There’s nothing like starting the new year with a trendy vacation. Just last week American Express released a survey revealing its “Top Travel Destinations for 2015,” gathered from more than 200 AMEX Travel Counsellors throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with some surprising and not-so surprising results which are totally inspiring our 2015 travels for the year!
Drumroll please! The trending destinations for 2015 are:
1. London, England
2. Santiago, Chile
3. Paris, France
4. Mumbai, India
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
6. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
7. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
8. Sydney, Australia
9. New York, NY
10. San Francisco, CA
We felt very on-trend after seeing this list, as we have at least two of the top 10 destinations planned in the next few months! Yippee.
Jennifer: London is hands-down my favourite city! The history, the royals, the shopping, the culture … the whole vibe is just amazing. It’s always a big destination, so I’m not surprised to see it on the list and at number one! I’m making my 12th trip there in February and yes, even in the winter, London is still high on my list despite the rain. With cozy pubs, cafes and museums to duck into (I’m planning on seeing the Wedding Dress exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum!) I’ll get my culture fix while staying warm.
Stephanie: I can relate to Paris being on this list, as it’s been on my bucket list forever and this April my dreams will finally come true when I go for a week with my husband! Yes, Paris in the spring may be a cliché, but it’s one I don’t mind taking part in.
One of the top trends we could both relate to was where travellers plan to splurge in 2015. With 86% of Amex Travel Counsellors surveyed indicating that travellers are planning to spend the same or more in 2015 vs. 2014, one area where they plan to splurge is on upgrading hotel and airfare (47% and 42% respectively). For us, we’re past the “let’s get the cheapest room we can” and would rather go for a hotel that leans more to the luxurious and less to the basic. One way we upgrade without actually spending tons more is by looking for savings online, considering low season dates and following our favourite hotels on social media to hear about deals first.
But you can take it a step further. As an AMEX Cardmember, one of the many advantages is that you’ll receive exclusive access to fantastic hotel sales. Not only that but Platinum Cardmembers actually book and search over 700 Fine Hotels and Resorts properties throughout the world’s top destinations. Visit americanexpress.ca/travel.
For those of you who aren’t too familiar with AMEX, there is a reason travellers love using their cards (us included). Not only is it about the experience of using the card, but they boast award-winning customer service and perks all over the place (did you know one of Cloud 10 benefits includes complimentary valet at Pearson Airport?).
Tell us where you’re off to in 2015! Have you been to or are planning on visiting one of the top 10 destinations? If so, what was your most memorable experience? Respond in the comment section below or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to include the hashtag #AmexTravel in your mentions.
Better yet, join the Twitter Chat on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 1pm – 2pm (EST), hosted by @ThePlanetD and @AmexCanada. They’ll be using the hashtag #TravelChat. Until then, happy planning!
This post was sponsored by Amex Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely our own.