Season 2, Episode 3: Traveling and Managing Anxiety in a World of Climate Change

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s happening now. From devastating wildfires to powerful hurricanes, we are seeing the effects every year. In this episode of Unpacked by Dinogo, senior editor Michelle Baran opens up about her personal struggles with climate anxiety, while consulting with experts on how to cope—and how to travel confidently in a rapidly changing world.

Transcript

Michelle Baran, host: Hello, I’m Michelle Baran, senior travel editor at Dinogo, and welcome to Unpacked, the podcast where we dive deep into complex travel issues each week. Today, we’re addressing the intersection of travel and climate change, and the anxiety these two can stir up. I’ve always been someone who worries a lot. While it’s useful in some ways, like staying alert and looking out for others, it can also feel overwhelming—especially when tackling an issue as huge and intimidating as climate change. If I’m feeling anxious about the accelerating climate crisis, I’m sure many other travelers are feeling the same.

Today, we’re joined by two experts who will offer strategies for managing our worries and help us adapt to the reality of traveling in an unpredictable, climate-impacted world.

First up, we’ll hear from my brilliant and hilarious psychologist friend, Sanam Hafeez, who shares valuable tips for managing climate-related anxiety. Then, we’ll chat with Paul Doucet, the regional director of security, intelligence, and assistance at International SOS, a global health and security risk management organization. His title is long, but in simple terms, he helps travelers assess risks and provides crucial support if anything goes wrong. He’ll offer practical advice on how to turn our climate concerns into actionable planning and preparedness.

Knowledge is truly empowering. By the end of these two conversations, I felt like I had acquired some invaluable tools for coping with the overwhelming challenge of climate change.

I hope these insights offer you some comfort too. Let’s dive in.

Michelle: Welcome, Sanam, to the Unpacked podcast! Before we dive into what promises to be an eye-opening discussion on climate change, travel, and the anxiety that so many travelers are grappling with, I thought it would be fun to share how we met and became lifelong friends. It’s a bit of a story, and I think our listeners will enjoy it.

Sanam Hafeez: You’re honestly one of the best things to come out of my travels. I always say that! Really, I do.

Michelle: Oh, absolutely! What’s so amazing is that we’re both these accomplished professionals—I'm a Polish-Romanian journalist, and you're a Pakistani-American neuropsychologist. But we met on this wild [laughs] Mediterranean cruise. Both newly single, we instantly clicked and bonded over that experience.

Sanam: Well, kind of. It was more like we were in this strange limbo, not exactly single but definitely not fully committed either—

Michelle: Exactly! We really connected over that. And when we got back to New York, it felt like we were still 'friend dating'—keeping the connection going, sharing all our relationship struggles. Over time, as our personal dramas calmed down, our conversations shifted toward bigger issues, and we spent a lot of the pandemic reflecting on the state of the world.

It was during that time that we both realized just how deeply a global crisis could affect our anxiety levels. I was hoping you could share what you and I experienced personally, especially with the hair loss we both went through during the pandemic.

Sanam: Honestly, you and I were ahead of the curve in taking the pandemic seriously. I was lucky enough to transition my work to remote pretty quickly. At first, it was chaotic, like building an airplane in mid-air, figuring everything out as we went. But overall, I think I needed that break, even though it was tough at times.

As a neuropsychologist, I was trying to stay optimistic. I kept telling myself that we were lucky to have a home with enough space to be comfortable. The kids were on Zoom for kindergarten—well, actually, they were in pre-K at the time—not even kindergarten yet. It was such a strange experience to have two little ones trying to learn on Zoom.

Then, patients started leaving messages with the answering service. No one really knew what was going on at that point. But I kept thinking, this is kind of cool, like a new way of doing things. I was juggling everything—playing the role of super mom, super psychologist, and still finding time for interviews.

I had also just met my now-husband at the time, so I was fortunate enough to be quarantined with a partner, which felt like a blessing. But just as I was congratulating myself for managing everything, I discovered bald patches on my scalp. I guess it says something about my situation that the hardest thing the pandemic threw at me was hair loss. After the shock, the depression, and the anxiety settled in, I realized how tough it really was. The very next day, I got a message from you, Michelle, asking, 'Hey, do you have any idea what this might be?'

Michelle: Right. What I find so fascinating is that we’re both alike in how we approach challenges. When a problem arises, we go into battle mode. We tend to stay positive, even when things are tough—like, ‘OK, the kids are home, but we’ll make the best of it.’ We always seem to find a way to pivot.

