american express travel survey

American Express Launches 2021 Global Travel Trends Report

Global consumer survey reveals key trends indicating pent-up demand for travel, a readiness to plan for future trips, and the rise of the digital nomad

American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Unveils the New Travel Mindset (Graphic: Business Wire)

American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report Finds Consumers are Traveling with Purpose (Graphic: Business Wire)

AMERICAN EXPRESS Heather Norton [email protected]

Ali Pearce [email protected]

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Tips
• Travel Trends

The American Express Travel Trends Report Says Exactly What We’re All Thinking — People Want to Travel

Who isn't ready for a vacation?

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear we all still need a little bit of hope and something to look forward to. And, according to the new American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends Report , that hope is travel.

In March, American Express released its report, providing a glimpse into consumer sentiment toward travel. The biggest takeaway is that people not only want to travel again but are already hard at work planning their dream post-pandemic getaways.

"As we look ahead to a return to travel later this year, we asked travelers from seven different countries including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, about what's on their minds as they plan for or dream about their next trip," Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, shared in a statement. "While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there's a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring. In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet."

According to the report, which was compiled from a survey taken across seven international markets and American Express Travel booking data, 87% of people said that having a trip planned in the future gives them something to look forward to.

Respondents also made it clear they are ready to go right now. Some 63% of respondents said that they are saving their credit card points so they can go on a vacation once they feel comfortable traveling, and 56% said that they miss traveling so much that they are willing to book a trip now even if they might have to cancel it in the future.

One small silver lining of the pandemic may also be people's newfound freedom to work from anywhere. The survey found a significant rise in interest in the "digital nomad" lifestyle, with 54% of respondents saying that the freedom and flexibility of being able to live and work while traveling the globe is more appealing now than it was prior to the pandemic.

Respondents, however, also want to ensure their own safety above anything else before taking to planes, trains, and automobiles for travel again. More than 60% of respondents said that they do not plan on traveling until they and their families have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Another thing the pandemic has shown people is the importance of sustainable living. According to the survey, 68% of consumers agree they are trying to be more aware of sustainability-friendly travel brands to support on future trips. Finally, 78% of respondents said they simply need to get out and go somewhere in 2021 to relieve the stresses from 2020, which is likely a feeling we can all relate to. See more about the survey and its findings here .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Card Accounts

Business Accounts

Other Accounts and Payments

Tools and Support

Personal Cards

Business Credit Cards

Corporate Programs

Prepaid Cards

Personal Savings

Personal Checking and Loans

Business Banking

Book And Manage Travel

Travel Inspiration

Business Travel

Services and Support

Benefits and Offers

Manage Membership

Business Services

Checking & Payment Products

Funding Products

Merchant Services

American Express Travel Help Center

How can we help, get in-the-know before you go. the travel help center has resources and information to help you plan a trip, learn about your travel benefits, manage an existing booking, and more. , popular topics.

Get up-to-date info on trending travel topics.

COVID-19 Information

Visit the COVID-19 Hub to stay up to date on travel advisories, international entry requirements , airline and hotel cancellation policies, and the most recent expert advice .

Manage My Trips

View your itinerary or cancel your trip online.

How to use Pay with Points

Use Membership Rewards ® points toward all or part of your qualified booking. Terms apply.

Why Amex Travel?

Explore the benefits of booking with American Express Travel.

eTicket Flight Credits

If you have eTicket Flight Credits available with Amex Travel, learn about your redemption options and expiration and ticket details. Terms apply.

Travel Packing Essentials

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, or a month-long escape near or far, don't leave home without the essentials.

Platinum Card® Travel Benefits

Explore all the travel benefits you get when you're with Amex.

International Airline Program

Get savings on the best seats in the house and accelerate rewards every time you takeoff. Explore lower fares on international First, Business, and Premium Economy seats with the International Airline Program through American Express Travel. Terms apply.

Fine Hotels + Resorts ®

Every stay at Fine Hotels + Resorts ® is packed with perks when you book with American Express Travel. Explore your benefits and find a hotel now. Terms apply.

Global Lounge Collection

Platinum Card Members can enjoy access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting. Terms apply.

Find a lounge

Insider Fares

Go further with fewer Membership Rewards ® points. With Insider Fares, it takes less points to get around the globe. Access these flight deals at AmexTravel.com if there are enough points for the entire fare. Terms apply.

The Hotel Collection

For a stylish escape in locations near and far, book The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel. Enjoy signature perks on stays of two or more nights. Terms apply.

Explore a new path. Earn every step of the way. Get to your next vacation faster with 5X Membership Rewards ® points on flights* and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com . Terms apply.

