Expecting the unexpected: managing travel risks in 2024
Louise Heywood, General Manager at the International Assistance Group (IAG), considers how to tackle the biggest risks to travellers this year
According to experts, 2023 was the worst year on record for climate disasters. We saw volcanic eruptions that closed much of Iceland to tourists; devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco; snowstorms closing airports in Europe; and floods and raging bushfires in Australia.
These events are becoming more frequent and generally more severe, so whether they affect the ability of the traveller to leave home, travel without disruption, or they have to curtail their trip, the volatility and unpredictability of weather events is likely to continue, if not escalate further in 2024 and beyond.
Air turbulence is increasing, with more frequent flight disruptions due to in-flight injuries among airline crew and passengers. Covid-19 is still around, with travellers being exposed to different strains in other countries, so keeping vaccinations up to date will reduce the likelihood of being laid up during the much-anticipated overseas trip.
Political instability, riots, and protests
Political instability in much of the world is unlikely to dissipate. Not so long ago, Russia and Israel were on many tourists’ wish lists, but have quickly become no-go zones, and travellers to neighbouring countries need to be highly vigilant.
Checking which countries have elections on the horizon is also worthwhile as those unstable politically often experience riots, protests and worse around that time, so should be avoided or at least approached with extreme caution. Talking of protests, the motorways in France were shut down earlier this year by angry farmers, which made travel within and across the country extremely difficult.
Many travellers who feel perfectly well at home can experience serious medical events as soon as they travel
For business travellers, who are generally on tighter schedules, these types of inconveniences can be particularly stressful. Large organisations should have good travel risk management programs, ensuring their travellers are alerted to changing circumstances at their destination and can be delayed or diverted to avoid putting them at harm.
For smaller businesses, check what information is available from your travel agent or insurer to stay up to date, particularly when travelling to less touristic destinations that may not be well covered by mainstream media reports. Tourists have to rely on regular newsfeeds, but monitoring reputable social media feeds can also help to keep them informed.
Poor preparation and dodgy tour operators
Another risk I see is unscrupulous tour operators cashing in on popular activities in countries where personal health and safety are not as high of a priority as they might be in the travellers’ hometowns.
During a recent trip to Central America, I noticed hundreds of people arrive and immediately sign up for the number one tourist activity: climbing a volcano that rises to 4,000 metres. While the risk of another eruption is always possible, the greater risk I observed was no expectation to acclimatise before tackling the climb, and no expectation of appropriate footwear despite the slippery terrain worn very thin by the 300–400 people trekking up every day.
As a result, one in two people experience altitude sickness and have to descend without reaching the summit, and others sustain injuries on the slippery surfaces with inappropriate footwear. During my day trip, I witnessed a young hiker slip and break a leg at the top of a mountain, so they had to be carried down a difficult descent in the dark. These incidents can be avoided with proper preparation, appropriate equipment, and not getting swept along with the enthusiasm of local guides.
The possibility of ill health
On the individual level, personal health is always a risk. Many travellers who feel perfectly well at home can experience serious medical events as soon as they travel due to the effects of altitude or heightened stress compared with their normal routine.
With the ageing population, ‘revenge travel’ post-lockdowns is becoming more of a trend for older travellers seeking more adventurous activities in far-flung locations where it can be challenging to obtain fast and effective medical treatment.
The importance of purchasing a good travel policy, declaring and covering any pre-existing illnesses, and getting a thorough medical check before leaving home must not be underestimated.
Telemedicine for travellers is helping, particularly in countries where it may be difficult to find a good local doctor who can converse in the traveller’s native language, so it’s worth checking if this is provided by the policy or their assistance provider.
Lost or stolen personal belongings are also stressful and time-wasting – but again, technology can help, such as a tracking device, like an Apple AirTag, in your luggage, so at least you know if it has made your airline connection. Or, even better, travel with carry-on only and keep everything close to hand.
Expect the unexpected
I think the main thing for travellers in 2024 is to expect the unexpected. Assume there could be disruptions, so consider having a plan B and allow time for delays and disruptions. Bookings that can be cancelled or changed reduce the financial burden of having to change plans, because even if travellers are covered by travel insurance, there are likely to be excess payments that often make claiming for short inconveniences not worthwhile.