American Express Travel has released its “2023 Trending Destinations” list, featuring the ten most popular destinations for travel next year, identified by American Express card member travel reservations.
For each of these destinations, American Express Travel consultants also created three-day itineraries, providing inspiration on the top places to stay, eat, shop and explore the local culture, including how Platinum card members can spend the “bonus vacation day” they receive with guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out when they book a Fine Hotels & Resorts property through American Express Travel.
American Express Travel’s “2023 Trending Destinations” are selected based on global American Express card member bookings through American Express Travel, looking at year-over-year travel growth between 2019 and 2022.
The latest “Amex Trendex” survey found that 50 percent of adults say they spend at least five hours planning a vacation. To help travelers save time and make the most of their trips, American Express Travel consultants crafted three-day weekend itineraries for each of the trending destinations.
A majority (81 percent) of “Amex Trendex” survey respondents agree they want to maximize every hour of their trips, making the expert guidance in the “Trending Destinations” itineraries a valuable resource. Whether venturing solo, exploring with a group of friends or spending time with family, the itineraries include something for everyone, from finding the best churros in Mexico City and engaging with koalas in Sydney to treatments at a luxury spa in Paris and exploring a maple forest in Vermont.
Additionally, 88 percent of survey respondents agree they wish their trips were longer. Platinum card members have a guaranteed 4 p.m. late check-out benefit when they book a Fine Hotels & Resorts property through American Express Travel. Late check-out, one of the many premium benefits unlocked when booking with American Express Travel, gives travelers a “bonus day” to extend their vacations. The “Trending Destinations” itineraries highlight ways to spend that time, so card members get the most out of their trips, including a master cheese class in Paris, sailing to the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul and a shopping excursion of authentic Portuguese goods in Lisbon.
Besides top destinations, American Express Travel has identified key trends driving travel in 2023:
- 70 percent of respondents agree they want to travel to wish-list destinations next year
- 89 percent of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine, and 74 percent plan to travel more in 2023 for their wellbeing
- 88 percent of respondents agree they like to seek out local experiences and learn about culture when they travel, and 73 percent are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want
- 43 percent of respondents agree they want to travel more as their New Year’s resolution, and 50 percent of respondents have already started to think about where they want to go on their upcoming summer 2023 vacations
- 74 percent of respondents agree they are more likely to spend more on travel in 2023, and 40 percent say they are willing to pay more for late check-out when making their travel accommodations
The “Amex Trendex” online poll was conducted by Morning Consult between September 30–October 3, 2022 among a sample of 2,000 U.S. 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.
For more information, visit americanexpress.com.
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