Spread the love

Post Views: 101

As the holiday season fast approaches, Australians are gearing up to indulge in self-care, reconnect with family, and create meaningful experiences, according to the latest Amex Trendex report. With just under 100 days left until Christmas, American Express has highlighted the holiday shopping, travel, and entertainment trends that are set to dominate the festive period.

The Amex Trendex report, which surveyed consumers across 13 countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, reveals that Australians, in particular, are embracing travel and experiences over traditional gift-giving. With priorities shifting toward personal wellness, meaningful connections, and one-of-a-kind gifts, this holiday season promises to be unlike any other.

Travel Tops Aussies’ Holiday Wish Lists

The Amex Trendex reveals that travel is a top priority for many Australians this holiday season. 68% of Australian adults who plan to travel do so to visit family. Family reconnections have become a key theme as the world navigates post-pandemic challenges.

Interestingly, the report also indicates a rising trend in “me-cations” — holidays focused on personal well-being and self-care. Over half of the respondents (59%) said they plan to travel for themselves this holiday season, rising to 60% for Gen Z and 67% for Millennials.

Further emphasizing the importance of travel, the survey found that 58% of Aussies plan to travel with family, 42% with their partner, and 22% with friends. These figures underscore Australians’ growing desire to balance time spent with loved ones and self-care-focused trips, setting the tone for a busy travel season.

Generosity Soars in Holiday Spending

Beyond travel, Australians are expected to spend more generously on various activities and gifts this year. Almost one-third (30%) of Australians plan to host a holiday party or gathering, with younger generations, particularly Gen Z (33%), showing an even higher enthusiasm for celebrations.

When it comes to spending habits compared to 2023, a significant number of Australians plan to increase their budgets across several categories. According to the survey:

38% of respondents will spend more on travel.
25% plan to increase their spending on hosting holiday events.
21% intend to invest more in entertainment and experiences.
17% will spend more on holiday gifts.

Additionally, Millennials (38%) are more likely to splurge on gifts for themselves, while 24% of respondents revealed that they plan to spoil their pets with holiday gifts. The trend shows a rising inclination towards personal indulgence alongside generosity toward loved ones.

Corinne Ng, Vice President and General Manager of Travel and Lifestyle Services at American Express APAC, noted: “With less than 100 days until Christmas, Australians are embracing the spirit of giving this holiday season and prioritizing meaningful moments. That could be gifting themselves time away, traveling to visit family, hosting events with friends and family, or taking the time to find a sentimental gift.”

Aussies Seek Unique and Sentimental Gifts

Gift-giving is taking on a more meaningful tone this holiday season, with Australians focusing on personal and thoughtful gifts over material items. According to the Amex Trendex, 75% of Australians are looking for unique gifts, while 71% of respondents prefer receiving sentimental gifts instead of traditional presents.

Moreover, 69% of Australians said they’d prefer to receive gifts from small businesses, while 63% expressed a desire for experiential gifts, such as live events or activities, over physical items. The most popular experience-based gifts include:

Entertainment experiences like concert tickets or sporting events (59%)
Food and drink experiences, such as cooking classes or wine tastings (51%)
Luxury experiences like spa days or manicures (45%)

Over two-thirds of respondents (73%) preferred giving sentimental gifts over standard presents. Additionally, 74% agreed they would instead share an experience, such as a trip or an event, with friends instead of exchanging gifts, highlighting a shift toward creating lasting memories rather than simply exchanging material items.

What This Means for the Holiday Season

Australians are leaning into a more thoughtful and experiential approach to gifting this holiday season, with travel and shared moments at the forefront. As people embrace “me-cations” and prioritize meaningful experiences, the trend is clear: Australians value quality time and personal wellness over the traditional holiday rush for material goods.

As travel resumes across borders and consumers feel more comfortable hosting gatherings, businesses in travel, hospitality, and entertainment can expect a surge in demand. This shift also highlights opportunities for small businesses to offer unique and personalized gifts as Australians seek to make their holiday season memorable.

The Amex Trendex findings reflect a broader global trend, with consumers worldwide expressing similar desires for meaningful moments, personal wellness, and unique gifting ideas. For Aussies, the holidays are not just about giving — self-care, travel, and unforgettable experiences.