American Express Travel® released its 2024 Global Travel Trends Report today.

The report is based on survey data collected online from travelers in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The survey sample consisted of more than 8,000 adults who have at least a $50k+ income equivalent and typically travel at least once a year.

It found that 84 percent of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to 2023. Additionally, 77 percent of respondents care more about having the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip.

It also revealed four trends driving booking decisions.

For the Love of the Game: Sports fans are planning trips around athletic events, whether it involves a favorite sport, a beloved team, or an international multi-sport competition like the Olympics.

• 67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents (compared to 58% of all respondents) are interested in traveling for sporting events in 2024.
• 58% of respondents who are traveling for sports in 2024 will do so for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing.
• New York, Miami and Paris are the top destinations respondents are planning to travel to for sporting events this summer.

Planning Big: Major, expedition-style adventures, like a trip to the Galapagos Islands, hiking in Antarctica, or trekking with the gorillas, deliver the transformative experiences that travelers are looking for.

• 65% of respondents are more interesting in taking a major trip in 2024 than in previous years
• 72% of respondents would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends; and more than half of respondents plan on saving between six months and two years for a major trip
• 58% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents want a travel agent or trusted advisor to help them book a major trip this year
• 55% of respondents planning a major trip would consider visiting multiple countries in a region

Going Solo: The ease of planning and ability to make the perfect, personalized itinerary is driving people to plan trips alone, especially younger travelers.

• 76% of Millennials and Gen Z respondents (compared to 69% of all respondents) says they are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024
• 74% of male respondents and 63% of female respondents say they are planning on taking a solo trip in 2024
• 66% of respondents planning on traveling solo are planning a trip tailored to treat themselves
• 60% of respondents traveling solo this year intend to take two or more solo trips

On a Whim: With so much of life being structured and scheduled these days, people are seeking flexibility in their travel plans and leaving room for spontaneity.

• 78% of respondents say that spontaneous trips appeal to them
• 77% of Millennials and Gen Z have booked a last-minute trip before, compared to 65% of Gen X and 52% of Baby Boomers
• 68% of respondents agree that they like to leave unplanned time in their trip to experience local culture/activities
• 57% of respondents prefer booking a last-minute getaway to a nearby destination rather than somewhere far away