Consumers plan trips around where they’ll eat, new report shows – and Resy can help

Thursday, March 23, 2023 – Whether checking out a hot new restaurant, returning to a classic spot or diving into a cooking class, some of the most rewarding travel experiences revolve around food.

If you find yourself traveling in pursuit of culinary experiences, you’re not alone: 81% of respondents say trying local food and cuisines is the part of traveling that they look forward to the most, according to the American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to plan vacations around one restaurant: 47% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents² said they have planned an entire trip around a restaurant.

Using a dining experience as a launchpad for a trip requires planning ahead, of course, but Gen Z and Millennials are on top of it: 45% of those surveyed say they book their dinner reservations ahead of their vacations.

Notably, social media is a massive driving force when it comes to making these plans: 66% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents say they get most of their eating-while-traveling inspiration from social media. It doesn’t stop at social media, though. Pop culture is driving dining choices, too: 55% of all respondents said that a TV show or documentary about food inspired them to travel to a specific destination.

Resy, a global authority on great restaurants, is another excellent source for eating-while-traveling inspiration. Resy’s city-by-city Hit Lists – written by restaurant insiders – are guides to the singular spots that make a destination delicious.

“Resy wants to be part of your travel routine – your dining travel agent, if you will,” says Alex Lee, CEO of Resy. “Just open the Resy app when you land and let it be your guide to great local restaurants.”

Since people report eating more adventurously when they travel – 79% of respondents who responded to American Express Travel’s survey said they like to explore new food options they’ve never tried before when traveling – it’s the perfect opportunity to book a new spot while in the vacation mindset.

Toothbrush? Check. Phone charger? Check. Dinner reservations? Check.

Time to check out the Resy Guide to Travel at Resy.com/Travel.

Methodology:

¹The American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report is based on data obtained through an online poll conducted by Morning Consult between February 3rd – 11th, 2023 among a sample of 1,000 travelers from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, UK and 2,000 travelers in the US who have a household income of at least a $70k equivalent, and who typically travel by air at least once a year. Results from each market’s survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

²Gen-Z and Millennials are defined as respondents as being born between 1981 – 2012.