*Per dollar spent on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com.” 

$200 Airline Fee Credit

Receive up to $200 per calendar year in statement credits when you charge incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline to your eligible Card account. Terms apply

$200 Hotel Credit

Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings or The Hotel Collection bookings of two nights or more through American Express Travel when you pay with your eligible Platinum Card. Terms apply.

Other Travel Benefits

Learn about additional Platinum Card ® benefits across each step of the journey.

Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA, PreCheck ® , $200 Uber Cash, $189 CLEAR ® , Platinum Card Concierge, Premium Global Assist ® Hotline and

more! Terms apply.

Planning My Trip

From destination inspiration to travel insurance, get the most up-to-date trip planning information all in one place.

Explore Destination Experiences

Tour the tastes of San Sebastian. Watch elephants roam the Serengeti. Explore more of the world with the help of American Express Travel. Through personalized service and trusted partnerships, we help you experience destinations in an unforgettable way.

Recommended Flights

From now until October 1, 2024, Platinum Card ® and Business Platinum Card ® Members can access lower fares on select routes, for travel through October 1, 2024 when you book at AmexTravel.com. Terms apply.

Get Inspired

Plan your next vacation with the help of American Express Travel. View insider travel guides, sun to slope destinations, and one-of-a-kind properties from Fine Hotels + Resorts ® and The Hotel Collection.

Insurance, Protections, Trip Cancel Guard TM , and more.

You can enjoy a variety of benefits with American Express Cards ® , including embedded Card Benefits. American Express also offers optional trip protections available for purchase, including Trip Cancel Guard , for bookings made through AmexTravel.com. Terms apply.

Fine Hotels + Resorts ® Special Offers

Enjoy special offers including complimentary nights and property credits at select Fine Hotels + Resorts ® properties when you book through American Express Travel. Travel dates and terms apply.

Preparing for Your Trip

Prepare now so you can enjoy later. Plan your trip with this health and safety information in mind.

Take control of your travel with easy links and tips to help redeem eTicket Flight Credits, view your itinerary, cancel bookings, and more. Simply log in to “ My Trips ”.

View Itinerary

View the details of your trip, invoice, and itinerary.

Flight Booking Hotel Booking Car rental Vacation Packages Cruise Booking 

Redeem eTicket Flight Credits

If you have eTicket Flight Credits available with Amex Travel, learn about your redemption options and expiration and ticket details.

Change my Booking

Understand how to make a change to your trip.

Change your Flight Booking Change your Hotel Booking Change your Car rental Change your Vacation Packages Change your Cruise Booking

Amex Travel Terms & Conditions

Membership Rewards ® Fine Hotels + Resorts ® The Hotel Collection 

Cancel my Booking

Understand how to cancel an existing booking.

Cancel your Flight Booking Cancel your Hotel Booking Cancel your Car rental Cancel your Vacation Packages Cancel your Cruise Booking

Frequently Asked Questions

Chat with us.

Please log in using your User ID and Password.

Trending Articles

View your itinerary, cancel a booking, or manage a trip yourself by logging in to “ My Trips ”.

Learn how to use Membership Rewards ® points for your next booking.

Eligible Platinum Card Members can get $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® bookings or The Hotel Collection bookings of two nights or more through American Express Travel when you pay with your eligible Platinum Card. 

How-to Videos

Learn how to use Membership Rewards ® Pay with points for all or part of your flight, prepaid hotel, prepaid car rental, vacation packages (flight and prepaid hotel), or prepaid cruise booking through AmexTravel.com

How to Manage My Trip

Learn how to view your itinerary or cancel an existing booking, understand seat and baggage options, and more within My Trips. 

How to Redeem an eTicket Flight Credit Online

If you have an eTicket Flight Credit from a flight originally purchased through AmexTravel.com, learn how to redeem it online.

Should You Use a Credit Card Travel Portal?

Unlock the details of credit card travel portals and learn how to maximize your benefits.

Using a Credit Card Travel Portal

Getty Images

Using a credit card portal to book travel could help you save money and help you earn more points or redeem travel credits.

Key Takeaways

• Credit card travel portals search across multiple travel options, giving you the power to compare prices.
• You can use your credit card or rewards to book travel with your credit card issuer's travel portal.
• Some cards may offer travel credits and benefits when you book using the associated travel portal. 

You have many options for booking travel, whether you want to book directly with airlines and hotels, use an online travel agency or book with your credit card's travel portal. Using a credit card travel portal may allow you to take advantage of cardholder benefits and credits and give you additional choices for your booking.

