NEXTPEDITION(SM): A Mystery Trip with Magical Tools

A New Program Introduced by American Express Travel Services

NEW YORK, NY, ----

American Express Travel announces NEXTPEDITION(SM), a new way to travel targeted to travel enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s. Through NEXTPEDITION, American Express Travel offers consumers the exciting opportunity to take a vacation where the destination and itinerary are unknown until the actual journey begins and is revealed day by day via a customized Smartphone. The “mystery trip” is customized to reflect the traveler’s personality traits, providing an opportunity for him or her to explore the world in an unexpected and intuitive way.

“Young professionals in their 20s and 30s tell us they are looking for uncommon travel experiences that speak to their personal interests,” said Claire Bennett, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express Travel. “NEXTPEDITION offers an entirely unique experience that is customized just for them and uses technology to enhance that experience. It is about the excitement of not knowing where you’re going or what you’ll do next until the mobile device reveals it while being assured you have American Express service behind you.”

How NEXTPEDITION Works:

The NEXTPEDITION adventure begins at www.nextpedition.com where the consumer takes an interactive online quiz called a Travel Profiler to determine their Travel Sign. By answering questions about his or her hobbies, interests, social media habits 20 distinct signs indicate what type of adventure might be best suited. These include:

* Adrenalista - Outdoor adventurers that love to travel
* Tasteblazer - Foodies always out to explore new places and flavors
* Technologian - Travelers who explore the world with hi-tech toys
* Trengineer - Style gurus who seek inspiration from their travels
* Scenester - Underground influencers on the global music/fashion scene

“We created the Travel Signs so that anyone, regardless of if they plan to travel in the near future, can help define what they want out of a travel experience,” says Bennett. “When they are ready to pick up and go somewhere, we hope that American Express Travel can tailor the right vacation for them.”

To explore taking a NEXTPEDITION trip, the consumer must consult with a specially trained American Express NEXTPEDITION Specialist who will create a mystery itinerary based on the Travel Sign. NEXTPEDITION Specialists are experienced American Express Travel Counselors selected and trained to take information generated from the Travel Profiler and blend it with budget preferences, personal interests and past travel history to develop and customize an itinerary.

A specially programmed, on loan Smartphone called a Travel Console will arrive at the consumer’s home a few days before departure. The device communicates the traveler’s itinerary, Lonely Planet guidebook content, restaurant recommendations, and other helpful travel tools. The Travel Console also allows travelers to share the details of their experience on Facebook through a personalized travel log.

How to Book:

NEXTPEDITION offers both domestic and international itineraries in a variety of price points, for solo or group travel. Domestic trips start at $1,000, and international trips start at $2,500, with a minimum 7-day travel requirement and based on two people traveling. For the initial rollout, a limited amount of trips per month will be available for purchase, with broader distribution available later this year. Travelers interested in learning more about NEXTPEDITION can visit www.nextpedition.com or contact a NEXTPEDITION specialist at info@nextpedition.com.

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today operates one of the world’s largest travel agency networks in more than 140 countries worldwide. www.AmexTravel.com

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com