India and the US Lead the Future of Travel in 2025 with Tech Powered Journeys and Meaningful Experiences

Sunday, March 16, 2025

American Express Travel’s 2025 Global Travel Trends reveals how travelers are prioritizing unique experiences, family trips, rewards, and tech-driven journeys.

American Express Travel’s highly anticipated 2025 Global Travel Trends report is out, offering a deep dive into the evolving priorities shaping the way people book and experience travel. Based on global survey data, the report uncovers key generational insights into how travelers—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—are planning their journeys, spending their budgets, and embracing new travel innovations.

Top Four Travel Trends for 2025

The report highlights four dominant themes that are shaping travel behavior this year:

1. Beyond Souvenirs: The Rise of Meaningful Mementos

Travelers are redefining how they commemorate their trips, moving beyond traditional souvenirs to seek unique, locally sourced items that tell a story.

• 82% of Millennials and Gen Z prioritize purchasing one-of-a-kind goods that capture the essence of their journey—far more than the 68% of Gen X and Baby Boomers who do the same.
• This shift underscores a growing preference for experiential storytelling, with souvenirs serving as cherished memories rather than just keepsakes.

2. Multi-Generational Getaways Take Center Stage

Family travel is evolving, with younger generations taking the lead in trip planning and more families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups.

• 81% of travelers prefer vacation spots that offer activities for multiple generations, reinforcing the rise of family-centric travel experiences.
• From Millennial and Gen Z parents letting their children help plan itineraries to extended family vacations, bonding through travel is now a key priority.

3. Maximizing Travel Benefits and Rewards

Savvy travelers are increasingly leveraging credit card perks, loyalty programs, and points to stretch their budgets and enhance their experiences.

• 61% of Millennials and Gen Z actively use credit cards to maximize travel rewards, compared to just 36% of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
• With travelers becoming more strategic about their spending, the ability to unlock exclusive benefits is playing a bigger role in destination and accommodation choices.

4. Tech-Driven Travel: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Technology continues to revolutionize the travel landscape, with younger generations leading the way in adopting AI-powered booking tools, smart itinerary planning, and real-time travel assistance.

• 83% of Millennials and Gen Z find travel-related technology beneficial in booking and managing their trips, compared to 64% of Gen X and Baby Boomers.
• Seamless integrations, digital concierge services, and real-time updates are making trips more personalized and hassle-free.

A Passionate Yet Practical Approach to Travel in 2025

Despite economic fluctuations, travelers are embracing a balanced approach—seeking both adventure and value. The report reveals:

• 77% of global respondents plan to take the same or more international trips in 2025 compared to the previous year.
• 70% of Millennials and Gen Z prefer planning trips that emphasize the journey itself—such as luxury rail experiences, cruises, and scenic routes—rather than just the destination.

As the travel industry continues to evolve, 2025 promises to be a year where memorable experiences, meaningful connections, and smart spending take precedence. With innovation shaping the way we explore the world, one thing remains clear: travelers are more intentional than ever about how, where, and why they travel.

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