t keep on with plans and finds their very own way.
While 1 / 4 of those surveyed don’t mind being seen as a tourist when traveling internationally (26%), one other 41% say they fight to “mix in” so others don’t see them that way.
“Every traveler is exclusive, but irrespective of what your travel personality could also be, it’s essential to be prepared to your trip by understanding any risks at your destination and to all the time be vigilant and aware of your surroundings,” said Jeff Rutledge, CEO, AIG Travel.
While one in 4 “all the time” keep up a correspondence with family members when traveling (24%), one in eight admit they “rarely” or “never” do and check out to enjoy their time away.
Even with their research, nearly 1 / 4 of those surveyed have at the very least three “panic” moments while traveling internationally (23%).
Essentially the most common moments of panic include issues with their flight being canceled or missed (29%), losing their luggage (23%) or not having the ability to understand or speak the language of the country they’re visiting (22%).
Americans also shared a few of the top things to avoid when traveling internationally like engaging in potentially offensive behavior comparable to gestures or wearing certain clothing (48%) or giving in to people who find themselves attempting to sell you something (33%).
Thirty-nine percent of respondents said that safety is all the time top of mind when traveling internationally.
The highest safety suggestions they’d offer are to be wary of your surroundings (39%), keep copies of essential documents in a protected place (29%) and research the security of your intended destination beforehand (21%).
Still, respondents can’t get enough of being abroad, with nearly half saying they plan on traveling before the top of 2023 (47%).
Six in ten (61%) are making it a goal to travel more internationally in 2024 than they did in 2023.
“It’s likely that more people shall be traveling in 2024, and with recent tourism policies being put in place to make sure sustainability in certain destinations, proper advance preparation is essential to having an enjoyable journey,” said Rutledge.
Suggestions for preparing for international travel
- Do ample research ahead of time — 39%
- Make copies of essential documents — 37%
- Share your itinerary with family members — 30%
- Keep an open mind to the culture — 30%
- Purchase travel insurance — 30%
Top things to avoid when traveling internationally
- Engaging in potentially offensive behavior — 48%
- Giving in to people who find themselves attempting to sell you something — 33%
- Waiting until the last minute to pack — 29%
- Dressing flashily — 25%
- Tiring yourself out too quickly — 22%
