Family trips, purposeful travel top of mind for leisure travelers

As the COVID pandemic and related travel restrictions gradually subside, a new survey finds consumers are planning multiple trips this year, with a focus on traveling with family members and a desire to immerse in local culture.

The American Express Travel: Global Travel Trends report is based on input from 2,000 travelers in the United States and 1,000 in Japan, Australia, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom and Canada. 

Nearly two-thirds – 62% - of respondents plan to take two to four trips this year, and most plan to spend more on international and domestic travel than they have in previous years.

Family travel is top of mind for respondents, with 79% saying they are “most looking forward to traveling with family” this year and 76% planning to travel more with family in 2022 than they did in 2021.

As international travel restrictions are lifted, the survey finds 70% of respondents with children plan to travel internationally this year with their kids.

Purposeful travel is also a priority. Seventy-nine percent of respondents say the pandemic has shown traveling may not always be possible so they want to be more thoughtful about how they plan and book future trips. 

Local impact is also a priority, with 81% saying they want to travel to destinations where they can become immersed in local culture and where the money they spend is going to the local community. 

And uncertainty is not a deterrent for most. About three-fourths of respondents say they are willing to book a trip for this year even if they might have to cancel or modify it later, and overall they are willing to “embrace some uncertainty” in order to enjoy their ideal vacation.