Consumers Are Looking Forward to Traveling Again
Travel is not only about the destination; it’s about the entire experience. 2020 tested us, and in 2021 travelers are turning to planning future trips as a way to unwind, whether through wellness-focused experiences, culinary explorations or connections with families and friends. In fact, 64% of respondents miss traveling so much that they are willing to give up social media for a month to go on vacation safely1.
Travel to Uplift Health & Wellness
Travel to Uplift Health & Wellness
While consumers’ comfort levels with travel and the types of trips they choose to take may differ, we can all benefit from a little wanderlust. Eighty-seven percent of respondents agree that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to and say that planning future travel makes them feel excited (63%), happy (53%) and hopeful (53%). Additionally, 78% of respondents indicate wanting to travel in 2021 to relieve the stresses from 20201.
For travelers looking to unwind and relax, American Express Travel consultants recommend staying at hotels with a wide range of outdoor activities or wellness-focused amenities. Those looking for the ultimate wellness experience can check out the Sensei Lana’i, a Fine Hotels + Resorts® property located on the secluded island of Lanai, known for its world-class spa, morning yoga classes, horseback riding and more. The Montage Laguna Beach situated high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is another great option with craftsman-style accommodations set on 30 acres of manicured grounds, where guests can enjoy breathtaking secluded beaches, a state of the art fitness center, signature spa treatments and an adults-only pool. Platinum Card® Members who book their stay at either property through American Express Travel can take advantage of an exclusive suite of benefits, including guaranteed 4:00 pm late check-out, complimentary room upgrade when available, a US $100 experience credit unique to each property and more.
Planning and Paying for Future Travel

Planning and Paying for Future Travel
Travelers are already thinking ahead to how they’ll book and pay for future trips. With the increase in flexible booking options, respondents are ready to book now, with 56% of respondents indicating that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip even if they might have to cancel it in the future1.
“We’re seeing significant pent-up demand for cruises in 2022, not only from our loyal guests who cannot wait for their next cruise vacation, but we’re also encouraged to see interest from new guests looking to experience cruising for the first time. We look forward to doing what we love and once again sailing on the open seas and providing our guests with a great vacation experience.” - Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation Sixty-one percent of survey respondents plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020. Additionally, sixty-three percent of respondents say they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling, and one in three respondents say they will likely use more travel credits or points to pay for all or part of a trip in 2021 than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic1.
Culinary Tourism is Here To Stay
Culinary Tourism is Here To Stay
Travel gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in new cultures and experience local cuisines – from that first bite of deep-dish pizza in Chicago to homemade pasta in Rome. Sixty-four percent of solo traveler respondents agree that they want to take a foodie vacation and 62% of all respondents say that eating is the top activity they are interested in doing while traveling1.
American Express Travel booking data for January 2021 shows foodie centric cities as top destinations for U.S. and International Card Members. Miami, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston are hot spots for U.S. American Express® Card Members² whereas Mexico City, Singapore and Tokyo are topping the list for International American Express Card Members³.