Understand how to use credit card travel portals to save money on your next trip and maybe get some elevated perks along the way – but also recognize when it doesn't make sense.

What Are Credit Card Travel Portals?

Similar to online travel agencies, such as Expedia or Booking.com, credit card travel portals are online travel booking platforms. Cardholders can use credit card travel portals to browse and book travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars and experiences using your credit card or rewards.

Credit card travel portals include:

• American Express Travel.
• Capital One Travel.
• Chase Travel.
• Citi Travel.

Some credit cards offer cardholder savings or perks when you book travel using the issuer's credit card portal, such as travel credits or cardholder privileges, including free breakfast or late checkout.

How Credit Card Travel Portals Stack Up

When you use a credit card travel portal, the amount and method of payment may be the deciding factors in how you book. Using a credit card travel portal to book travel can save you money, but not always.

We compared a midweek economy flight from Los Angeles to New York and a weeklong stay at a three-star hotel in Manhattan. In some cases, credit card travel portals were competitive, but Expedia had the lowest overall price for flight and hotel costs on this test trip.

Still, this is just one example, and travel prices can fluctuate depending on how you book. It's always a good idea to compare all of your options.

Benefits of Credit Card Travel Portals

Booking your travel with a credit card travel portal can help you earn more points or redeem travel credits. Some examples:

• Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through the Capital One Travel site. When booking on the Capital One Travel site, cardholders earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights. ( See Rates and Fees )
• With The Platinum Card ® from American Express , cardholders get a $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel and earn five points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. ( See Rates and Fees )
• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card holders get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit and earn five points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases.

"Using the travel credits is huge," says JT Genter, editor in chief of rewards and travel tracking tool AwardWallet. "Card issuers are leaning more towards those only being accessible through the portal."

Credit card travel portal bookings may help your points go further, too. "Because I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, when I use the (Chase) portal to book travel, my points get an extra 25% bump," says Chip Chinery, personal finance blogger at Chip's Money Tips. For example, you'd only pay 100,000 points for a flight or hotel that would require 125,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book without the points boost.

Helpful features can add up to savings on credit card travel portals. For example, Capital One Travel offers a price match guarantee. Genter used the Capital One Travel price match feature on a flight from Cairo to Marrakech, Morocco. Although he booked with Capital One Travel, an online travel agency had a better price. He was able to price match with Capital One Travel to get a travel credit.

Genter points out that cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express can take advantage of the International Airline Program for potential savings on international flights in first, business or premium economy.

You may also get benefits for booking with credit card travel portals, particularly when booking hotels. For example:

• Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express get elite benefits at participating hotels, including early check-in, room upgrades, breakfast for two, a $100 experience credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
• If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you can book The Edit properties through Chase Travel and receive benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a $100 on-property credit, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Drawbacks of Credit Card Travel Portals

Travel credits and on-property perks are compelling reasons to use a credit card travel portal. However, it pays to compare pricing among your card's portal, direct booking or an online travel agency, because the lowest-priced option depends on the trip you're taking. Also, you may forfeit some benefits, as credit card travel portals are third-party bookings.

With a third-party booking, you'll have less flexibility in customer service and cancellation than you would if you booked directly. For example, if you're dealing with a delayed flight and need service from the airline, you may be directed to the travel portal customer service. You may have limited options for cancellation and how you get your money or rewards back.

Another major point to consider with third-party bookings: You generally won't be able to earn points or miles with the airline or hotel, though you can earn points with your card. Additionally, you may not be able to use elite benefits for any status you hold. For example, if you have Hilton Honors status that entitles you to a daily food and beverage credit, you're not likely to get it when you book a stay with your credit card travel portal.

When to Use a Credit Card Travel Portal

Booking travel with a credit card travel portal can make sense in some scenarios. For instance:

• You want to compare your travel options across multiple airlines or hotels in the portal.
• You have a travel credit available that can only be redeemed through the issuer's travel portal.
• You have rewards you want to redeem on the portal, and booking this way offers a good redemption value.
• You want to take advantage of benefits, such as elite hotel perks that you can get when using a credit card travel portal.
• Your booking options on the portal are priced lower compared with other options.
• Booking on the portal earns elevated rewards, and the prices and benefits are comparable to those of other booking options.

"It makes sense if you want to take advantage of the credits but also to earn bonus points," says Genter. "And sometimes, they have promotions such as hyper-targeted offers."

Tags: credit cards

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

Are You a 'Globetrotter'? See How Your Travel Experience Stacks Up to Average Americans

A recent survey from the Pew Research Center uncovered some interesting findings about Americans' travel to other countries. A surprisingly large percentage of Americans have international travel experience, and these global adventures have affected their perspectives in powerful ways.

