Holiday Travel Outlook Upbeat

American Express Travel's booking data anticipates a rise in holiday travel; the overall airfare bookings are up 11 percent for domestic trips and 16 percent for international trips this holiday season.

American Express’s monthly Spending & Saving Tracker survey, which focuses on consumer’s holiday travel plans and spending intentions, shows that 40 percent of consumers plan to travel this holiday season. Almost one-third (30 percent) of travelers expect to spend more while traveling this year.

Highlights of he survey include: 40 percent of consumers plan on traveling and 88 percent will stay within the U.S.

Top desti9nation according to American Express airfare bookings, include:
Orlando
New York City
Ft. Lauderdale
Miami
Kahului
West Palm Beach
Lost Angeles
Vail
Honolulu
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

One in five consumers say they will spend more on dining out, a longer trip and activities/entertainment during their holiday travel this year compared to last year. Interestingly enough, a family of four who plan to travel this holiday will spend on average $1,800.

• Young Professionals are traveling more this holiday season, American Express Travel says:
• 63 percent of Young Professionals have plans to travel over the holiday
• 54 percent of Young Professionals plan on spending more on their travel plans this year vs. last.
• According to Young Professionals, if they had an extra $500 to spend on travel this holiday season, they would most like to spend it on extended travel/ extra days or special experiences.

American Express is also reminding travelers that it offers Cardmembers the ability to Pay with Points, using a combination of Membership Rewards points and cash to purchase travel. 11 percent of consumers plan on using loyalty/rewards points for holiday travel.

Visit www.AmericanExpress.com/travel.