Photo: Courtesy of American Express
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54% of Brits are planning three or more holidays
this year, with 52% of Millennials and Gen Z also planning at least three
holidays
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Gen Z respondents are twice as likely as any other
generation to plan their trip with less than a month to go and are
most likely to keep up elements of their normal routine when travelling
Generation Z and Millennials are shaking up the
travel industry with a change of travel habits, ranging from how they’re
booking and planning holidays to where they’re seeking inspiration from, and
what they’re doing on their trip. New research from American Express Travel1
has found that Gen Z and Millennials2 are most likely to be taking
more trips this year versus last year compared to any other generation (54% and
43% compared to an average of 41%), with their habits expected to make a
difference to the travel sector.
Generational travel
American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report showed that
more than half of all those surveyed (54%) are planning to take three or more
holidays this year, with Brits looking to enjoy a range of holiday types
including international flight travel (72%), staycations (30%), and even
boating and yachting holidays (4%).
With the warmer weather inspiring Brits to get away, 41% of all respondents
are looking to embark on more holidays this year than in 2022. Gen Z are
leading the way, with more than half hoping to get away more frequently than
last year (54%), followed by Millennials (43%), Baby Boomers (38%) and Gen X
(36%).
There is also a
generational divide in the ways we are hoping to travel. When it comes to
international trips, Gen Z were the most likely of any generation to prefer
international and domestic trips of 1-3 days, while Baby Boomers were the most
likely of any generation to want to get away for 10 days or longer. Gen Z and
Millennials are also most likely to be booking a staycation this year (38% and 34%
compared to an average of 30%).
Gen Z were revealed to be the most last-minute of the generations, being
almost twice as likely as any other generation to plan their trip with a month
or less to go (14% compared to an average of 8%).
Routine travel
Although 9 in 10 of all those surveyed (89%) agreed that their main goal
while traveling is to have new experiences – plenty of us like to keep up
routines while on holiday.
Almost 3 in 4 UK
adults (76%) surveyed keep up some elements of routine while travelling, no
matter what the destination. This jumps to 83% among Gen Z.
Popular
routines for UK adults include having a set morning / night time routine (22%),
going for a morning/afternoon walk (32%) and planning out meals (31%). 6% also
keep up journaling / meditation habits. The survey found that Millennials are
most likely to keep to their bedtime, no matter where in the world they are
(16% compared to an average of 13%).
#TravelInspo
A significant number
of Brits are turning to social media for travel tips and advice, with 35% of
all respondents, and 26% of Gen Z and Millennials using social media for
holiday inspiration. TV shows are the top source of inspiration among Baby
Boomers (43% compared with a UK average of 30%), while friends & family
recommendations topped the inspiration list for all other generations.
More than 1 in 3 Brits (34%) agree that they want to travel to a place
they can show off on social media, which rises to 1 in 2 (51%) among Gen Z.
Craig Barclay, Vice President at American Express commented: “Our research
shows that holiday bookings continue to be a priority for many Brits, and this
is particularly pronounced among Gen Z and Millennials. American Express
Cardmembers can enjoy an extensive range of travel offers and rewards. For
instance, when booking adventures with American Express Travel, Cardmembers can
earn points as they spend, or even pay with points for flights, hotels, car
hire or holiday packages.”
The American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report can be read in
full here.
ENDS
NOTES TO
EDITORS
1The American Express 2023
Global Travel Trends Report is based on data obtained through an online poll
conducted by Morning Consult between February 3rd – 11th, 2023 among a sample
of 1,000 travelers from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, UK and 2,000
travelers in the US who have a household income of at least a $70k equivalent,
and who typically travel by air at least once a year. Results from each
market’s survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
2Generations are defined
as those born in the following years: Generation Z – 1997-2012, Millennials –
1981-1996, generation X – 1965-1980, and baby boomers – 1946-1964.
CONTACTS:
Jack Calway:
Jack.F.Calway@aexp.com
Nick Richardson, Four Communications on
behalf of American Express:
+44 (0)7580 849 673
Nick.Richardson@fourcommunications.com