American Express - Global Travel Trends Report
“As we look ahead to a return to travel later this year, we asked travelers from seven different countries including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, about what’s on their minds as they plan for or dream about their next trip. While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there’s a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring. In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet.
Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel
Consumers Are Looking Forward to Traveling Again
Travel is not only about the destination; it’s about the entire experience. 2020 tested us, and in 2021 travelers are turning to planning future trips as a way to unwind, whether through wellness-focused experiences, culinary explorations or connections with families and friends. In fact, 64% of respondents miss traveling so much that they are willing to give up social media for a month to go on vacation safely.
Travel to Uplift Health & Wellness
While consumers’ comfort levels with travel and the types of trips they choose to take may differ, we can all benefit from a little wanderlust. Eighty-seven percent of respondents agree that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to and say that planning future travel makes them feel excited (63%), happy (53%) and hopeful (53%). Additionally, 78% of respondents indicate wanting to travel in 2021 to relieve the stresses from 20201.
For travelers looking to unwind and relax, American Express Travel consultants recommend staying at hotels with a wide range of outdoor activities or wellness-
Planning and Paying for Future Travel
Travelers are already thinking ahead to how they’ll book and pay for future trips. With the increase in flexible booking options, respondents are ready to book now, with 56% of respondents indicating that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip even if they might have to cancel it in the future1.
Culinary Tourism is Here To Stay
Travel gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in new cultures and experience local cuisines – from that first bite of deep-dish pizza in Chicago to homemade pasta in Rome. Sixty-four percent of solo traveler respondents agree that they want to take a foodie vacation and 62% of all respondents say that eating is the top activity they are interested in doing while traveling1.
American Express Travel booking data for January 2021 shows foodie centric cities as top destinations for U.S. and International Card Members. Miami, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston are hot spots for U.S. American
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/fine-hotels-resorts/get-inspired/global-travel-trends