1. Introduction
Did you know that American Express originated with the Pony Express? I wonder if the riders of that famous route could even imagine how much travel has evolved today. Even I can see a difference.
When I took my first trip to Guam in 1992, there weren’t Internet cafés or cell phones. I was on the other side of the world and very far from home. When I phoned home to talk to Dave, I had to walk a mile to a post office where I stood in line waiting for a private phone booth to be connected to an international operator. I crossed my fingers that Dave would pick up, and when he did, I barely heard a word he said.
2. Travel Trends of the Future – Here’s to the Next 100 Years
3. Early Days of Travel
During the early days of travel in Kenya, people left notes on a thorn tree asking travelers to pass messages along or bring notes home with them. It was a lot tougher to stay in touch then. When you went traveling, your family wasn’t sure if they’d ever hear from you again.
4. We’ve Come a Long Way Baby!
It’s hard to believe American Express is celebrating 100 years of travel service. Back then, it seemed like travel was only for the truly adventurous. Not many people were traveling for pleasure compared to today’s standards, but Amex has been there for travelers before it was popular.
They’ve been helping Cardmembers realize their travel dreams for decades, providing end-to-end services from booking, to the airport, to wherever in the world they touchdown.
Remember the days of traveler’s cheques? We would never leave home without them. Our American Express traveler’s cheques gave us peace of mind. Traveler’s cheques may have gone the way of the Dodo, but the great service continues.
5. Travel Trends of the Future
Having just returned from the ultra-modern city of Dubai, Dave and I have been thinking a lot about the future of travel and what the upcoming travel trends are. That city is as futuristic as it gets and has given us plenty of ideas on where the world is going. After looking back at the past, let’s examine the future of travel.
6. Mega Malls
Ever since we participated in the Mongol Rally, we think that mega malls will be the future of travel. In Astana, the Capital of Kazakhstan, there is a giant mall that looks like a spaceship. The Kazakhstan malls have midways, skating rinks, arcades, and movie theatres, and today it’s not uncommon for many malls in Asia and the Middle East to feature these amenities.
Dubai takes the cake for the most amazing malls. The Dubai Mall has an enormous aquarium where people can scuba dive with sharks, cage dive with great white sharks, and walk under a glass tube to see all the marine life on display while the Mall of the Emirates boasts an indoor ski hill complete with a snowboard park.
With luxury hotels attached to the malls that continue to get bigger and bigger, people will be planning their vacations around the mega mall. There’s something for everyone. Parents can enjoy spa treatments followed by a romantic dinner while the kids hit the slopes and catch a movie. Sounds nice, right?
7. Complete Connection
You think we’re connected now? Wait until the future takes hold. With Periscope and Snapchat dominating the bandwidth, an increasing number of people will share every single moment of their travel experience with others. Attractions, restaurants, and hotels will be entirely connected, allowing you to check your smartwatch or smartphone for daily specials and instant deals.
You won’t even have to perform a Google search anymore. If you are downtown Toronto and have your latest travel app set to “tell me what’s up,” you may receive information regarding the operating hours of the Hockey Hall of Fame, the costs for ascending the CN Tower, the best dining options nearby, and the wait time for the latest Star Wars movie.
8. Technology Interventions
On the opposite end of the spectrum, people will need a break. The concept of a digital detox has been discussed extensively but I genuinely believe it is going to come to fruition soon. We are all bombarded with noise and social media, and individuals require a respite from their smartphones and computer screens. Computer neck syndrome is a very real ailment.
I have a feeling cameras and photography equipment won’t even be allowed on a digital detox vacation. What would people do if they couldn’t document every single moment of their lives? The technical intervention vacation will provide the answers.
9. Luxury Travel will Explode
It seems that the days of the broke backpacker are disappearing. When we first started traveling, Dave and I could find a basic beach bungalow for $5 a night. It was a no-frills room with simply a bed and a squat toilet, but it was affordable and all we needed. Nowadays, people are less inclined to “rough it,” and even twenty-somethings desire luxury.
I admit, we no longer wish to stay in basic accommodations. Dave and I now require a more lavish setup. It’s clear that millennials also yearn for comfort, as the world shifts towards luxury and premium experiences.
10. Rewards and Loyalty Programs Continue to Grow
Fortunately, there are rewards programs available that offer deals on luxury accommodation and premium experiences. As travelers become increasingly savvy, they will search for ways to stretch their budgets for the best deals and discounts.
They will remain loyal to specific programs to reap optimal benefits and shop smart for their next adventure. Our American Express Platinum Card provides us with luxury perks such as elite tier status at hotel programs and priority access for events.
When traveling, we breeze through security, benefit from free WiFi, and enjoy complimentary valet service at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
We have access to over 850 airport lounges worldwide, offering us platinum travel experiences wherever we go. While we may not be celebrities, we often travel like stars by utilizing our Membership Rewards and Platinum benefits.
11. The Future of Travel
Travel will continually evolve and transform in the years ahead. It’s intriguing to predict what lies ahead, but accuracy is uncertain. A lot has changed in the past century, making it hard to envision what will transpire in the next one.
However, it doesn’t matter because global travel is on the rise. More individuals than ever are crossing continents and exploring the globe, seeking programs to assist with their travel aspirations. We rely on American Express to help us achieve our travel goals. What strategies do you use?
To learn more about the breadth of Amex’s travel offerings and the benefits of being an Amex Cardmember, visit americanexpress.ca/potential.
