Traveling in the Age of Anti-Tourism: Why Travel Insurance is More Important Than Ever
A growing wave of anti-tourism sentiment sweeping across many popular travel destinations around the globe is causing trepidation. Cities and towns like Barcelona, Venice, or Tokyo, that once thrived on the influx of tourists are now pushing back, citing concerns over environmental impact, cultural erosion, and the strain on local resources.
Travelers like you are navigating a landscape that is increasingly wary of their presence and demanding they return home. So, what can you do?
You shouldn’t stop exploring and experiencing the world, so our best suggestion is to be prepared for the unexpected — buy travel insurance. Given the shift in tolerance of tourism, the importance of a travel insurance plan cannot be understated.
We explain how travel insurance works, what benefits or exclusions matter, and how to choose the best travel insurance for maximum benefit.
The Rise in Anti-Tourism Movements and What Travel Insurance Covers
From the cobblestone streets of Venice to the pristine beaches of Thailand, anti-tourism sentiments are gaining traction. Residents, weary of overcrowding and commercialization, are protesting, leaving travelers to figure out how to stay safe and secure their plans.
For example, Venice has implemented measures to combat over-tourism, including restricting tour operators, limiting the number of visitors, and charging an entry fee. Travelers unaware of these changes might find themselves unable to access critical attractions.
Famous for its appearance in the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay was closed indefinitely in 2018 to allow its ecosystem to recover from the impact of mass tourism. Tourists who had booked trips to the area faced unexpected cancellations. Travel insurance could have helped mitigate the financial impact of these abrupt changes.
In Barcelona, banners reading “Tourists Go Home” have become common, with some residents resorting to extreme measures to express displeasure. In 2017, activists even attacked a tour bus, slashing its tires and spraying graffiti. For travelers caught in such situations, trip interruption or cancellation coverage could provide a financial safety net, allowing rebooking without incurring additional trip costs.
Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, authorities implemented measures to curb excessive tourism, such as banning new hotels in the city center and cracking down on unruly behavior in popular tourist areas.
Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of tourists, especially in historic towns, can overwhelm local infrastructure, leading to pollution, housing shortages, and a decline in residents’ quality of life. Some destinations are introducing tourist taxes, limiting visitor numbers, or temporarily closing to recover from mass tourism’s environmental impact.
Impact of Anti-Tourism on Families
These anti-tourism efforts aren’t ceasing, and for the average traveler with young family members, they can create numerous complications.
Imagine planning a dream vacation to a picturesque town, only to arrive and find key attractions closed due to local protests. Or, picture booking a stay in a quaint seaside village only to discover that new regulations have restricted access to the beach.
These scenarios are not hypothetical. They are becoming more common, highlighting the need for travelers like you to have more than a basic plan and be adaptable and prepared.
With the right coverage, you can protect yourself and yours against various disruptions, safeguarding your financial investment in your vacation and providing security in the face of unexpected challenges.
For example, using Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, you can protect your trip expenses, rental car, hotel room, and more, if your trip is disrupted by these movements.
Why Travel Insurance is Essential
Trusting your vacation trip protection to a provider from our marketplace ensures you get a policy with a high AM Best Rating. This policy will help you recoup lost expenses if your itinerary is derailed and you need to file a claim. Take a quick look at some of the best coverage a traveler can expect if any of these common issues occur:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption: One of the most significant benefits of travel insurance is coverage for cancellations and interruptions. If a destination suddenly becomes inaccessible due to protests or anti-tourism measures, travel insurance can help recover prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
- Coverage limits can vary, but most policies cover up to 100% of your trip cost
Medical Emergencies: Traveling always comes with a degree of risk, and medical emergencies can happen anywhere. In regions where anti-tourism protests are prevalent, access to medical care might be disrupted, and your primary health insurance plan may not extend to international locations. Comprehensive travel insurance can cover medical expenses, ensuring you receive the necessary care without exorbitant costs.
- The best travel insurance companies offer policies with medical expense coverage limits of up to $500,000
- The medical benefits in most policies also include emergency medical evacuation coverage in the event you are seriously injured and need to be airlifted.
Travel Delay Insurance Coverage and Missed Connections: Anti-tourism activities, such as roadblocks, strikes, traffic accidents, or other forms of disruption, can lead to travel delays. Trip delay insurance can provide reimbursement for additional expenses like accommodation, meals, transportation, and other reasonable expenses.
- Travel insurance policies on our marketplace can offer up to $2,000 in coverage for covered delays.
- Look for a plan that covers any delay of a common carrier. This way, if you’re delayed due to any flight delays, you can be covered.
Lost or Delayed Baggage: With the chaos accompanying anti-tourism protests, there’s an increased risk of lost or delayed baggage, but travel insurance can reimburse you for essential items.
- You can gain travel protection of up to $3,000 in coverage for baggage loss and up to $500 for baggage delays.
Non-Medical Evacuation: In extreme cases, anti-tourism protests can escalate, leading to unsafe conditions. Travel insurance often includes coverage for non-medical evacuations, ensuring that you and your traveling companion can be safely transported out of a volatile situation if necessary.
- Policies can offer non-medical evacuation coverage up to $100,000
Quick Tip: Ensure you have your travel documents and other proof of costs. Also, you’ll need to verify the insurance claim is based on covered reasons.
Planning Ahead: Tips for Travelers
Given the increasing prevalence of anti-tourism efforts, we recommend proactively planning. Here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
- Research Your Destination: Stay informed about the current political situation in your chosen destination. Understanding the local sentiment towards tourism can help you prepare for potential disruptions.
- Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Opt for a policy that offers travel delay benefits and covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and more. Ensure the coverage suits your specific travel plans and destinations.
- Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary. A flexible travel plan can help you adapt to unexpected changes and make the most of your trip.
- Respect Local Customs and Regulations: By respecting the local culture and adhering to regulations or restrictions, you can take control of your travel experience. Being a responsible traveler can help mitigate the negative impact of tourism and help foster positive interactions with residents, enhancing your overall travel experience.
Bottom Line
The rise of anti-tourism efforts worldwide indicates that the travel landscape is changing, and trip interruption benefits, or even travel delay coverage, are as significant as packing your passport or identification.
As destinations strive to balance the benefits of tourism with the need to preserve their cultural and environmental integrity, travelers like you must adapt accordingly.
Comprehensive travel insurance offers a vital safety net, providing peace of mind and financial protection in the face of unexpected disruptions. By planning and staying informed, you can continue to explore the world while respecting the communities they visit.