American Express Travel Highlights Emerging Trends and Top Ten Destinations for 2018
According to a new survey conducted for American Express Travel, travelers in the U.S. are focused on pursuing their personal passions through the lens of travel.
"For 2018, we see U.S. travelers expanding personal and global boundaries when they travel. We noted an increased interest in cultural discovery, personal connections, inspiring destinations, and premium, rejuvenating travel experiences," says Tom Stein, VP of American Express Travel.
According to a media release, American Express Travel's international bookings for travel in the first quarter of 2018 are up 44 percent, and the survey corroborates this interest in international destinations. 25 percent of those surveyed cite learning about history, art and culture across the globe as their most important travel goal for 2018.
-72 percent say that they enjoy learning about different cultures
-15 percent have traveled in the last year to experience new languages, customs and 20 percent (a 5 percent increase) plan to do the same in 2018
Blending In: Finding Excitement Through Immersion
-Over half (57 percent) of those surveyed have set 'exploring a new destination that they've never seen before' as their most important travel goal for 2018
-Nearly half (43 percent) cite finding a local culinary spot in a hip neighborhood as the most exciting dining experience while traveling
-52 percent enjoy getting lost and spontaneously discovering hidden restaurants, shops and bakeries to create their own memories
-49 percent prefer trips with adventure and excitement
Premium State of Mind: Seeking an Elevated Experience
56 percent of those surveyed are willing to pay more to get better service and 53 percent like to be pampered while traveling. Additionally, luxury travelers are increasingly booking premium seating with 68 percent of those surveyed planning to fly first or business class in 2018. More than half (56 percent) view a refreshed, luxurious premium airplane as the most desired perk when traveling by air.
-51 percent view an airline seat upgrade as the most desired surprise and delight when booking air travel
-24 percent plan to use an airport lounge in the next year
-41 percent view room upgrades as the most desired surprise and delight when booking a hotel
Camaraderie: Connecting With Those Who Matter
While solo travel still has its place, more than half (53 percent) of those surveyed prefer a social travel experience including likeminded travelers. Who you are traveling with (25 percent) is more important than where you are going (17 percent), according to the survey findings.
-57 percent of those surveyed seek to interact with locals when traveling
-57 percent want to stay with a local while traveling
-21 percent say that the most desired surprise and delight while on vacation is a unique activity planned by a local expert
Let's Rejuvenate: Focus on Total Personal Wellness
Nearly half (49 percent) of those surveyed view travel as 'energizing,' with nearly as many (48 percent) planning to travel over the next year to escape, recharge and reconnect with themselves.
-22 percent say that the most important travel goal for 2018 is to disconnect from technology, work and everyday life
-50 percent view on-site spa services, restaurants, nightclubs and pool as the most desired hotel feature
-61 percent say they feel like 'there's never enough time to do what they want to do'
American Express Travel Top Ten Destinations for 2018
Based on American Express Travel proprietary booking data, the top ten travel destinations for the upcoming year include:
-Bali
-Costa Rica: San Jose and Liberia regions
-Dubai
-London
-Portugal: Lisbon and Porto regions
-Rome
-Tel Aviv
-"Utah-lorado": Park City, Salt Lake City, Aspen, Denver, and Vail
-Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City regions
-Zurich
More Information:
http://www.amextravel.com
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
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Alexandra Scarborough
Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for SpringSarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.
"Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.
The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading.
The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.
"Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection.
To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.
The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
More Information:
http://www.Gilt.com/SJP -
Alexandra Scarborough
Tea Forté Introduces ‘Matcha’ CollectionConvenience meets tradition in Tea Forté’s new Ceremonial Matcha Bowl Set and the Matcha Single Steeps.
The company said its spring harvested, shade grown, stone ground, organic matcha tea is best served in a centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony called chanoyu: a preparation technique known for its centering meditative qualities.
"The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."
Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.
According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.
Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.
QUICK 5
Expedia.com has released a year-end look at U.S. traveler behavior and trends for 2017, analyzing data to identify the most in-demand destinations, hotels, activities and more.
Among other insights, the roundup revealed:
- Labor Day was the busiest weekend for car rental
- Disney Theme Parks topped the list of things to do
- The average hotel stay was two nights
- Top destinations based on 2017 air travel included major global cities like New York, London and Bangkok
- Popular tourist destinations included Orlando, Cancun and Las Vegas