But we’re also both empaths, and I think that no matter how much we tried to stay in control at home, the world’s situation was completely out of our hands. We couldn’t detach ourselves from the heartbreak unfolding everywhere. Even though we weren’t necessarily crying or breaking down, our bodies had a way of showing us just how much we were affected—how worried and stressed we really were by a situation beyond our control.

I bring this up because we’re about to dive deeper into the topic of stress and anxiety. It's so crucial to understand how these emotions can sneak up on us, often without realizing just how deeply they’re affecting us until something physical happens—like what I experienced. For me, it was a visible hole in my scalp where hair used to be, and that was a pretty shocking wake-up call. So, what did you learn from that experience about how stress and anxiety manifest in our bodies?

Sanam: It was a real eye-opener for me, because, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve always prided myself on handling things well. I never really let anything get me down for long.

It’s almost become part of my identity—like a badge of bravery. I’d tell myself, 'What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.' I’ve got all these tools to cope. But when I saw my dermatologist, who ended up giving me steroid shots, I asked, 'Dr. Day, how did this happen to me? I wasn’t that stressed.' And she looked at me and said, 'Sanam, you know better than anyone that the way your body experiences stress isn’t always how you think it is. Your body picks up on stress in its own way—whether it’s not enough sleep, not enough exercise, too little sunshine, or not enough downtime.'

That hit me hard. I was constantly on the go—doing interviews with media outlets, television appearances, and making sure everyone in my life was taken care of. I had to juggle feeding my mom, my sons, my boyfriend (who was staying with us), and the list went on. Grocery shopping felt like a battlefield. How is that normal? How could my body have processed any of that as 'normal' stress?

Michelle: Absolutely. And as the pandemic’s grip loosened over the last year, with travelers slowly returning to the world, many of us began to shift our focus to another massive challenge: climate change. This year, we saw just how urgent the climate crisis is, from the devastating hurricanes in Florida and the Caribbean to a disaster that hit especially close to home for you—the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan, where your family is from. Can you tell us more about what happened in Pakistan?

Sanam: The scale of the flooding was unprecedented—absolutely devastating for Pakistan. Nearly 1,800 people—though I’m sure that’s a conservative number—lost their lives, and around 33 million people were displaced. The total damage? About $15 billion.

What many people don’t realize is that when you think of Pakistan, you don’t immediately think of glaciers. But outside the polar regions, Pakistan is home to the largest concentration of glaciers in the world. And these glaciers are melting at an alarming pace, contributing directly to the flooding.

I stay closely connected with my family in Pakistan, and after a few weeks, it was as if everything just returned to normal. People went back to work, school, life resumed. But I couldn’t help but ask, who are the people still suffering from this crisis?

The harsh reality is that it was the poorest communities that were hit hardest. Meanwhile, those who lived in unaffected areas—people with money—were able to ride out the storm, sheltered and safe, and then just returned to their daily routines. This situation reminded me so much of the early days of the COVID pandemic. Some people would call it 'catastrophizing,' but anyone predicting future events—whether climate-related or otherwise—can be dismissed as such. The reality is, we are leaving a legacy for future generations that is deeply troubling. When your car breaks down, you can always buy a new one. But when the Earth breaks down, there’s no replacement. This is it. There’s no backup plan.

Michelle: Exactly. And much like the pandemic, I think climate change is an issue that can feel completely overwhelming for many. People react in different ways—some shut down and avoid dealing with it, while others become hyper-focused, feeling compelled to do everything they can to tackle it head-on.

I’ve heard a lot of people express feelings of hopelessness and helplessness when it comes to climate change, simply because they don’t know how to make a meaningful difference or what actions to take. Honestly, I feel this way too. As a mother, I carry a deep sense of guilt and anxiety about the world we're leaving behind for future generations.

I’m hoping we can unpack these emotions a bit, and maybe better understand how we can cope as we navigate the world. So first, is it normal to feel completely overwhelmed by a global issue like climate change?

Sanam: Yes, absolutely. It’s such an abstract problem. Why has this issue escalated so quickly in just the past 30 to 40 years? What can we do about it? Is it even possible to reverse it? At least with natural disasters like earthquakes or floods, you can donate and feel like you're contributing to something tangible. But with climate change, how do we even begin to help? What steps can we take?

Another part of it is feeling like you have to be some kind of environmental saint, which is just unrealistic. I used to drink bottled water all the time and buy sparkling water. Then I got one of those carbonators—not SodaStream, but a different brand called DrinkMate—and now I make my own sparkling water at home. So I think, at least I’m not buying plastic bottles anymore, though I used to just like everyone else. You can only make small, personal changes, ones that feel relevant to you and that you know you're contributing to.

