In 2026, travel is not only still possible but growing worldwide. The context has shifted, though: persistent geopolitical tensions, more frequent flight disruptions, rising costs. Leaving well-informed and properly covered has become the essential condition for a genuinely stress-free trip, wherever you’re headed.
Global tourism is growing, but under pressure
The figures for the first quarter of 2026
Credit: Airplane seating by MattHurst, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Openverse.
According to UN Tourism data, around 307 million international travellers took to the road in Q1 2026, a 2% increase on the same period in 2025. Europe stood out strongly: more than 130 million arrivals were recorded, up 4%.
Some destinations are posting remarkable growth: Greece is up 33%, Ireland up 30%, Finland up 12%. These rises are partly explained by a redirection effect. Faced with instability in the Middle East, many travellers have rerouted their trips towards European destinations perceived as stable.
The Middle East: the main source of disruption in 2026
The Middle East region saw a 14% drop in tourist arrivals in Q1 2026. The ripple effects extend well beyond the conflict zone: rerouted flight corridors, longer journey times and higher ticket prices on airlines using those routes.
According to the UN World Tourism Barometer, 64% of industry experts believe this conflict is negatively affecting tourism demand at their destination: 43% report a moderate impact, 21% a significant one. In Europe, Tourism Economics estimates that up to 4% of international overnight stays are exposed to disruption risk, equivalent to around 103 million nights. A concrete measure of the indirect effects a regional conflict can have on global tourism.
Get my travel insurance quoteThe real risks to plan for before you go
Medical costs abroad: the most underestimated risk
This is often the biggest potential expense and yet the least planned for. According to figures published in 2025 by Geodesk, specialists in international health, the average cost of a hospital stay abroad now exceeds €25,000, and can climb beyond €60,000 depending on the destination.
A few concrete reference points, from the same source:
- United States: an appendicitis can cost between €40,000 and €60,000; a straightforward A&E visit frequently exceeds €3,000 to €5,000.
- Medical repatriation: depending on the level of care required, costs range from €30,000 to €150,000.
To understand what these figures mean in practice, the real cost of an accident abroad provides detailed examples by country and situation.
Flight cancellations and disruptions
Geopolitical tensions are complicating air travel logistics in 2026. Some airlines are modifying their routes, fuel costs are rising, and seat availability is shrinking on several international routes. The risk of a late cancellation or schedule change is higher than in previous years.
A cancellation guarantee in your travel insurance policy means you can recover the money you have paid out if a personal emergency or external disruption forces you to cancel before departure.
Geopolitical instability and traveller behaviour
According to a RoamRight study on 2026 travel trends, 79% of travellers say that political instability, health concerns and other global events at least partially influence their travel decisions. On top of that, 75% rank safety as a very important factor when booking.
Caution is warranted, without tipping into alarm: the vast majority of destinations remain accessible and safe. The right habit to build is checking your foreign ministry’s travel advice pages before booking, and making sure your insurance cover is suited to your chosen destination. For French travellers, the reference site is diplomatie.gouv.fr, which rates every country across four risk levels.
Adapting your travel insurance to today’s world
What your bank card typically does not cover
Many travellers assume they are fully protected by their premium bank card. In reality, coverage limits are often too low to handle a serious hospital stay abroad, and certain exclusions can catch you off guard at exactly the wrong moment. To avoid nasty surprises, what nobody really tells you about travel insurance walks through the most common gaps and how to fill them.
Cover tailored to your trip and your profile
Not all insurance policies are built for every type of trip:
- Short holidays (under 30 days): prioritise medical cover and a cancellation guarantee.
- Long trips or round-the-world travel: long-stay insurance that includes medical repatriation.
- Working Holiday Visa (WHV): specific cover is often required by the host country. Our complete WHV guide details the requirements by destination.
- Studying abroad: health cover sized to the actual length of your stay.
Yupwego lets you compare offers suited to your profile, entirely online, without having to wade through pages of small print.
What 2026 actually changes for travellers
Flexibility: the new priority
According to a study relayed by Yonder, based on the Kayak trends report, 84% of travellers surveyed in 2026 want to favour secondary destinations, drawn by lower crowds and greater logistical stability. This appetite for flexibility makes cancellation cover all the more relevant: it gives you the freedom to change your plans without losing your entire travel budget.
The 2026 World Cup: a surge in demand to plan for
The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), will concentrate exceptional levels of tourist demand. Travellers planning the trip need to factor in high airfares and, above all, some of the world’s most expensive healthcare if something goes wrong on US soil. Solid medical cover is especially non-negotiable given that the United States has no universal healthcare system.
FAQ
Is the world really more dangerous to travel in 2026?
More uncertain, yes. Broadly more dangerous, no. Global tourism is still growing (+2% in Q1 2026 according to the UN), but disruptions are more frequent: regional conflicts, pressure on flight routes, rising costs. Solid preparation remains the best answer to that uncertainty.
Which countries should I avoid in 2026?
The situation changes regularly. The reliable reference is your country’s foreign ministry travel advice website, which classifies each destination by risk level. Check it before booking any trip.
Does French health insurance cover me abroad?
Outside the European Union, the French national health system (Sécurité sociale) only reimburses a fraction of actual costs, calculated on the basis of French rates. Against the prices charged in the United States or Canada, that reimbursement falls well short. Dedicated travel insurance is essential for stays outside the EU.
What insurance is compulsory for a WHV?
Requirements vary by host country, but the vast majority of countries offering working holiday visas (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan…) require a minimum level of medical cover. Our complete WHV guide sets out the conditions by country.
Does cancellation insurance cover geopolitical events?
It depends on the policy terms. Cancellations linked to a geopolitical event are generally only covered if the policy includes a specific clause, or if an official authority formally advises against travel to the destination in question. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before taking out a policy.
Do Middle East tensions affect connecting flights?
Major European carriers have adapted their routes since the conflict began. Some routes are longer and more expensive, but the vast majority of flights continue to operate. The main risk for travellers is the added cost and a possible cancellation, rather than any direct safety threat for passengers in transit.
