International travel has now come full circle from the lockdowns, business closures and anemic tourism activity that characterized the pandemic era.

Global tourism returned to 96% of pre-pandemic levels during the first half of 2024, according to the World Tourism Barometer published by the United Nations. Researchers determined that:

“International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history,” UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in a September 2024 statement about the travel trends. “The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions.”

Pololikashvili added that the uptick in globetrotting parallels the need for planning and management in places that people are seeking out so “the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies.”

This statement may be especially germane to some of the off-the-beaten-path destinations that adventurers now select, as these locations often lie a bit further down the road than such must-see, bucket-list sites as Chichén Itzá in Mexico or France’s glittering Eiffel Tower.

The slideshow above illustrates some of the trendiest travel destinations for 2025, as selected by Expedia. “We look at places showing a jump in interest, then investigate why travelers’ interest is piqued, whether it’s to get away from the crowds, slow the pace, or tap into a cultural moment,” Expedia VP of Public Relations Melanie Fish said in an article about the results: "Dive in: 2025’s trending destinations" was penned for Expedia Magazine by travel writer Anna Hart, whose insights about each locale are included in our slideshow.

Since travel is often on people’s minds in December, either because they’re gearing up to visit family for the holidays or beginning to percolate on next year’s vacation, December also can be an opportune time for insurance professionals to guide their clients through travel insurance benefits and options. The Insurance Information Institute points out that there are four kinds of travel coverage to consider before taking a trip:

  • Trip cancellation insurance;
  • Baggage insurance/personal effects coverage;
  • Emergency medical assistance; and
  • Accidental death.
There also are specific trip-related waivers and coverages to protect against the unexpected such as:
  • Missed connections;
  • Travel delays;
  • Emergency evacuations;
  • 24-hour traveler assistance; and
  • Collision/damage coverage for rented cars.
"Travel insurance," writes globetrotting guru Rick Steves, "can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling [including] accidents, illness, missed flights, canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die."

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