My husband installed a compost bin, so now we can toss all our food scraps in there. I don’t feel guilty about throwing away peels or food that would normally just go to the trash. It feels like it's going back into the Earth, where it belongs. So, even though these small actions might not move the needle on a global scale, they give me a sense of doing something positive, even if it’s just a tiny contribution to the larger issue.

Michelle: Exactly. When you can take control of your own choices and make decisions that align with your values, it can give you a sense of agency. If you feel like you're not contributing to the problem, it can help move you past some of the overwhelming feelings many people experience.

One comparison I’ve heard for climate anxiety is that it’s a form of grief. People can feel an intense mourning for the planet. It seems to me that one of the first steps in addressing grief is recognizing and naming those feelings. It's natural to feel them when you're processing something so monumental.

Sanam: Absolutely. A lot of people would probably think, 'Wait, you actually spend this much time thinking about it?' People tend to avoid these kinds of conversations or thoughts because it feels like opening a door to a rabbit hole. Once you start grappling with something so enormous, you can quickly find yourself imagining apocalyptic scenes, like those in movies where the world has ended and everything is unrecognizable. It’s terrifying.

People often avoid sitting with those emotions because they’re so uncomfortable. I remember a patient who had a severe case of catastrophic anxiety. She once mentioned worrying about a tsunami originating from Africa’s coast.

I asked her why that specific worry was so consuming, and she looked me straight in the eye, seriously said, 'Because I live in New York, and when that tsunami hits, it’ll come for us.' I was confused and asked her how she knew about this tsunami. She told me she’d watched a documentary that speculated a tsunami could eventually reach the Atlantic—but with no set date or timeframe. It was a perfect example of how anxiety works. Her mind had latched onto this idea, built on uncertainty, and spiraled. The brain can take small seeds of worry and amplify them until they’re overwhelming.

Anxiety always needs something to latch onto. In many ways, climate change can feel similar to that—a looming uncertainty. You don’t know when it will strike, what form it will take, but it’s relentless, overwhelming, and seems destined to bring utter devastation with it.

Michelle: Is it possible to navigate life in a healthy, positive way while still carrying that weight of stress and anxiety? When faced with a difficult situation, you can either suppress it or put it on the back burner—many people do that. But what if you can’t simply set it aside? How can you continue moving forward in a healthy, positive way without letting fear and anxiety paralyze you? How do you make space for those emotions without letting them take over?

Sanam: We actually do it all the time, don’t we? Think about it—when you’re on your way to work, replaying an argument you had with your partner or worrying about a family issue, but then suddenly, you get to the office and your boss calls you into their office. Those worries instantly fade away because now you’re focused on the potential stress of that meeting. Anxiety can take a backseat when something else demands your attention. The trick is, anxiety grows when we give it room to breathe and allow ourselves to focus on it.

Anxiety tends to re-emerge when we nurture it. If you indulge it, give it attention, and let it dominate your thoughts, it finds its way back into the front of your mind. It’s all about where you choose to place your focus.

People who are prone to anxiety always find something to worry about. And for empaths, like you and I, the stakes feel even higher. I’ve known you long enough to say with certainty that you are absolutely an empath—and so am I. Despite the emotional weight we carry, we both manage to get through life, meet our responsibilities, and function in the world. That’s what makes us who we are.

If we allow ourselves to be consumed by anxiety, we’d struggle to take care of our families, manage our responsibilities, or even show up for the people who depend on us. The only way to manage it is to shift our focus to other parts of our lives that need attention. When we do that, anxiety naturally falls to the background. We may not be able to fix everything on our own, but we can focus on what matters to us. Small changes, like the ones I mentioned, are things we can do to feel like we’re making a difference in some way, even if it’s just a small one.

For example, I still use paper towels. I know they’re not ideal, but I try to choose the biodegradable or eco-friendly ones. I won’t pretend I don’t need them; I have kids at home. But here’s what I do: instead of throwing away a paper towel after wiping one surface, I’ll reuse it for something else—maybe wiping up water or dusting another area—until it’s had five lives. It’s small, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something, even if I’m not perfect.

Michelle: What do you say to people who are just filled with anger and frustration, especially when they see that governments and corporations aren’t doing enough? These are the very entities that have the power to create real change. How can they turn that anger into something more productive and positive?

Sanam: Honestly, I think anger can be a powerful emotion. It can drive action. I’ve been really angry too, especially when you look at places like Pakistan that are suffering the most from climate change, even though they contribute less than 1% to the problem.

Meanwhile, the countries that are most responsible for climate damage, like the Western world, aren’t stepping up. I was following the Sharm el-Sheikh climate conference recently, and while Biden made some statements, there were no real solutions. Yes, we’re back in the Paris Agreement after Trump pulled us out, but there’s still no concrete action. It feels like we’re stuck in the same cycle of promises without progress.

