A whopping 76 per cent of Australians are saving up to go on up to three holidays this year with an average spend of AUD$9,131 on leisure travel. As Aussies look to max out on travel, cruising is emerging as a cost-effective way to go solo with 19 per cent planning on taking a cruise this year.
New Amex travel trends research shows the top four themes for 2024 are sportscursions (travel for major sporting events), bucket-list adventures, solo travel and spur-of-the-moment trips.
Almost two-thirds of Aussies (65%) contemplate solo travel this year with particular interest (13%) in all-inclusive holidays such as cruises or resorts as a budget-friendly option.
One in three Aussies (33%) are keen to travel internationally to attend major sporting or cultural events such as the Olympics in France with Paris (24%), New York (32%) and Miami (15%) among the top destinations. One in five (20%) also indicated they would travel domestically for sports events.
Another 35 per cent are ready to tick off their bucket list in 2024 with transformative travel to the likes of Galápagos or Antarctica high on their agenda.
The Amex Travel Trends 2024 global survey also highlighted an interest in flexible itineraries and last-minute trips that allowed for spontaneous exploration and local cultural experiences.
Amex travel trends saving hack
American Express Asia Pacific Vice President & General Manager of Travel & Lifestyle Services Corinne Ng said more people use their credit card points on travel.
“A quarter (25%) of those surveyed are planning to use their credit card points to cover travel expenses this year,” she said.
“This is a growing trend we’re witnessing among our card members who are increasingly seeking ways to use Membership Rewards points to secure flights, accommodation and other travel perks.”
Check out the full Amex Travel Trends report here.
