Four Global Travel Trends You Should Know
Keeping up with traveler wants, needs and trends can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when things in our present world continue to change and evolve faster and faster. Thankfully, new research lends some valuable insight into global travel trends and how they're inspiring people to travel this year.
The new 2023 Global Travel Trends Report, released by American Express Travel—and based on survey data from travelers from the U.S., 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% plan 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," said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel.
The report offers a breakdown of four specific trends:
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 London. 75% of respondents agree that they've been inspired to travel to a specific destination by social media, while 70% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed agree that they've been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source or movie. In addition, 46% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed say they've been inspired to travel to a destination because of Instagram.
DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS
From top restaurants to local favorites to cooking classes, people are choosing their next destination based on what they'll eat. 81% of respondents agree that trying local foods and cuisines is the part of traveling they look forward to the most. 66% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed agree that they get most of their eating-while-traveling inspiration from social media, while nearly half (47%) of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed agree that they've planned an entire trip around visiting a specific restaurant.
A WELLNESS WAVE
Restorative vacations are on the rise as travelers prioritize self-care and mental and physical health, with 73% of respondents say they're planning vacations to better their mental, physical and emotional health this year. Specifically, 60% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed say they go out of their way to book hotels that offer spa and wellness services.
TRAVELING OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Travelers want to discover hidden gems and support the local community when they visit. The report found that 85% of respondents want to visit a place where they can truly experience the local culture, with 78% of respondents also indicating they're interested in going on vacations that support local communities in 2023.
The full American Express Travel 2023 Global Travel Trends Report can be viewed here.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
