Canadians will prioritize travel this holiday season, says Amex Trendex

American Express Canada has released an “Amex Trendex” on social, gifting, and travel trends for the upcoming holiday season.

The Canada-specific data reveals a desire for the holidays to be filled with meaningful experiences.

This includes plans to gift loved ones an experience over something material, looking to in-person events over dating apps for romantic connection, and an eagerness to travel to be with family or take time to focus on themselves.

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of Canadians travelling this holiday season are prioritizing it more than in previous years, the report says.

But consensus is split on their travel plans:

• Over half plan to travel to visit family for the holidays (58%).
• Over half of Canadians report focusing on themselves this holiday season (57%) with 43% taking a trip elsewhere, outside of visiting family for the holidays.
• Among those not travelling, 37% have family or friends visiting them.
• Unlike those eager to begin holiday shopping, only 1-in-5 (20%) of Canadians have already booked their trip.

The reports says nearly 4-in-10 Canadians buying for a significant other (40%) or children (37%) plan to gift them an experience.

This increases with a gift exchange between friends, with 73% preferring to share a fun experience or trip over a traditional exchange.

Top experiential gifts include entertainment (62%), travel (50%) and food and drink (48%) related experiences.

Canadians are eager to begin shopping for loved ones this holiday season, with 19% having already started, increasing to 69% reporting they will start by November.

And when it comes to gifting, Canadians are generous compared to global counterparts, with plans to spend $567.01 on their children (3rd highest) and $679.89 on family members (5th highest).

When it comes to gifting, 57% of Canadians actively seek out small businesses when purchasing holiday gifts.

The poll was conducted by a third party on behalf of American Express between June 21 – July 17, 2024 and it involves 1,000 Canadian adults.

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