Unforgettable escapes: American Express Travel spotlights Canadians love for dream getaways

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

American Express Travel® has unveiled its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report today, shedding light on the prevailing inspirations and patterns shaping travel bookings worldwide this year. According to the report, Canadians rank as the second-highest global market in terms of anticipated average trip expenditure, showcasing a penchant for spontaneous getaways, bucket list adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime escapades.

 “The Global Travel Trends Report highlights the continued desire for Canadians to prioritize unforgettable travel, from spontaneous trips to once in a lifetime experiences,” said Vanessa Crooker, VP of Brand, Partnerships and Lifestyle Benefits at American Express Canada. “We know that 82% of Canadians plan to spend more or the same on travel this year and we are excited to meet that demand with our premium travel benefits.”

Here’s a snapshot of the key findings from the Canadian segment of the American Express Travel® 2024 Global Travel Trends Report:

1. Growing Interest in Extended, Bucket-List Trips:

• Canadians are inclined towards longer journeys, often spanning multiple countries within a region or venturing into expeditionary or remote destinations.

1. Spending Habits and Cost-Saving Strategies:

• Canadian travelers are open to investing in enriching experiences but also seek ways to optimize their budgets through travel hacks, such as leveraging off-peak seasons and utilizing credit card points for flights and accommodations.

1. Embracing Spontaneity, Solo Adventures, and Self-Care:

• Canadians exhibit a growing preference for spontaneous exploration, solo travel, and self-rejuvenating trips, aiming to break free from the daily hustle and find fulfillment in unique travel experiences.

Notable Statistics Highlighting Canadian Travel Trends:

• A significant portion (33%) of Canadians planning trips in 2024 intend to embark on major journeys, such as bucket-list vacations or dream getaways.
• Popular dream vacation choices among Canadians include multi-country tours within a region (66%), expedition cruises (32%), adventure travel (29%), and wellness retreats (23%).
• Europe emerges as a top destination choice for Canadians planning multi-country tours, with 70% expressing intent to visit the continent.
• Canadian travelers prioritize longer vacation durations, with 1–2-week trips (45%) and week-long trips (44%) being the most common choices.
• While Canadians are willing to increase their travel expenditures (36% planning to spend more compared to last year), they also employ various cost-saving strategies, such as traveling during off-peak seasons (44%) and using credit card points (41%).

Furthermore, spontaneity remains a hallmark of Canadian travel preferences, with a considerable proportion opting for last-minute trips (37% in 2023) and embracing flexibility in dining, excursions, and shopping choices during their travels.

Solo travel continues to gain traction among Canadians, especially among Millennials and Gen-Z, with a majority planning to embark on self-indulgent solo trips focused on self-love.

Survey Methodology:
The survey was conducted from January 31 to February 8, 2024, among a sample of 1,002 Canadian adults with an annual income equivalent of $50,000 or more, who typically travel at least once a year. Online interviews were conducted, with the results subject to a margin of error ranging from plus to minus 2-4 percentage points.

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