Recent research shows travel risk is now the key decision-maker for Australians planning holidays in 2026 with travel safety concerns influencing where they go, how they travel and the confidence they feel before booking.
As Australians move into 2026, travellers are proving more risk-averse than ever with travel safety concerns now playing a decisive role in destination choice and travel planning.
According to the 2025 Europ Assistance Holiday Barometer, health risks are the top factor influencing destination decisions for 83 per cent of Australians surveyed.
Natural disasters (80%), the current political climate (77%) and the threat of personal attacks (76%) also factor into the decision of where to holiday.
Fear of losing personal belongings (55%), illness while travelling (54%) and theft (51%) were also high on the list of travel safety concerns.
Aussies surveyed also cited other travel safety concerns, such as being scammed at their destination (49%), the quality of medical facilities abroad (48%), and not being able to return home (47%), impacting where and how they’ll travel this year.
Add ongoing concerns about currency fluctuations and the cost of living, and it’s no wonder that many travellers are feeling anxious about health and safety while travelling.
It’s an opportunity for travel advisors to demonstrate their value by advising clients with up-to-date destination and insurance coverage information and highlighting reputable tourism operators and products they can trust.
Part of Europ Assistance Australia, Insure&Go‘s Commercial & Marketing Director David Mayo said rising anxiety could impact how Australians travel.
“We’re seeing that Australians are more conscious of the risks that come with travel and given that awareness it’s actively shaping their decisions. Health, safety and security are central to where people choose to go and how they plan their trips,” he said.
Price pressures and overcrowding are also weighing on holidaymakers’ minds when it comes to travel safety concerns with 78 per cent saying the cost of living in their chosen destination impacts their decision, while 76 per cent are worried about overcrowding.
“What this shows is that Australians are far more discerning. They’re still keen on taking holidays, but they are more cautious about where they go, how they prepare and what protection they have in place. The risks are now more than ever influencing their itineraries,” Mayo said.
Read the full report here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: As health and safety concerns reshape travel decisions, advisors who confidently address risk, insurance and destination realities are well placed to turn traveller uncertainty into trust and informed bookings.
