As travellers plan their summer vacations Go City reports top domestic and international destinations and summer trends as well as tips to navigate crowds and make the most of a city vacation.
- Most popular destinations for the summer holiday:
- Based on Go City booking data, Americans are booking more domestic travel experiences in Chicago this year, followed by Philadelphia and Oahu.
- Internationally, Stockholm, Dublin, Barcelona and London are tracking as the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers. Overall, Go City has seen a significant jump in what are considered medium-sized markets with the Dublin pass up 50% vs last year, Madrid up 150%, Gothenburg up 70% and Vienna up 208%. This can be attributed to the trend of “shoulder cities” noting that travelers are visiting these “secondary” cities that offer a similar but more affordable alternative to popular destinations.
- Top landmarks versus hidden gems:
- Bookings differ year to year as passes from Go City are constantly improving their lineup and variety of attractions. For 2024, Go City data shows that travelers are spending 50% of their vacation time visiting top landmarks and key sights in the destination of their choice while allocating the rest of their time to unique and new experiences that are lesser known, such as the Swan Boats in Boston or the movie and popcorn at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.
- Travelers want to do and see more this summer:
- American Express’ 2024 Global Travel Trends Report showed that 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year. At the same time, the study also noted that 89% of respondents are planning on using ‘travel hacks’ such as traveling during off-peak times or using credit card points to save money on travel in 2024. Furthermore, MMGY Global’s recent Portrait of American Travelers® “Spring Edition” found that top activities of interest on vacation included beach experiences (58%) followed by visiting historic sites (52%), museums (46%), zoos and/or aquariums (43%), theme or amusement parks (38%), dining cruises (36%) and food tours (35%). All of which can be found across Go City passes.
- In response, Go City is seeing higher demand for its signature product, the All-Inclusive Pass, this summer as travelers look to do and see more during their city breaks with superior flexibility and cost savings, which customers typically see after three or four attractions. This data shows that, given the choice between an Explorer Pass and an All-Inclusive Pass, travelers are inclined to spend more to earn more flexibility in their travels, also knowing that the pass will ultimately save them money compared to buying individual attraction tickets, especially for families with various interests. Travelers who find that passes from Go City cost more than the individual fee of an attraction, will be guaranteed a refund of the difference. With all ofthese popular destinations and attractions expected to be flooded with travelers this summer, planning ahead and making sure the proper bookings are in place will ensure visitors receive ample time and enjoyment at whatever destination they are heading to.
“To help travelers have the best sightseeing experience possible, we work diligently with our partners to help visitors save more—not just money, but also time,” said Judy Gauthier, Chief Commercial Officer at Go City. “Whether you’re looking to visit the top landmarks in a destination or seeking hidden gems, planning is essential and should be one of the first items on your to-do list after booking flights. I recommend laying out all the attractions you are keen to visit and making any necessary reservations. Go City’s in-app pass management system takes this a step further, providing recommendations for the best times to avoid the crowds at certain attractions, in addition to tips for nearby attractions to maximize your time in a certain neighborhood and avoid backtracking. One way to ensure you avoid the crowds is to take advantage of special hours or events attractions may have. For example, Go City pass holders get exclusive access to Edge Observation Deck NYC each morning before its open to the public.”
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