Are you a longtime world traveler and frequent flyer? Or are you still getting ready to apply for a passport for the first time? No matter where you fall on the spectrum of world travel experience, you might enjoy these insights about how Americans travel -- and how international travel changes people's lives.

Let's look at a few surprising insights from the Pew Research Center on how Americans travel abroad.

A large majority of Americans have traveled to other countries

I'm an American who has spent time living and traveling in other countries. And sometimes I've gotten the impression that people from other countries have a stereotype about Americans. They tend to believe that lots of Americans haven't visited other countries, and that Americans aren't curious about the wider world beyond U.S. borders.

But this stereotype isn't true! The Pew Research survey found that 76% of Americans have international travel experience. Only 23% of Americans have not traveled to other countries -- and most of these non-travelers said they would like to visit other countries if they had the opportunity.

Featured offer: save money while you pay off debt with one of these top-rated balance transfer credit cards

The Pew Research study broke down the survey respondents into three groups, based on who has traveled the most:

• 26% of Americans are "globetrotters" who have traveled to five or more other countries.
• 50% of Americans are "casual travelers" who have visited one to four other countries.
• 23% of Americans are "non-travelers" who have not (yet) left the U.S.

I have had the great privilege of being able to travel to 11 other countries (so far), which puts me in the "globetrotters" group. Americans have some catching up to do if we want to be as well-traveled as people in Australia, Canada, South Korea, and Europe. Here's how a few of those other places stack up in the rankings on the international "globetrotters" list (five or more countries visited):

The survey results didn't go into detail about which countries were most frequently visited by Americans; maybe a lot of Americans are getting their first international travel experience from countries close to home. Sometimes the best way to break in your new U.S. passport is to take affordable winter vacations in Mexico or the Caribbean. But wherever people are going, it's heartening to see such a large percentage of Americans joining the proud ranks of world travelers.

How international travel changes your life

Traveling to other countries has been one of the most profound and formative experiences of my life. It's the best money I've ever spent. (I wish I was booking another trip right now; where's my credit card ?) International travel is a 24/7 immersive learning opportunity. You learn so much every day in another country, about food and music and language, and all the little nuances of people-watching, getting around, and navigating a new place. Every restaurant meal or grocery store visit is an adventure.

When you're in another country, it feels a little easier to be outgoing, open to possibilities, and excited to greet the day; I've quickly made new friends during my international travels in ways that don't often happen when I'm at home. I believe -- I hope -- that international travel has made me a more broad-minded, well-rounded, and compassionate human being.

There's some evidence that international travel changes your perspective in powerful ways. The Pew Research survey found that "globetrotters" (people who've been to five or more countries) are more likely to be knowledgeable about international affairs, and more likely to have an international perspective. The study found that, among globetrotters:

• 57% want America to be active in world affairs
• 66% want America to take other countries' interests into account, even if it requires compromise
• 42% feel close to people all over the world

We are living through a time of global crises like pandemics, war, and climate change. It's more important than ever for people to find common ground and a shared sense of humanity. International travel can help create those connections, one person at a time.

How to get affordable international travel

Want to join the ranks of the "globetrotters?" Here are a few tips for how to get cheap international travel that fits your budget:

• Search for "anywhere" plane tickets: Use Google Flights , Skyscanner, and Kayak to search for flights to anywhere -- with no specific destination. You'll immediately see surprising deals from your home city to anywhere in the world!
• Be an adventurous traveler : Find a cheap ticket and go to a country where you don't know anyone. One of our writers at The Ascent found a cheap ticket to Santiago, Chile for only $220!
• Use travel deal services : You can get cheap flights by signing up for a few emails from services like Dollar Flight Club or TravelZoo.
• Get savvy about travel rewards credit cards : If you sign up for a travel credit card or an airline credit card, you can often get significant bonus frequent flyer miles. Depending on when and where you fly, your airline credit card can help you get a free (or heavily discounted) international flight!

Bottom line: A surprisingly large majority of Americans have traveled to other countries, and more are likely to join the ranks of "globetrotters" in the years ahead. Booking affordable international travel is more doable than you might think. You too can enjoy the life-changing learning experience of visiting other countries.

Alert: highest cash back card we've seen now has 0% intro APR until 2025

If you're using the wrong credit or debit card, it could be costing you serious money. Our experts love this top pick , which features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, an insane cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee. 

In fact, this card is so good that our experts even use it personally. Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes. 

Read our free review

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .