Navigating the Perils of 2025: Expert Insights on Travel Dangers Ahead

Cybercriminals. Burglars. Contagious diseases.

According to specialists, these rank as the primary safety concerns in 2025.

“At present, there exists considerable uncertainty regarding travel safety,” states Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.

Even industry experts are feeling anxious. Safety issues are among the leading factors that cause business travelers to decline trips, as indicated by the most recent SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey.

Security experts suggest that the upcoming year will be intriguing for those on the road. When they say “intriguing,” they mean “hazardous.”

Thus, let’s discuss the emerging safety issues in 2025 and how to travel securely in the forthcoming year. Additionally, I will share my preparations for one of the most unpredictable years since the pandemic.

What are the new safety risks in 2025?

Experts in security indicate that the upcoming year will introduce fresh dangers.

• Cyber threats. “This is a primary concern,” says Shaun Boulter, the global operations and security lead for AXA Partners. “Our travelers and clients are increasingly seeking guidance on safeguarding themselves.” And rightfully so. This year, cybersecurity emerged as one of the most pressing issues, as hackers infiltrated companies and political campaign infrastructures. Boulter asserts that education is vital to prevent crises: Travelers ought to implement proactive measures such as confirming their digital security is updated with VPNs and robust passwords.
• Violence targeting travelers. “In various nations perceived as highly appealing travel spots – across Europe and beyond – there have been many demonstrations against tourism,” notes Brittany Lewis, a security operations supervisor at Travel Guard. Her team has observed tourists being singled out, “and we’ve even received accounts directly from customers who faced harassment in different locales.” Lewis believes this trend is set to continue throughout 2025.
• Emerging contagious diseases. “Health hazards are evolving with the emergence of newer COVID-19 variants,” comments Michael Sheridan, an educator at Temple University’s Japan campus. He is correct; in late 2024, COVID cases began to rise as flu season commenced. Sheridan advises consulting your primary healthcare provider or local pharmacy for the latest vaccine dose to aid in protection against COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses.

Cronin, the International Citizens Insurance CEO, has been observing political instability in recent months that could impact travelers. This includes escalating tensions in the Middle East and election-related violence in other regions, such as the United States. He anticipates this will persist into 2025.

He suggests that the optimal way to sidestep such unpredictability is to check the travel advisories published by the U.S. State Department and plan accordingly.

How to enhance safety while traveling in 2025

Let’s acknowledge the obvious. If safety is your priority in 2025, stay home. The world has historically been perilous, and it isn’t becoming any safer. Nevertheless, professionals suggest ways to mitigate some risks.

Ensure your travel insurance encompasses safety concerns

Seek extensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and protection against natural calamities and political turmoil. “Prepare for the unforeseen,” recommends Raymond Yorke, a representative for Redpoint Travel Protection, a travel insurance firm. This means envisioning a worst-case scenario prior to traveling and ensuring you possess coverage for any eventuality.

Collaborate with someone who supports you

This entails either working alongside a professional travel advisor or an organization focused on managing travel risks. Additionally, don’t permit them to simply forward you a link to additional safety resources. Susan Sherren, who operatesCouture Trips provides her customers with a pre-departure Zoom consultation shortly before their travel dates. The supplementary insights and open dialogue about crimes assist in setting proper expectations. “Our clients depart their residences with a proactive outlook,” she states. This approach has enabled them to sidestep potential issues.

Guard your computer

It’s not solely the conventional cyber threats that have specialists concerned. Artificial intelligence is a concern as well. “The rise of AI represents a looming danger,” explains Harding Bush, an associate director of security at Global Rescue. The reasoning: Technological frauds, including deepfake scams, identity deception, and misleading travel advice from automated agents, can jeopardize travelers, particularly when they are arranging their journeys or overseeing their itineraries.

This is the time to exercise caution with global travel

John Rose, the chief risk and security officer at ALTOUR, expresses that the geopolitical climate causes him the most concern. “It’s the greater risk,” he mentions. “It’s not only the election cycles occurring or that will occur internationally, but also the conflicts.” Rose advises to be “incredibly cautious” when organizing a trip in 2025, considering the unpredictable geopolitical environment. Put differently, 2025 may be the time to adopt a more careful approach, particularly regarding travel safety — especially for international journeys.

What are the hotspots? Robert Siciliano, CEO of ProtectNowLLC.com, revealed the map to me. It features areas such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Taiwan. Naturally, there’s also the uncertainty surrounding U.S. politics.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial to have a broader perspective and to heed the nations’ attitudes towards Americans,” he added.

There are current risk evaluation tools that can be beneficial. For instance, World Travel Protection’s Travel Assist Management Portal and Travel Assist App provide its users with real-time updates on security risks, natural calamities, and health hazards.

Is it exceedingly perilous to travel in 2025?

I have been strategizing my travel for 2025. Admittedly, there was a moment when I considered that it might be wise to bypass certain global areas, if not stay put.

I’ve also been receiving inquiries from apprehensive travelers on my consumer advocacy platform, who have been curious: Is it secure to visit there? Is it secure to go anywhere?

I cannot afford to cease traveling, even if some destinations are not precisely sanctioned by the State Department Level 1. I spent some time in the Middle East over the Thanksgiving holiday and will be heading to Southeast Asia this upcoming winter. In some locations on my agenda, I will truly need to be vigilant.

But if I had the means to stop, would I?

After consulting the experts, I have a solid understanding of what lies ahead. Yes, traveling will be hazardous in 2025. However, if you prepare properly, conduct your research, and remain attentive to emerging threats, it is not overly perilous.

As Charlie Sultan, the president of Concur Travel at SAP Concur, explained, “It’s impossible to completely eradicate travel-related threats.”

That holds true for travel in any year.