When we talk about reparations, I believe countries like Pakistan, who are suffering the most, deserve aid to rebuild. They didn’t cause their own devastation. A couple of months ago, I came across some research for an article that explored the link between climate change and mental health—specifically suicide and depression.

The regions experiencing the fastest temperature rise each year are also seeing an increase in mental health issues, including higher suicide rates and more cases of depression. This is a direct correlation between climate change and the state of our mental health. This is not a one-dimensional problem—it affects us on so many levels. But our daily lives are so fast-paced, filled with responsibilities. We have to pay bills, take care of the kids, work, cook meals—who has the time or energy to engage with a cause every day unless it’s your job? That’s why I believe the key is to commit to small changes and support politicians who prioritize climate action.

Michelle: In terms of breaking out of that paralyzed state of inaction, I know I sometimes feel stuck too. It’s like small actions feel too insignificant, and big actions seem out of reach. It can be overwhelming to know where to even begin. When someone gets into that state of paralysis, unsure of how to move forward, what can help? It seems like starting with small steps might be part of the solution, but sometimes even those feel too small to matter. It makes you think, why bother with things like recycling when it feels like such a tiny drop in the ocean?

Sanam: Well, Michelle, the truth is, there really isn’t another option. And if you’re the kind of person who’s struggling to break free from that feeling, it’s likely you feel stuck in other areas of your life as well. As human beings, resilience is built into us. We’re naturally wired to pick ourselves up and keep going, but of course, some of us struggle more with that than others.

Some of us are just wired differently. If you find it hard to break out of that stuck feeling, it’s probably affecting other parts of your life too. This is where a therapist or even medication might be necessary. If climate change is causing you this much anxiety—and honestly, it should, because it’s a huge issue—I totally understand. But I try not to let it consume me. I make the best decisions I can, and when I make choices that might not be great for the environment, I don’t beat myself up about it. I just focus on what I can control. I still have to provide for my family, pay my bills, and take care of my day-to-day responsibilities.

I think experiences like these keep you grounded and humble, reminding you that every person matters. But you can't let one thing completely overwhelm you—if you do, you're not in a position to help anyone else.

Michelle: Exactly. It seems to me that in order to truly care for the planet, we first need to take care of ourselves—physically and mentally—so we can be effective guardians of the Earth. Do you see a connection there? It's like the classic advice in any relationship: take care of yourself first, then you can take care of what you love, like this planet.

Sanam: Definitely. When I was a kid, we traveled a lot. My dad worked for the airlines, so we were always flying, and I remember the flight attendants would always say, 'Before helping someone else, make sure your own mask is on first.' That line stuck with me, and my dad—having worked for the airlines his whole life—would often repeat it to me.

He’d tell me, 'Sanam, you can’t help anyone else if you’re not OK.' Once you start taking care of yourself from the inside out, it’s like good things naturally come your way. It’s a simple truth, but even people like us forget it in tough times. Still, it’s absolutely true. If you focus on your health—eating well, exercising, keeping your space tidy—you’ll make choices that align with a healthy lifestyle.

And those choices naturally extend to how you treat the planet. How could you treat your body like a temple, yet neglect your home or the Earth outside? It all connects. The real work starts within. Unfortunately, mental health has become a luxury for many, but if we can invest a little in ourselves, I think the other changes will follow. Especially since climate change and mental health are so intertwined.

Michelle: I agree. It’s always easier said than done to prioritize ourselves, but I really believe it's a vital part of the process. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us today.

Sanam: Thank you. This was wonderful. I appreciate you bringing attention not just to climate change but to my home country, Pakistan, and the pain its people are going through. What’s happening there is likely to happen again next year, and we all share a responsibility in this. It’s a reminder that today it’s Pakistan, tomorrow it could be another country—maybe even one close to you or where your family lives. This crisis isn't going anywhere.

Michelle: Exactly. It shouldn’t take a personal tragedy to make people wake up and see what’s happening. This is our world, after all. The planet is our backyard.

Sanam: Exactly, Michelle. Isn’t that what COVID taught us? It was the first time we were all affected by the same global issue. I’ve never experienced anything like it. There’ve been wars and famines in other parts of the world, but we were safe at home, with food on the table. But with COVID, we all felt it. That’s what climate change is—a global force that impacts everyone.

Michelle: And that’s the big picture: how our minds can either torment us or shield us. But then there are the practicalities of navigating travel in such an unpredictable world. That’s where Paul Doucet comes in. He’s the expert we mentioned at the beginning of the episode. Paul’s role involves assessing global risks, helping us understand how to plan our travels in an ever-changing landscape.

