The week between Christmas and New Year’s. rather than Thanksgiving, has become the most popular time for holiday travel, according to a new survey.
The American Express Travel Poll revealed two thirds of respondents said they would be traveling during Christmastime, compared to less than a third traveling at Thanksgiving.
Besides a noticeable shift in travel schedules, more than half of the agents polled reported that clients are actively seeking out new destinations each year, as well as focusing more on international travel during the holiday season.
Audrey Hendley, vice president of marketing for American Express Travel, said:
“Holiday travel has evolved considerably from the local family gathering to new, exciting adventures as travelers seize the opportunity to create lasting holiday memories.”
In the US, the appeal of warmer weather makes destinations such as Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Kahului, Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando, the poll found.
Not only are these holiday trippers keen to go someplace new, but more of them are going for some extra indulgence while away from home, the survey found.
Seventy-six percent of agents report that travelers are booking more luxury vacations this season than ever before, with 68% seeing an increase in five-star hotel bookings and 54% noting an increase in first-class and business-class travel bookings.
Report by David Wilkening
