American Express Travel released its 2023 Trending Destinations list this week with the top ten destinations for travel in 2023 based on Card Member booking data. The 2023 top trending destinations are: Copenhagen, Denmark; Florida Keys, Florida; Istanbul, Turkey; Lisbon, Portugal; Mexico City, Mexico; Montenegro; Paris, France; Sydney, Australia; Woodstock, Vermont; and Yakuve Island, Fiji.
American Express Travel is tracking travelers who are already planning for summer vacations and looking to spend more next year. American Express Travel Consultants have helped narrow down the top places to go and what to do with 3-day weekend itineraries for each of the 2023 Trending Destinations, highlighting where jet setters can stay, eat, shop and explore with ease. And to that end, the travel company brought in actressIssa Rae (Insecure, Barbie, Vengeance, Spider-Man) to consult on the Paris itinerary, recommending some of her favorite places in the City of Light. The report includes how eligible Cardmembers can spend a “bonus vacation day” with guaranteed 4:00 p.m. check-out when they book certain properties through American Express Travel.
This latest American Express Travel survey among US travelers found that 50% of adults say they spend at least five hours planning a vacation. Thus, the three-day weekend itineraries for each of the Trending Destinations can provide inspiration on some the best places to stay, eat and activities to explore the local culture.
In addition to top destinations, American Express Travel has identified key trends driving travel in 2023:
- New adventures are in demand: 70% of respondents agree they want to travel to wish list destinations in 2023
- Vacationing with holistic health in mind: 89% of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine, and 74% plan to travel more in 2023 for their wellbeing
- Seeking out personalized experiences: 88% of respondents agree they like to seek out local experiences and learn about culture when they travel, and 73% are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want
- From New Year’s resolution to summer travel: 43% of respondents agree they want to travel more as their New Year’s resolution, and 50% of respondents have already started to think about where they want to go on their upcoming summer 2023 vacations
- Spending more for the ultimate getaway: 74% of respondents agree they are more likely to spend more on travel in 2023, and 40% say they are willing to pay more for late check-out when making their travel accommodations
American Express Travel Survey Findings:
A Continued Rise in Travel
– 88% of respondents agree that they wish that their trips and travel experiences could be longer
– 70% of respondents want to travel to wish list destinations in 2023
– 50% of respondents have already started to think about where they want to go on their upcoming summer 2023 vacations
– 81% of respondents agree they want to feel a sense of adventure at their next travel destination
Gen Z & Millennials Plans for 2023
– 54% of Gen Z & Millennials say international travel is a high priority for them in 2023
– Also 56% of Gen Z & Millennials say they turn to social media for travel destination inspiration
– 43% of Gen Z & Millennials say it’s likely they will ask a professional travel expert for help planning their upcoming 2023 vacations
– 69% of respondents agree they are seeking to travel to unique destinations they haven’t been to in 2023
Consumers Take on Planning Trips in 2023
– 44% of respondents agree they find it extremely helpful to have a travel expert help plan itineraries for a trip
– 73% of respondents agree they are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want
– 75% of respondents agree that having a late checkout gives them more flexibility when booking other aspects of their trip
– 68% of respondents agree that since the pandemic, they are more conscious of how they spend their time on vacation
– 73% of respondents agree they are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want
– 43% of respondents would be willing to spend money to extend their vacation by 4 hours
– 58% of respondents agree loyalty programs, credit card perks/benefits, and membership discounts influence their decisions when booking trips
– Moreover 75% of respondents agree that having a late checkout gives them more flexibility when booking other aspects of their trip
A Focus on Wellness in 2023 Travel
– 89% of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine
– 74% of respondents agree they plan to travel more in 2023 for their wellbeing
– 53% of respondents agree they are more likely to book a hotel with wellness activities (i.e., outdoor fitness activities, healthy food options)
– 49% of respondents agree they seek out activities like spa treatments and meditation sessions to improve their wellbeing
Finally This American Express online poll was conducted by Morning Consult between September 30 – October 3, 2022 among a sample of 2,000 US travelers who have a household income of at least $70K and are defined as adults who typically travel by air at least once a year.
Author: Lark Gould
Lark Gould has been a travel industry journalist for more than 30 years. She shares her insight on cruise travel, air travel, hotels, resorts, popular activities, attractions and destinations to assist travel advisors and travelers with the current news and information they need to travel well.
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