The company Paul works for, International SOS, specializes in advising people on potential risks before they travel, offering a range of services from medical assessments and air ambulance support to security evacuations in case of conflicts. Given the scope of their work, it takes a lot to shake Paul, and I knew he’d provide some solid guidance. Now, if only I could adopt his calm, cool, and collected approach to both travel and risk management.

Michelle: I’m thrilled to welcome Paul Doucet, the Regional Director of Security, Intelligence, and Assistance at International SOS, a leading global health and security risk management firm. To start, Paul, can you give our listeners an overview of what International SOS does and the services it provides to travelers and businesses around the world?

Paul Doucet: Thanks so much for having me, Michelle. I’m glad to be here. International SOS is a worldwide company that provides personalized risk management services in both the medical and security sectors. We offer a combination of security and medical intelligence, analysis, advice, and assistance to clients globally. What this means in practice is that people turn to us for vital information and guidance before traveling, as part of their risk management or prevention programs. We make sure they have the right security and medical information about how to navigate risks in various regions of the world where they operate or travel. And if they do face trouble despite our preventive support, we step in to offer hands-on assistance services.

This includes everything from medical evacuations and air ambulances to security evacuations during times of conflict or unrest. A key area of focus for us, especially in the Americas, is natural disaster response. We help people affected by disasters get out of harm’s way, either before an event like a storm hits or in its aftermath. We support those who need life-saving help on the ground or those who must evacuate due to damaged infrastructure that makes it unsafe to stay.

Michelle: Exactly. During the pandemic, we reached out to organizations like yours to discuss medical and healthcare services, but as the pandemic was eventually brought under control and we were able to travel again more safely, we began to realize the growing impact of climate change on a global scale.

As a travel publication, one of the key questions we constantly face is how travelers can prepare for the increasing frequency of global disasters. It seems that these events are happening more often than ever. I’d like to get your take on how to plan for such uncertainty without letting it turn into a source of stress for travelers.

Paul: That’s a great question. It’s not easy to provide a one-size-fits-all answer without introducing some stress. Much of it depends on the individual and what triggers stress for them. But, in general, the best approach is to assess the situation and evaluate the risks involved.

It’s important to have a clear understanding of the risks tied to your destination, considering the time of year and your specific location. You also need to know your options for moving out of a potentially dangerous situation. We’re all about managing risks seriously, whether it’s natural disasters, political unrest, or violence.

While we often talk about the risks of natural disasters, we also focus on things like conflict outbreaks, social instability, and similar threats. For me personally, I’ve become somewhat desensitized to it after so many years in this field. It’s no longer a source of stress—it’s just part of my job.

Michelle: You truly are the embodiment of calm, cool, and collected in a world full of uncertainty.

Paul: Perhaps, but to give a bit of structure here—let me break it down. We usually recommend focusing on two main factors: What’s the most likely scenario, and what’s the worst-case scenario that could realistically happen?

So, let’s say it’s August, and you’re planning a vacation to the Caribbean. You know it’s hurricane season, so you’re already aware that there’s a 50/50 chance a storm could disrupt your plans. Maybe the storm causes a delay before you depart, or you get there and find the storm’s on its way, forcing you to leave early. The worst-case scenario, of course, would be being directly hit by a major hurricane. By preparing for the worst-case, you’ll have strategies in place, and when something less severe happens, you’ll be better equipped to handle it with much less stress. After all, the worst-case is unlikely to happen.

Here’s another example from my own experience. My organization hosts an annual conference in August, which marks the start of our financial year. One year, we were in Hawai‘i, and while hurricanes don’t usually hit there, that year was an exception. In fact, it was the first time in 26 years that a hurricane was heading straight for the main island during our conference. The likelihood of this happening was very low, so if we had planned for the worst-case scenario, we’d have been prepared.

And it did happen. But even though the chances were slim—after all, this hadn’t occurred in over 20 years—it still happened during our week there. The important thing is that we had a solid plan in place, choosing a destination that historically had low risk, even though we were still affected by the storm.

Fortunately, we were able to evacuate without major issues, thanks to having the right people around us—professionals who handle these situations regularly. So, even though the worst-case scenario happened, we were well-prepared and managed it smoothly.

Michelle: Exactly! It’s so practical.

Paul: It was, indeed. Very practical, and also excellent training for everyone involved from another perspective.

The key thing here is knowing what resources you have at your disposal, how to access them, and understanding what each resource can actually do for you, along with where your own responsibilities lie. As an individual covered by an assistance provider, it's crucial to be prepared with your own systems in place—being organized and ready to provide the necessary information to execute a proper evacuation plan.

