Half of Australian travellers say terrorism or armed conflict is determining where they choose to holiday, a global survey from travel insurer Redion finds. 

And the study says 57% of Aussies are being put off travelling more broadly, well beyond the specific destinations affected.  

The 25th edition of Redion’s (formerly Europ Assistance) Holiday Barometer, a global study of 26,000 respondents across 26 countries, carried out by market research company Ipsos, has found that world events are playing an increasingly important role in Australian travel decisions. 

A record 50% of Australian travellers say the risk of terrorism or armed conflict now plays an essential role in choosing their destination. Among Australians who chose not to travel at all, 9% cited safety and security concerns as the reason. 

“World events are now factoring into individual decisions at a level we haven't seen before and it's reshaping not just where people go, but whether they go at all," says CEO of Redion in Australia and New Zealand Justin Sebire. 

The Australian findings reflect broader global trends identified in the 2026 Holiday Barometer. 

But despite the growing influence of geopolitical uncertainty, and ongoing financial pressures, travel demand remains resilient, with eight in 10 travellers enthusiastic about taking a trip this year.

"Building on the record levels seen last year, the desire to travel remains strong and undiminished, despite tougher trade-offs and the cost of living remaining a top global concern," says Redion Group CEO travel insurance & assistance Virginie Babinet.

"What is changing, however, is the travel landscape itself. Security considerations are weighing more heavily on destination choices, with decisions increasingly shaped by risk considerations. At the same time, artificial intelligence is now a genuine planning tool for a growing share of travellers worldwide."