Photo: Courtesy of American Express Travel
Consumers are proving eager to continue their travels heading into 2023; building on the momentum and demand we’ve seen this year. According to the latest Amex Trendex survey,* 89% of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine.
Additionally, 70% of respondents agree they want to travel to wish-list destinations next year. To get to those special places, 73% said they are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want – and 88% say they like to seek out local experiences and learn about different cultures while traveling.
To help travelers make the most out of their vacations, American Express Travel Consultants have curated 3-day itineraries based on the top trending global destinations Card Members have booked travel for thus far in 2023**.
Here we share a preview of each destination, and to view the full suggested itineraries, visit here:
Photo: Courtesy of Kavalenkava Volha
Copenhagen, Denmark
To experience cool and cultured Copenhagen, American Express Travel Consultants recommend taking a stroll through the charming streets of Nørrebro, stepping into the early-17th-century at the Rosenborg Castle, and discovering the essence of Danish design. Danish delicacies can be found all around – from the traditional Smørrebrød open sandwich at Selma’s to the innovative flavors of Noma.
Photo: Courtesy of Florida-Guidebook.com
Florida Keys
Key West’s top attractions include lively Duval Street with a multitude of shops, restaurants, museums and pubs; and of course, adventures on the water including a private boat cruise at sunset and snorkeling with Florida dolphins. For those craving fresh seafood – spots like Little Pearl can’t be missed.
Photo: Courtesy of Anna Berdnik
Istanbul, Turkey
A stop to the Grand Bazaar – an iconic marketplace of all kinds of authentic items – is a mini tour of Istanbul itself. For those looking to keep the exploration going, no trip here is complete without a visit to The Blue Mosque, one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in Turkey, and the Hagia Sophia, a mosque often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. And for the ultimate treat, travelers must try Baklava, the national dish of Turkey, which can be found at local bakeries while wandering the streets of the Karakoy and Galata neighborhoods.
Photo: Courtesy of Alice Butenko
Lisbon, Portugal
From a ride on the the famous yellow tram 28, to the picturesque area known as Belém, to a coastal adventure along the Lisbon Coast and immersing in the culinary flavors of Michelin-starred restaurant Belcanto, Lisbon is a sightseeing wonder of historical and cultural highlights.
Photo: Courtesy of Alex Crab
Mexico City, Mexico
A festival for the senses, the vibrant energy of Mexico City is brought to life through adventures at San Angel's Saturday Bazaar, art galleries located throughout the Juarez neighborhood, and a self-explorative afternoon visiting Mexico City’s most renowned sites, with something for everyone. For unforgettably authentic food, travelers will want to experience the always-changing seasonal menu at Máximo Bistro and an organic farm visit to Arca Tierra.
Photo: Courtesy of Radzonimo
Montenegro
With one of the world’s most stunning bays, Boka Bay, the the gleaming white 17th-century Ostrog Monastery located in a sheer cliff above the Zeta Valley, and the pristine Skadar Lake, Montenegro offers some of the most breathtaking views. To continue taking in these views while dining, the finest of Italian cuisine is served up beachside at Sabia with views of the bay and its protruding green hills.
Photo: Courtesy of Olrat
Paris, France
As they say, there’s always Paris! For the perfect Parisian getaway, there’s nothing quite like wandering through some of Paris' architectural highlights – from the Palais de Tokyo in the 8th to the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th and taking a stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg. For art enthusiasts, Galerie Nathalie Obadia has been a pioneer in Paris for exhibiting international contemporary artists; and for fashionistas, Avenue Montaigne is home to the world’s leading fashion and accessory brands. After a day of exploration, the most magnificent views can be found while dining at restaurant Le Jules Verne perched among the Eiffel Tower.
Photo: Courtesy of Dan Freeman
Sydney, Australia
From the majestic Sydney Opera House to the white sands of Bondi, Sydney is the ultimate cultural and scenic oasis. For local and seasonal cuisine, stop by The Botanist for premium seafood and free-range meats, Saint Peter in Paddington for local and ethically sourced seafood including the ultimate 7-course tasting menu that changes daily, and the cool venue MuMu that brings the street food of South-East Asia to Sydney.
Photo: Courtesy of Eric Chen
Woodstock, Vermont
For a leisurely escape, travelers can find comfort in Vermont’s many charms. Quaint adventures include a sampling of Vermont cheeses and hand-tapped maple syrup at family-run Sugarbush farm, a stroll down the newly made Ottauquechee River Trail, a comforting meal at Worthy Kitchen where guests are treated like friends, and indulging in the spa at Woodstock inn & Resort.
Photo: Courtesy of Kokomo Private Island
Yakuve Island, Fiji
From a bespoke boat trip and snorkeling around the island's extensive Astrolabe Reef, to meeting the island’s friendly community and learning about local traditions, to educational experiences at the Kokomo farm learning about the island’s vegetation and sustainable practices, travelers can find paradise on the islands of Fiji.
To begin booking travel for 2023, Card Members can visit Amex Travel by visiting here.
*This Amex Trendex online poll was conducted by Morning Consult between September 30 – October 3, 2022, among a sample of 2,000 US 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. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
** 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.