But we don’t always need to dwell on the worst-case scenario. However, thinking through what you’d do in that situation can really ease anxiety. Knowing how you’d react in the worst case makes it much easier to manage when things don’t go exactly as planned during a trip.

Michelle: It brings to mind something we heard a lot during the pandemic—'It won’t happen to me' is not a strategy. People thought they could travel abroad without getting COVID, or not have to quarantine, or that they wouldn’t get stuck in another country.

Believing that 'It’s not going to happen to me' isn’t a solid plan. That’s the message we’ve been trying to get across to our readers—don’t make the mistake of assuming it won’t happen to you. The stress you’ll feel when things inevitably go wrong is far worse than being prepared.

Paul: Absolutely. And to build on that, I think you’ve really nailed something important. Many people just want to wing it—they feel like, 'I’ve traveled a lot, I know what to do if things go wrong.' But complacency is dangerous, and overcoming it is key. It’s crucial to stay aware and proactive.

Another point that emphasizes your message about always having a plan—whether you think you need one or not—has to do with the growing impact of climate-related natural disasters. The effects are becoming increasingly obvious to everyone.

We all have personal stories about how these changes have affected us, but there’s also solid data backing this up. For example, NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, monitors Atlantic tropical storms each year. They’ve been closely tracking these events for years and have gathered a wealth of data on the subject.

Recently, NOAA has adjusted its baseline expectations for future years, based on historical patterns. They now predict more name storms will form in the Atlantic, and that a higher number of those storms will intensify into real hurricanes that pose a threat to land masses.

One trend we’re seeing is that wildfire seasons, which were once confined to about four months, are now stretching to six to eight months. These patterns are growing, and another shift is in the behavior of hurricanes—they are occurring outside their traditional seasonal windows and in areas that are atypical for them.

I grew up on the east coast of Canada, and we’d occasionally see hurricanes coming off the Atlantic. But this year, we had a Category II storm, and just three years ago, we had another storm in the Category I or II range. Before that, it had been 17 years since the last one, and prior to that, around 25 years. So, while the sample size is small, there’s definitely a noticeable upward trend of hurricanes reaching further north.

Further south, the trend is even more unusual—storms are starting to form farther down than usual, sometimes just off the northern coast of Venezuela, almost reaching hurricane strength. This is unusual and breaks from the typical storm patterns that we’ve seen in the past.

There are many places in that region that are unprepared for hurricanes because they haven’t historically been in the path of storms. Places like Trinidad, Tobago, Aruba, and even Caracas, Guyana—all of these locations might begin to experience this threat in the future.

The takeaway here is that we need to rethink the areas we consider vulnerable to natural disasters. With the increase in climate-driven events, it’s important to recognize that a much broader range of places are now at risk from these types of extreme events.

That’s a great point. I was about to ask whether there are destinations we should steer clear of during certain times of the year, given what we know about weather patterns. And it’s fascinating because, as you’ve mentioned, there are patterns we can rely on, and understanding them is crucial for calculating risk when we travel.

However, these patterns are evolving, which makes things more complex. So, while you might think you're heading to a relatively safe place, it’s wise to still have contingency plans in place. The unpredictability of weather events is increasing, and we need to adapt accordingly.

Exactly. It’s a two-fold approach: first, your own personal preparation and mindset about the risks, and then considering the resources available in the destination. Take the Caribbean, for example, which is made up of various countries with different governments and environments.

The Dominican Republic is a prime example—it’s a large country with plenty of resources, and it faces hurricanes year after year. Hotels there are well-prepared; they have backup generators, reinforced windows that can handle hurricane-force winds, and they’re built to withstand these storms.

These places are accustomed to hurricanes and stockpile supplies as a result. But if you travel to a less-prepared destination further south in the Caribbean, where hurricanes are rare, you might find yourself in a difficult situation if a storm unexpectedly hits. It’s a bit like my experience in Hawai‘i, where the unexpected can still happen.

I recall walking around Honolulu and seeing storefronts and hotels with glass windows that reached all the way to the ground. The only thing protecting them from potential floods were sandbags about two inches high. It was all they had in place because flooding like that is so rare there. Who would invest in more serious flood prevention when it’s something they just don’t experience?

Because of this, these places are simply unprepared. Their ability to support you during an event like that is significantly lower than in areas that regularly face such risks. So, in places that lie outside or on the edge of traditional disaster zones, you’re more vulnerable, as the local infrastructure isn't equipped for the unexpected.

That’s an interesting question, especially for those of us who cover travel regularly. Even after 15 years in the field, I find it tricky to explain the difference between the various types of coverage and how travel insurance compares with companies like International SOS. How should a traveler think about what kind of help, coverage, and assistance they might need in these situations?

Great question. Let’s break it down as a triangle. One point represents you, the traveler. Another point represents your insurer, and the third point is a service like International SOS. Our job is to ensure you receive the best possible support based on the situation you’re facing. If you’re a patient traveling with a pre-existing health condition, we prioritize your health needs above all else, independent of financial concerns. We will make recommendations that are purely in your best interest, taking into account factors like local medical infrastructure and the specific circumstances you’re facing.

Once we’ve assessed the situation and made our recommendations, we provide the necessary services. Often, these services are bundled with your insurance coverage, so we ensure that the costs of the services we provide are covered, and we work in partnership with your insurer to make sure everything is coordinated properly.

Having financial coverage is absolutely essential, and it’s a standard part of travel insurance worldwide when it comes to disasters. However, if you’re planning to visit locations that fall outside typical disaster zones, it’s important to ensure that your insurance policy covers disasters in those specific regions you’re traveling to.

Where we come into play is as a neutral provider of assistance. We base our services purely on the needs and requirements of the situation, aiming to deliver the best outcomes for the health and safety of those we assist.

Michelle: Do you offer services in the planning phase as well? It seems like having the ability to assess risk before heading to a destination would be incredibly useful.

Paul: Absolutely. While we’ve been discussing emergency scenarios, which make up only about 1% of our work, the other 99% is focused on exactly what you’re referring to—the preventative side. People reach out to us for guidance on destinations they’re considering traveling to.

We provide expert intelligence in both medical and security matters, alongside tailored advice. We don’t really cater to leisure travel questions, like “Where should I go on vacation?” Our focus is more on assessing risks for business travel or deployments to specific areas. That said, we also assist individuals who wish to access our services and information for their personal trips as well.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, starting with risk assessments and advice. Our team sets up trigger warning systems, where we create documents outlining the steps to take when specific events occur. We also handle large-scale escalation planning, such as coordinating the evacuation of an entire organization. On a more personal level, we provide training, including specific courses on dealing with natural disasters or general safety, especially in high-risk areas while traveling.

We also offer network support through a local network of trusted providers on the ground. This network includes security companies, transportation services, secure hotels we've personally vetted, as well as medical facilities like hospitals, clinics, dentists, and mental health professionals. All these services are part of the comprehensive support we offer to our clients.

All the hospitals, service providers, and organizations we work with are ones we've personally visited and accredited. We ensure that these facilities meet our high standards, which are rigorously tested. We don't just take their word for it; we've used their services ourselves and have assessed their capabilities in real-world scenarios.

For example, a hotel security assessment involves a detailed, 11-page checklist that evaluates everything from building design to security measures, determining whether the hotel meets our stringent security criteria. When it comes to practical takeaways for travelers, one key tip is to carefully choose your accommodation. The place where you stay can significantly impact your ability to manage potential risks. It's a good idea to call ahead to hotels and ask about their emergency procedures. What provisions do they have for backup power? Do they have hurricane-resistant windows and emergency supplies in case you’re stuck in your room for days? A little preparation can make a big difference when things go wrong.

Having a well-prepared support network in place is crucial. Know in advance who to call and what resources are available should a worst-case scenario occur. Being connected to local networks and having a clear action plan can help you navigate emergencies with more confidence and less stress.

It's important to assess what resources are available to you and how to access them. Additionally, having backup communication methods is always a wise idea for staying in touch with your providers. Booking flexible travel options is also key—especially if you're heading to a location at risk for disruptions. Avoid non-refundable tickets or reservations that are difficult to change without incurring significant fees.

This is another practical tip to keep in mind when planning for potential disruptions.

Michelle: Exactly, and flexible bookings are even more critical now. Weather-related disruptions, unlike other issues, aren’t usually covered by airlines because they’re considered 'acts of nature.' In today's climate, where weather events are increasingly unpredictable, travelers need to understand that airlines won't cover weather delays. This is something crucial to keep in mind.

I'm curious, since business travel is picking up again with more in-person meetings and events—have you found that discussions about climate-related events are becoming more common during the planning phase than in the past?

Paul: Absolutely, yes. Climate events are definitely a bigger topic of conversation now. People are far more concerned about natural disasters, particularly in places like the United States. On a global scale, the U.S. stands out as one of the most disaster-prone countries. Having lived in seven different countries and traveled to over 80, I believe the U.S. and the Philippines are among the countries most impacted by nearly every type of natural disaster.

