American Express Travel® Reveals Top Travel Trends for 2026

American Express Travel released its 2026 Global Travel Trends Report ¹, highlighting the sources of inspiration and motivations driving travel choices this year.

The report, based on survey data from travelers in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom, found that travel continues to be a top priority, with 80% of global respondents planning to take the same or more international trips in 2026 compared to last year. Travel is especially important to Millennials and Gen Z,² with 64% of respondents noting they would take a job with fewer benefits if it allowed for more flexibility to travel. This year’s trends make it clear that travelers are focused on building itineraries that are all about standout experiences, creating memories and engaging with local cultures — and flavors.

“Our 2026 Global Travel Trends Report shows that travelers are being incredibly intentional about how they spend their vacation time this year,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “As people continue to be thoughtful about their trips, our expertise, benefits and tools allow them to get the most out of their vacations.”

The four 2026 Global Travel Trends are:

• Miles on Milestones: Trips for weddings, family reunions and milestone birthdays are turning into larger personal adventures, as travelers add on days to explore destinations on their own time, in their own way.
  
  
• Sight-Doing: From tortilla-making classes in Mexico City to fragrance workshops in Paris, travelers are seeking hands-on activities and bringing home new skills that are authentic to the places they’re visiting.
  
  
• Lore Chasing: Travelers, particularly younger ones, are thinking about the stories they will bring home from their trips — prioritizing unexpected accommodations, seeking out once-in-a-lifetime experiences and leaving room for spontaneity.
• Snackpacking: Travelers, especially Millennials and Gen-Z, are zeroing in on the flavors that define a destination by seeking out unique local snacks, regional dishes and the local businesses that offer them.
  
  

Top insights from American Express Travel’s 2026 Global Travel Trends Report include:

Travelers are taking invitations to milestone celebrations as an excuse to explore in their own way.

• 84% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed said milestone trips give them freedom to visit new destinations they wouldn’t normally prioritize
• Two-thirds of global respondents (66%) plan to take a trip to celebrate a milestone for other people in 2026
• 82% of global respondents who are taking a milestone trip this year are planning to build in buffer days surrounding the main celebration; of those respondents, 72% plan to extend their stay by at least three to four days
• Among global respondents extending a milestone trip, the top reasons include spending more quality time with family and friends (51%); exploring a new destination (45%); and experiencing the location how they want (45%)

Travelers are seeking opportunities to create, learn, and connect more deeply with a destination.

• 82% of global respondents say hands-on experiences give them a higher appreciation for local culture
• 79% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed are likely to seek out local workshops or activities specific to the destination they are visiting
• 76% of global respondents believe the skills they gain on a trip remain with them longer than any material souvenir
• 69% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents believe creating something with their hands is one of the most rewarding parts of travel

Travelers are embracing spontaneity and discovery with the goal of sharing new “lore” from their trips.

• 86% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed believe chance encounters with locals or new people create the most memorable trip moments
• 82% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say they’re likely to do something completely out of the ordinary while traveling if it makes a good story
• 76% of global respondents say they’re likely to do something adventurous or outside their comfort zone while traveling — with even more Millennials and Gen Z surveyed likely to do so (86%)
• 91% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents would be interested in experiencing an unconventional accommodation on their next trip; most popular being luxury rail travel (45%) and converted historical spaces (37%)

Travelers are accessing local flavors in smaller, more snackable ways.

• 89% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say it’s important to leave room in their itinerary to enjoy local snacks
• More than 75% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say they’re likely to seek out a food item that’s gone viral during a trip
• Key reasons that global respondents cite for seeking out local foods on their travels include trying items not available at home (66%) and supporting local businesses (45%)
• Street food or food carts (69%), bakeries (53%), and grocery stores (50%) are the top places global respondents go to find local snacks while traveling

Check out the full American Express Travel 2026 Global Travel Trends Report.

As the demand for travel continues into 2026, American Express provides eligible Card Members with support throughout their travel journeys with Amex Travel’s hotel and air programs, digital capabilities, meaningful Card Member benefits and exceptional travel access and experiences:

• Access to the Amex Travel App™ for travel inspiration, planning and booking
• Restaurant reservations through Resy and curated where-to-eat guides at Resy.com/Travel
• Benefits across global sporting experiences and venues
• Platinum Card® Members have access to:
  
  1. More airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market,³ with access to more than 1,550+ airport lounges worldwide through its Global Lounge Collection®, including 32 locations in the Centurion Lounge Network
  2. Expert Travel Consultants who can help build and book dream itineraries for all types of trips
  3. Elevated benefits at over 3,100 hand-picked hotels in the Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection⁴ programs when booked through Amex Travel™
  4. More than 2,500 premium vacation rental properties through the Select Homes + Retreats ^TM program when booked through AmexTravel.com
• American Express® Gold Card Members booking through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ also have access to elevated hotel benefits through the The Hotel Collection program

American Express has expanded coverage globally to meet Card Members in more places, reaching over 170 million merchant locations worldwide that accept American Express as of year-end 2025.<sup>5

1</sup> Survey Methodology: This Morning Consult poll was conducted between December 30, 2025–January 14, 2026 among the following sample of global respondents: 2025 US Adults, 1001 Australia Adults, 1019 Canada Adults, 1005 UK Adults, 1021 Japan Adults, 1010 Mexico Adults and, 1021 India Adults who all have at least a $50k+ income equivalent and typically travel at least once a year. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2-3 percentage points. Some geographies may be weighted with fewer variables depending on local census data availability.

² Millennials and Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1981 – 2012. Gen X and Baby Boomers refers to individuals born between 1946 – 1980.

³ Based on comparison with other U.S. credit card programs, as of 07/2025.

⁴ The Hotel Collection requires a minimum 2-night stay.

⁵ Locations in force (LIF) estimate as of December 2025, which reflects an estimated 37 million merchants that accept American Express in China (including through digital wallets). LIF represents proprietary and partner acquired merchant locations where the merchant is enabled to accept American Express. LIF estimates incorporate data provided to us by certain third parties and include merchants that accept American Express through payment facilitators and digital wallets.

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.

For more information about American Express, visit  americanexpress.com,  americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and  ir.americanexpress.com.

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit www.americanexpress.com/travelterms.

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