ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Health and safety concerns were at the forefront of travelers’ minds this year. In 2016, more Americans opted to protect their trips, according to leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth, which reported an 18% increase in the number of insured travelers from the previous year.
“Over the past year, we saw the impact of concerns about terrorism and Zika virus on traveler behavior, but we did not see Americans stop traveling,” said Squaremouth spokesperson Rachael Taft. “More Americans sought travel insurance for their trips in 2016, and many chose to visit destinations closer to home”?
Where did Americans travel in 2016?
Canada Leaps into Top 5, Caribbean Travel Slows
Canada Leaps into Top 5, Caribbean Travel Slows
- Canada overtook France and the United Kingdom to become the fourth most popular destination
- Travel to Cuba increased by 148% compared to 2015
- The United States, Mexico and Italy remained the top three destinations for U.S. travelers
- In a year where Zika virus was a major concern, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic and Aruba saw decreased travel from 2015
- Growth in Number of U.S. Travelers to Top 10 Destinations
1. United States (+14%)
2. Mexico (+18%)
3. Italy (+21%)
4. Canada (+46%)
5. France (+8.3%)
6. United Kingdom (+15%)
7. Spain (+27%)
8. Bahamas (+7.3%)
9. Germany (+13%)
10. Israel (+14%)
2. Mexico (+18%)
3. Italy (+21%)
4. Canada (+46%)
5. France (+8.3%)
6. United Kingdom (+15%)
7. Spain (+27%)
8. Bahamas (+7.3%)
9. Germany (+13%)
10. Israel (+14%)
What were travelers concerned about in 2016?
Terrorism a Top Concern for Travelers
Terrorism a Top Concern for Travelers
- The number of travelers searching for terrorism coverage more than doubled from 2015
- Squaremouth saw a 70% increase in customers looking for inclement weather coverage
- Travelers sought more flexibility to cancel for reasons not typically covered by travel insurance, including concerns about Zika virus or potential terrorism, with an 11% increase in travelers adding the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade
Who traveled in 2016?
Baby Boomers Dominate, Senior Travel on the Rise
Baby Boomers Dominate, Senior Travel on the Rise
- Baby Boomers bought the most travel insurance, accounting for 41% of sales, while Millennials bought the least, accounting for 13%
- Senior travel grew significantly, with a 39% increase in the number of travelers over 70 buying travel insurance in 2016
How much did Americans spend on travel in 2016?
Spending on Travel Declines Slightly
Spending on Travel Declines Slightly
- Americans spend an average of $3,668 on their trips in 2016, a slight decrease from 2015
- Italy and France were the most expensive destinations, with U.S. travelers spending more than $4,000 per trip
- Travelers over 70 spent the most on travel, averaging $2,749 per person, while Millennials spent the least per traveler at $1,149
Table 1: Average Total Trip Cost for Squaremouth Customers
| Average Trip Cost | Year-Over-Year Change | |
| 2016 | $3,668 | -0.9% |
| 2015 | $3,701 | +0.6% |
| 2014 | $3,679 | +5.0% |
| 2013 | $3,503 | +9.6% |
