Report: Consumers are Looking Forward to Traveling Again

Photo source: American Express

A global consumer report recently released by American Express reveals new travel trends for 2021, as consumers feel ready to plan their future trips.

The global payments company published its 2021 Global Travel Trends Report, which is based on research across seven countries including the United States, Australia, India, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom.

According to the report, consumers are looking forward to traveling again, while the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the rise of the digital nomad.

Top insights include:

• Strong Pent-Up Demand for Travel

87 percent of people surveyed said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to, 76 percent of respondents are creating their destination wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet, and 63 percent of respondents said that they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling.

• Ready to Book Now

56 percent of respondents said that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip now even if they might have to cancel it in the future.

Source: American Express, 2021 Global Travel Trends Report

• Rise of The Digital Nomad

54 percent of respondents said that the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic.

• Safety is a Priority

65 percent of respondents said they plan to travel after they and their family members have received a vaccine for Covid-19.

• Privacy is the New Ultimate Luxury

75 percent of respondents agree that the experiences that offer ultimate privacy is becoming a key sought-after feature of luxury travel.

• Increase in Sustainable Travel

68 percent of respondents agree they are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support.

Source: American Express, 2021 Global Travel Trends Report

• Making Up for Missed Travel

61 percent of survey respondents plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020.

• Culinary Tourism is Here to Stay

62 percent of respondents say that eating is the top activity they are interested in doing while traveling, and American Express Travel booking data for January 2021 shows foodie centric cities as top destinations for US and International Card Members.

Miami, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston are hot spots for US American Express Card Members whereas Mexico City, Singapore and Tokyo are topping the list for international American Express Card Members.