Amex report shows Canadians eyeing lavish, spontaneous trips, with Europe top on the list
American Express Travel today released its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report, spotlighting Canadians as the second highest in global rankings for anticipated average travel spend.
The report uncovers a significant trend among Canadians towards seeking out spontaneous, bucket list, and once-in-a-lifetime vacations.
Vanessa Crooker, VP of Brand, Partnerships, and Lifestyle Benefits at American Express Canada, shared, “The Global Travel Trends Report highlights the continued desire for Canadians to prioritize unforgettable travel, from spontaneous trips to once in a lifetime experiences.”
She further noted that 82 percent of Canadians are planning to either increase or maintain their travel spending in 2024, indicating a strong demand for premium travel benefits.
The Canadian insights from the American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report include:
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An inclination towards longer, more immersive trips, with Canadians showing a preference for visiting multiple countries in a single trip or embarking on expedition/remote travels, surpassing the global average for such extended adventures.
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A strategic approach to travel spending, where Canadians are ready to invest in enriching travel experiences but also leverage travel hacks for cost savings and better deals. Interestingly, 36 percent of Canadians intend to spend more on travel than they did last year, positioning Canada as the second highest market globally for anticipated leisure travel spend, averaging $8,824 in 2024.
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A notable trend towards spontaneity, solo travel, and self-love as driving factors for travel plans, with over one-third (37 percent) of Canadians having taken a last-minute trip in 2023 and an even higher number (43 percent) interested in doing so in 2024. Planning timeframes are notably short, with nearly half (47 percent) booking their travels two weeks in advance or sooner.
Furthermore, the most desired types of trips among Canadians include multi-country tours within a region (66 percent), expedition cruises (32 percent), adventure travel (29 percent), and wellness retreats (23 percent), with a substantial 70 percent planning to visit Europe for such expansive experiences.
Trip durations are leaning towards 1–2-week trips (45 percent) and week-long stays (44 percent), contrasting with global preferences that tilt more towards week-long and weekend getaways.
On the financial side, Canadians are balancing their willingness to indulge in travel with a variety of “travel hacks” to economize, including traveling during off-peak seasons (44 percent), utilizing credit card points for flights/hotels (41 percent), and booking through companies offering complimentary hotel benefits like room upgrades and hotel credits (20 percent).
An overwhelming 85 percent of Canadian adults expressed interest in finding flight deals to allocate more funds towards accommodations or upgrades.
Regarding travel preferences, spontaneity continues to play a significant role, with Canadians opting to keep dining plans (61 percent), excursions/activities (39 percent), and shopping (35 percent) decisions open-ended while at their destinations.
Solo travel is also on the rise, with over half (54 percent) of Canadians planning to travel solo as often or more in 2024, particularly among Millennials and Gen-Z, highlighting a trend towards “treat yourself” trips focused on self-love.
American Express Travel's 2024 Global Travel Trends Report underscores a dynamic shift in travel preferences among Canadians, marked by an eagerness for extended, enriching, and spontaneous travel experiences, coupled with a savvy approach to spending and a growing inclination towards solo adventures.
