Travel anxiety high as Americans say trips feel unsafe: study

A new study has found a majority of Americans feel “plagued” by nerves and anxiety by the mere thought of international travel.

In the past year, the poll of 2,000 U.S. travelers, conducted by Talker Research for AXA Assistance, found 94% have traveled domestically, and 28% have traveled internationally.

Fears of traveling abroad have increased for both groups — 30% of domestic travelers feel nervous about international travel, while 20% of travelers with international experience also feel nervous about doing it again.

And while 88% said they already have plans to travel in the next 12 months, four in 10 are starting to get cold feet over their next vacation due to how "unsafe" they think traveling will be. Travel-related anxieties stemmed from potential travel delays and cancellations (42%), means of travel (40%), current government policies (40%) and current perceptions about American tourists (39%).