IMG reveals 2023 holiday season travel trends

Global insurance benefits and assistance services company International Medical Group (IMG) has reviewed its customer travel plans between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

It has predicted the top five international destinations for US travellers this year: Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Bahamas.

IMG data shows that travellers are increasing the amount they are spending on their trips this holiday season, with a 12 per cent increase in the average insured trip cost.

With their increased travel investment, more travellers want to make sure their anticipated holiday trips are protected. This is reflected in the 23 per cent increase in travel protection plan purchases for trips departing between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day compared to the same timeframe in 2022.

“During the holiday season, we see the increased likelihood of hazardous winter weather, which means travel insurance should be top-of-mind for travellers during this time of the year,” said Justin Poehler, IMG Chief Commercial Officer. “For the majority of the United States, winter brings colder temperatures along with snow, sleet, and ice. Travellers can’t control the weather, but they can make sure their trip investments are protected this holiday season with a travel protection plan from IMG.”

Trips will average nine days in length this year, which is a day longer than the average for holiday travel in 2022. And while the holiday season is historically one of the busiest times to travel, IMG customer data predicts that two of the least busy days to travel during the holidays this year are New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve.

“Travelling during the holidays can be such an exciting experience, but if travellers want to avoid expensive flights and long lines at the airport, then they should consider traveling on a less busy travel day, like Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day,” said Grant Hayes, IMG Director of International Sales – Travel.