Travelers are inspired by their favorite shows and movies, choosing their next dream destination based on what they’ll eat, and driven by a desire for greater wellness and support for local communities.
American Express Travel released their 2023 Global Travel Trends Report yesterday, highlighting four global trends inspiring people to travel this year:
The Rise of “Set-Jetting”: Popular movies, TV shows and social media are inspiring people to travel to places they see onscreen, like Italy, Paris, Yellowstone, and LondonDelicious Destinations: From top restaurants to local favorites to cooking classes, people are choosing their next destination based on what they’ll eatA Wellness Wave: Restorative vacations are on the rise as travelers prioritize self-care and mental and physical healthTraveling Off the Beaten Path: Travelers want to discover hidden gems and support the local community when they visit
The report, based on survey data from travelers from the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom, found that more than half (52%) of respondents say they plan to take more trips this year than last year and 50% of respondents are planning to spend more money on travel in 2023 than 2022. 84% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed would rather take a dream vacation than purchase a new luxury item, and 79% agree that travel is an important budget priority.
“Vacations are precious, and travelers are prioritizing personalized itineraries built around their passions, from planning an entire vacation for a single dinner reservation to getting the perfect video for TikTok,” says Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “No matter what the inspiration is, American Express Travel Consultants have the expertise to help every type of traveler plan all types of trips.”
Top insights from American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report include:
Pop culture and social media are influencing the rise of “set-jetting,” especially among younger travelers.
From visiting top restaurants and local favorites to taking a cooking class, food has a huge impact on where people travel.
Prioritizing self-care is leading to a rise in restorative vacations
