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June 23, 2025

Passport Pages: Summer Travel Abroad

Top destinations for 2025 and pre-travel considerations

As actor, singer, and pianist Nat King Cole said, “those lazy-hazy days of summer” are here! Summer is the perfect time for family getaways to the beach, trips with friends to Napa, adventures in Europe, exciting yachting regattas, and relaxing long weekends to nearby attractions.
 

Summary

  • Summer travel trends: Top destinations abroad for 2025 include Tokyo, Osaka, Paris, Shanghai, and Palma de Mallorca. Vamonos!
  • Peace of mind with travel insurance: Over 30% of leisure travelers purchase travel insurance to protect against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Consider getting it this summer
  • Pre-planning: As you plan your trip, think about your safety and security, including understanding transportation options, setting up communication plans, and learning about local customs and emergency procedures.

Whether it’s a beach vacation, a mountain retreat, or an international adventure, by car, plane, or yacht, the allure of travel in the summer is undeniable...unless you’re Jerry Seinfeld, who famously hates going on vacation and once said, “I think vacations are mostly completely stupid.”

For the rest of us, summer offers a chance to travel. This summer’s top five destinations include: 1. Tokyo, Japan; 2. Osaka, Japan; 3. Paris, France; 4. Shanghai, China; and 5. Palma de Mallorca, Spain, according to a recent 2025 travel trends report.

Before you pack your bags and hit the jetway for one of these popular destinations, don’t overlook travel insurance.

Travel insurance 101

The adage that “peace of mind is obtained not by ignoring problems but by solving them” rings true with travel. Americans spent nearly $4.27 billion on all types of travel insurance, protecting around 77 million people’s travel plans, according to the US Travel Insurance Association. These numbers reflect the surge following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many travelers were affected by disruptions and became aware of the benefits of having travel insurance.

Travel insurance is designed to protect you from unexpected events that could disrupt your travel plans this summer, such as:

  • Trip cancellations or interruptions
  • Medical emergencies abroad
  • Lost or delayed luggage
  • Delays due to weather, mechanical issues, and other unexpected events
  • Safety concerns

Learn more about what to look for when considering travel insurance here, or feel free to reach out to us directly to discuss your travel insurance needs.

Invest in travel insurance. Take the first step to obtain your custom travel quote by completing this form.

Travel risks

"A journey is best measured in friends made and moments enjoyed, not risks taken,” said Tim Cahill. With that in mind, your safety and security while traveling should be top priorities; yet, they may not always be on your mind, as you may not want to imagine facing a crisis. Whether traveling domestically or abroad, you could encounter many risks and uncertainties. You could become the victim of a crime, experience a medical emergency, or be affected by a natural disaster during your travels. Additionally, if traveling abroad, you may face language barriers or security threats that could compromise your safety.

A recent U.S. survey of adults who travel revealed that 77% experienced a travel-related problem, 39% had faced a medical issue while traveling abroad, and 23% had their travel plans disrupted or canceled. These statistics underscore the importance of having a travel insurance policy in place.
 

Travel insurance in action

  • A traveler experienced a medical emergency while kayaking in Antarctica.
  • Medical evacuation to Chile, as well as additional medical care and travel assistance, was provided and covered by their travel insurance.
  • This coverage ensured that the traveler received the necessary care without incurring significant costs.

Pre-planning for a safe and secure trip

While travel insurance is essential, it is also critical to plan ahead to ensure a safe and secure trip. As Thomas Edison said, “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning." So, to help boost your good fortune, consider the following before your summer trips:

What is the transportation to and from the resort or destination?
Understanding your transportation options could help you avoid potential delays or unsafe situations.

What is your communications plan?
Establishing how you will communicate with family or friends back home may be crucial in the event of an emergency.

Are there any cultural or etiquette rules to follow?
Familiarizing yourself with local customs could enhance your experience and help you avoid misunderstandings.

Is it safe to travel with your cell phone?
Consider the security of your devices and whether you should use a local SIM card or a secure communication app.

How will you be alerted to security situations while in the country?
Knowing how to receive alerts about local emergencies is important for your safety and well-being.

What is your emergency plan?
Having a clear plan in place for emergencies could help you respond quickly and effectively.

Travel security for international destinations

Traveling to stunning destinations abroad, such as Tokyo, Paris, or Palma de Mallorca, offers culturally rich and fulfilling experiences, but each location may also come with security challenges. Simple actions, such as understanding how to maintain a low profile, managing your belongings, and ensuring the safety of yourself and those you are traveling with, could go a long way. According to the U.S. State Department, you should:

1. Research your destination. Visit Safer Travel and explore country-specific pages to learn about local cultural norms, crime rates, security concerns, and other relevant considerations.

2. Enroll in the Smarter Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure the U.S. embassy or consulate may contact you in the event of an emergency.

3. Be aware of local customs and norms. Each location has its own cultural traditions and norms. Learning about these expectations in advance and preparing may help you fit in and be respectful of the place you are visiting.

4. Review the U.S. State Department’s Human Rights reports to get details on the countries you may visit in advance of your trip. Freedom of speech laws may differ from those in the U.S.

5. Avoid bringing prohibited items with you. Restrictions may include alcohol, medications, and even literature. Check for possible restrictions before traveling.

6. Make sure you have a secure plan to travel from the airport to your destination. If you plan to use public transportation, like buses or taxis, research the options and safety protocols in advance.

7. Ensure secure travel accommodations by reviewing lodging safety before your trip. You may consider booking in advance, having backup lodging available, and taking additional steps to secure your room and belongings once you arrive.

8. Be aware of your surroundings and potential risks. Avoid expensive clothing and accessories, use common sense and good judgment, and know where to go if you need help.

With these guidelines, you should be able to plan well in advance for a spectacular summer of travel. As Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” We hope you explore many pages this summer.

The benefits of an insurance risk review

Due to the lifestyle of successful individuals and multi-generational families who travel frequently, the risks may be higher. Marsh McLennan Agency Private Client Services (MMA PCS) offers personalized travel insurance solutions tailored to your needs. Our policies could help protect your travel investments and provide essential coverage.

Your lifestyle offers you ample travel opportunities, and you are likely to make significant investments in your travel plans to ensure a fun and exciting trip. But what if something unexpected happens that impacts your health or safety? Are your travel investments properly protected?

This summer, let our team review your travel plans and risk exposures and provide a customized travel insurance quote to meet your needs. With the potential for unexpected events, travel insurance is not just an added expense; it’s a necessary safeguard for a worry-free vacation, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable memories during your summer adventures. 

Don't let the unexpected ruin your travel plans! Take the first step to obtaining your customized travel quote by clicking the button and completing the form.

Contributor