Paris is the top trending destination for Canadian Amex cardholders, according to new research from American Express Canada Travel. However, in a classic case of one size does not fit all, regional variations are at play, with Fort Lauderdale found to be tops for the Toronto market and Los Angeles number one from Vancouver.

And, with Paris as top choice for Montrealers, the three cities account for a 34% increase in bookings by cardholders compared to 2019.

Other current overall favourites for Canadians cited in the ‘2023 Trending Destinations’ report include Florida, Sydney, Lisbon, Istanbul, and Mexico City.

Amex Canada notes that it also already seeing increased demand for peak travel times, like March Break, to southern destinations Central America, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Summer travel leans heavily towards Europe, with top destinations Rome, Venice, and Athens.

In addition to top destinations, American Express Travel has identified key trends driving travel in 2023 through its latest Amex Trendex survey (US respondents):

• New adventures are in demand: 70% of respondents agree they want to travel to wish-list destinations in 2023

• Vacationing with holistic health in mind: 89% of respondents agree they want to go on a trip to escape routine, and 74% plan to travel more in 2023 for their wellbeing

• Seeking out personalized experiences: 88% of respondents agree they like to seek out local experiences and learn about culture when they travel, and 73% are willing to spend more for the travel itinerary that they want

• From New Year’s resolution to summer travel: 43% of respondents agree they want to travel more as their New Year’s resolution, and 50% of respondents have already started to think about where they want to go on their upcoming summer 2023 vacations

• Spending more for the ultimate getaway: 74% of respondents agree they are more likely to spend more on travel in 2023, and 40% say they are willing to pay more for late check-out when making their travel accommodations.

Other insights from Trendex suggest that 50% of adults say they spend at least five hours planning a vacation; 81% want to maximize every hour of their trips (making the expert guidance a valuable resource); and 88% of survey respondents agree they wish their trips were longer.

The Amex Trendex online poll of 2,000 adults with a household income of over US$70,000 was conducted between Sept. 30th – Oct. 3.