Study: Leisure Travelers Now Booking Trips Earlier, Spending More

Photo source: Sabre Corporation

Leisure travelers are now booking their trips earlier while some are increasing their travel budgets, according to insights provided in a recent global survey about 2024 travel planning released by Sabre Corporation.

According to Sabre, its latest travel study uncovers a significant shift in travel behaviors and preferences for 2024 with data showcasing how travelers are navigating the ever-evolving landscape of global travel.

The study indicates a newfound confidence among travelers, with leisure travelers planning their trips much earlier than in previous years. Data shows that travelers are booking their flights at least three months in advance, marking a clear departure from past tendencies (last minute bookings). Interestingly, this trend diverges from business travel, where most bookings are still made between two to four weeks before the trip.

Financially, the study understands a “cautious optimism” among travelers. Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed anticipate spending a similar amount on travel as they did in 2023, but a significant 40.7 percent expect to increase their travel budgets, particularly among Generation Z travelers.

“This reflects a growing enthusiasm for travel in the post-pandemic world, coupled with a desire for richer experiences,” Sabre notes.

In terms of amenities and services, the priorities of leisure and business travelers continue to diverge.

The study reveals that business travelers are prioritizing efficiency and minimalism, often opting for lighter travel without checked baggage. In contrast, leisure travelers place greater emphasis on in-flight meals and comfort, with seat selection being a common priority among both groups.

Sabre also highlights that leisure travelers tend to invest more in travel accessories compared to their business counterparts, who primarily focus on seat selection.

Meanwhile, Generation Z’s main concern is the risk of luggage loss or theft, a sentiment likely influenced by post-pandemic incident rates and a heightened awareness of these issues.

Other findings of the report:

– Sustainability emerges as a priority, with all respondents expressing willingness to pay up to 5 percent more for sustainable travel options.
– A significant portion of respondents is willing to pay up to 15 percent extra to offset their carbon footprint.
– Couple travel is on the up in 2024,likely driven by a desire for more personalized and intimate travel experiences.
– Traveling with children under 12 years is notably more popular in Europe and the Middle East compared to other parts of the world.

New trends could lead to confusing travel offers

According to Sabre, the evolving trends “pose challenges” for the travel industry, particularly in managing content fragmentation to better serve customer needs.

“This dispersion of information can lead to outdated and confusing travel offers, potentially impacting customer experiences and the economic landscape of the travel sector,” says Sabre.

Andreas Syrigos, Regional Senior Director for Southern Europe & Nordics at Sabre Travel Solutions,, underscores the importance of addressing these challenges, “By harnessing Sabre’s Global Data Services, travel agencies and hotels can tap into these trends and adapt their offerings accordingly. This strategic approach is essential for keeping pace with the dynamic preferences of today’s traveler and ensuring that the travel industry remains responsive to market demands”.

Sabre Corporation is represented in Greece by Sabre Hellas.