Confidence towards travel is increasing
International insurer International Medical Group (IMG) has released survey results, identifying US travellers’ overall willingness to travel internationally in 2021, as well as their opinions on the importance of safety precautions
Among several key takeaways and future travel trends, the Future of Travel Survey revealed increased confidence towards travel, reporting that 71 per cent plan on travelling internationally in 2021.
"With vaccines becoming more readily available and cities, countries, and businesses continuing to reopen, people are beginning to take their anxiously awaited leisure getaways and planning for even more travel later this year," said IMG's Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Winkle. "The pent-up desire to travel combined with the success of the US vaccination rollout is driving increased booking behaviour and IMG is prepared to protect our members' trip investments and health as they embark on their long-awaited trips."
Almost half want to go abroad before September
Of the 71 per cent of respondents planning to travel internationally in 2021, 49 per cent plan to embark on their first trip abroad before September, and a further 88 per cent of respondents are planning to travel domestically this year. Additionally, 52 per cent of respondents said they are more likely to purchase a travel protection or travel medical insurance plan for their next trip.
"For years now, travel medical insurance has been a must-have for international travellers to protect themselves from unexpected accidents or illnesses. The events of the past year have further shown the importance of having proper coverage when away from home," said Winkle. "Now, as travellers begin taking and booking their first trips since the pandemic, travel protection plans should absolutely be a consideration; not only to insure non-refundable trip costs should their ability to travel change prior to departing for their trip, but also for protection against events that could cause trip interruption."