NATIONAL REPORT – The 2024 Global Travel Trends Report from American
Express uncovers the driving forces behind why people are traveling right now.
We have summarized their findings.
- 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of
money on travel in 2024 compared to last year
- 89% of respondents are planning on using ‘travel hacks’ such
as traveling during off-peak times or using credit card points to save money on
travel in 2024
- 77% of respondents care more about the right travel
experience than about the cost of the trip
For the love of the game
- 75% of respondents who plan to travel to a sporting event in
2024 will spend at least three hours getting there
- 67% of Millennial and Gen-Z respondents (compared to 58% of
all respondents) are interested in traveling for sporting events in 2024
-
58% of respondents who are traveling for sports in 2024 will
do so for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing
The driving forces include watching a favorite sports team
in person (35%), witnessing a big sports or cultural event (34%), and seeing a
favorite athlete (20%).
Top cities for sports travel for summer 2024: New York City,
30%; Miami, 27%; London, 26%; Las Vegas and Paris, 25%.
Bucket list trips
- 65% of respondents are more interested in taking a major
trip in 2024 than in previous years
- 72% of respondents would rather save money for a major trip
than spend it on going out with friends
- 58% of Millennial and Gen-Z respondents want a travel agent
or trusted advisor to help them book a major trip this year (compared to 52% of
all respondents)
Visiting multiple countries scored well with 63% of
respondents planning to visit more than one country on a single trip in 2024
and plan to do so in Europe.
Going solo
Sometimes traveling alone is the way to go. Amex research
shows the following:
- 76% of Millennials and Gen-Z (compared to 69% of all
respondents) say they are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024
- 66% of respondents planning on traveling solo are planning a
trip centered around self-love and treating themselves
- 60% of respondents planning on traveling solo this year
intend to take two or more solo trips
Deeper inside the data, 57% of respondents agreed that they
were more likely to travel solo for a quick weekend getaway than for a longer
or more expensive trip.
Either way, solo travelers are becoming an important subset.
The two types of destinations where they’re most likely to be found? In a new
city (29%) or relaxing at a beach or island (22%).
On a whim
People are seeking flexibility in their travel plans and
leaving room for spontaneity. This has increased the appeal of last-minute
bookings, one-way tickets, and other choices. The data suggests:
- 78% of respondents say that spontaneous trips appeal to them
- 68% of respondents agree that they like to leave unplanned
time in their trip to experience local culture/activities
- 77% of Millennials and Gen-Z have booked a last-minute trip
before, compared to 65% of Gen-X and 52% of Baby Boomers
In fact, 44% of respondents said they prefer to take a
spontaneous trip instead of having all the details planned.