A new report from American Express Travel® highlights four global trends inspiring people to travel this year.

Based on survey data from travelers in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and the United Kingdom, AMEX’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report reveals that 52% of respondents say they plan to take more trips this year than last year and 50% of respondents are planning to spend more money on travel in 2023 than 2022.

Notably, 84% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed would rather take a dream vacation than purchase a new luxury item, and 79% agree that travel is an important budget priority.

“Vacations are precious, and travelers are prioritizing personalized itineraries built around their passions, from planning an entire vacation for a single dinner reservation to getting the perfect video for TikTok,” says Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel.

The report identifies four trends driving travel destination selection decisions.

1. The Rise of “Set-Jetting”

Popular movies, TV shows and social media are inspiring people to travel to places they see onscreen like Italy, Paris, Yellowstone and London. (Photo at the top of post is Hobbiton in MataMata, New Zealand, from The Lord of the Rings movies. Photo by Gagliardi Photography | Canva.)

• 75% of respondents agree that they have been inspired to travel to a specific destination by social media
• 70% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed agree that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source, or movie.
• 46% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed say they have been inspired to travel to a destination because of Instagram

2. Delicious Destinations

• From top restaurants to local favorites to cooking classes, people are choosing their next destination based on what they’ll eat.
• 81% of respondents agree that trying local foods and cuisines is the part of traveling they look forward to the most
• 66% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed agree that they get most of their eating-while-traveling inspiration from social media

3. A Wellness Wave

Restorative vacations are on the rise as travelers prioritize self-care and mental and physical health.

• 73% of respondents are planning vacations to better their mental, physical, and emotional health this year
• 60% of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed say they go out of their way to book hotels that offer spa and wellness services

4. Traveling Off the Beaten Path

Travelers want to discover hidden gems and support the local community when they visit.

• 85% of respondents want to visit a place where they can truly experience the local culture
• 78% of respondents are interested in going on vacations that support local communities in 2023