Patrick Clarke | (TNS) TravelPulse
It looks like 2024 will be another big year for travel, and there are already some important trends emerging.
American Express Travel recently put out its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, which shows that 84% of people are planning to spend the same amount of money or more on travel in 2024, compared to last year.
Additionally, 77% of people care more about having the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip.
As for what's causing the continued increase in travel demand, American Express Travel has identified four significant trends.
Going to sporting events
Travelers are eager to see their favorite sports in person this year. According to American Express Travel, 67% of millennial and Gen-Z respondents are interested in traveling for sporting events in 2024, compared to 58% of all respondents.
Three-quarters of respondents who plan to travel to a sporting event in 2024 will spend at least three hours getting there and most (58%) will be traveling for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing.
The top cities for sports travel this summer are New York (30%), Miami (27%), London (26%), Las Vegas (25%) and Paris (25%).
Prioritizing travel
More than seven out of 10 respondents (72%) said they would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends, and 65% are more interested in taking a major trip in 2024 compared to previous years.
Surprisingly, younger travelers are more interested in working with a travel adviser to plan and book their trip, with 58% of millennial and Gen-Z respondents seeking a trusted travel professional compared to 52% of all respondents.
Traveling alone
More than two-thirds of travelers (69%) are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024, including 76% of millennials and Gen-Zers.
American Express Travel also found that 66% of respondents planning on traveling solo are planning a trip centered around self-love and treating themselves and 60% of respondents planning on traveling solo this year intend to take two or more solo trips.
Traveling spontaneously
Nearly eight out of 10 travelers (78%) indicated that spontaneous trips appeal to them and a sizable 68% of respondents agree that they like to leave unplanned time in their trip to experience local culture and activities.
The study found that millennials and Gen-Z travelers are more likely to book a last-minute trip, with 77% having done so before compared to 65% of Gen-X and 52% of baby boomers.
“People are traveling to make memories in 2024. While everyone’s motivation for booking a trip is unique —whether it’s taking a solo getaway to recharge or embarking on an expedition cruise or safari — the trips that are trending are sure to be transformative, and our American Express Travel Consultants are here to build dream itineraries and help every step of the way,” said American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley.
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©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