The United States faces a wide range of natural disaster risks—hurricanes, earthquakes on the West Coast, extreme temperatures, tornadoes in the Midwest, and flooding in various regions. Additionally, there are volcanoes scattered throughout the country. So, the U.S. is subject to nearly every type of natural disaster you can think of.

Michelle: It’s a real mix of everything!

Paul: Exactly! And the Philippines is in a similar position. Every year, it's directly in the path of typhoons. On top of that, they deal with regular flooding, active volcanoes, and frequent earthquakes. It’s not entirely the same as the U.S., but the U.S. is so vast, with such a diverse geography, that it encompasses just about every disaster scenario.

Back to your question about planning for large events—natural disasters have become a top concern in our own planning processes, and clients are constantly bringing it up. It’s clear that it’s now a key factor in planning, probably the number one consideration.

When a storm threatens to hit an entire city, there’s little you can do. If you’re staying in a hotel in that city, it’s going to be affected. That’s why it’s crucial to have solid response plans in place for those kinds of worst-case scenarios.

Michelle: I’m curious, are there any destinations that tend to be more stable? We’ve talked about places that face a wide variety of natural disasters, but are there spots that are more shielded from these events?

Paul: Definitely. There are plenty of places in the world that sit outside the major storm tracks. It’s easy to find a map online that shows which areas are typically affected by tropical storms or earthquakes. Many regions are free from these risks and avoid extreme temperature swings—whether hot or cold. Quite a few destinations fit this description.

For example, Argentina is relatively safe from extreme weather. They have some seismic risk, but nothing too significant, and they aren’t in any regular storm paths. Some areas in the Middle East experience intense heat during certain seasons, but it’s generally manageable. Apart from occasional sandstorms, they don’t face many other natural hazards.

Northern Europe is another region with relatively few natural disaster concerns. Parts of Africa, though affected by drought in some areas, also have regions that aren't subject to frequent natural catastrophes. There are certainly many places in the world that don’t experience a constant onslaught of climate-related disasters.

That being said, it’s important to recognize that this situation could change. As we’ve discussed, the patterns of these events are evolving along with the changing climate, so no place is entirely exempt from future risks.

Michelle: Yeah, exactly. I think for travelers who find the idea of dealing with natural disasters overwhelming, they could reach out to organizations like yours or do their own research to identify areas where the risks are lower. Taking a more practical approach can help ease some of the anxiety, knowing that these events don’t happen everywhere, all the time.

It seems like there are certain regions where the risk, at least for now, isn’t as severe. This is largely due to specific storm patterns and geographical factors, which is reassuring to know.

Paul: Absolutely. And when we factor in seasonality, it makes a big difference. For example, Florida is hit by hurricanes more consistently than many places, but during the winter months, like in January, the risk is almost nonexistent. In fact, it's one of the best times to visit.

What we’re seeing in terms of changing storm patterns is more about shifts in areas adjacent to established storm paths, rather than completely new regions being affected. So, it's not likely that a place that has never seen a hurricane in recorded history is suddenly going to experience one.

Michelle: Right, exactly. And one thing that always comes to mind for me is living in California, especially Northern California, where wildfires have been a big challenge over the past decade. But what gives me some hope is the progress we’re making and the lessons we’re learning from these experiences.

Efforts are being made to ensure we don’t experience another year like this one. People are looking for ways to improve responses to these types of disasters.

Paul: Absolutely. People are constantly working on better ways to address natural disasters and mitigate risks across a wide range of situations.

Michelle: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. I think your insights will be really helpful. I always say, ‘Knowledge is power,’ so I appreciate you shedding light on this complex issue of climate change and its impact on travel. Thanks again for joining us, Paul, and I think that’s a wrap.

Paul: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me. I really enjoyed the conversation.

Michelle: Thanks for tuning in, everyone. If you’d like to hear more from me, I’m unpacking the latest travel news and updates on Dinogo.com. Be sure to subscribe to our free newsletter to get the latest travel stories sent directly to your inbox at email.Dinogo.com. You can also follow my travel adventures with my two energetic kids on Instagram @MichelleHallBaran.

For more expert insights on managing anxiety and mental health, be sure to follow Sanam on Instagram @Dr.SanamHafeez. You can also explore the International SOS blog at internationalsos.com, which offers useful advice on travel topics like handling natural disasters, health risks, and other global crises.

This season, we want to hear from you! Are there any travel challenges, trends, or topics you’d like us to dive into? Visit Dinogo.com/feedback or send us an email at unpacked@Dinogo.com to share your thoughts. Want more content? Visit Dinogo.com and follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates.

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