Holiday Travel – How Americans Are Spending and Indulging

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When it comes to the holidays, everyone does things a bit differently. From spending big on holiday shopping to “self-gifting,” a new survey of U.S. adults, released by The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase, reveals key findings about American holiday travel and shopping habits this year.

No Shopping Freeze Here – Americans Spend More on Shopping versus Travel

Whether homeward bound or relaxing on a tropical beach, Americans are spending less on holiday travel than they are on holiday shopping. According to the survey, Americans spend an average of $287 on gifts versus $124 on travel. Even more revealing, out of the 90 percent of Americans who reported spending money on holiday gifts, Gen Xers are spending the most on average:

• Millennials – spend an average of $236
• Gen Xers – spend an average of $320
• Boomers – spend an average of $307

Millennials are Self Splurgers

The survey also revealed that Millennials are more likely than the average American to indulge in holiday items…for themselves! More than two-thirds (72 percent) are in the market for winter clothing in preparation for colder weather, and 53 percent are seeking stretchy pants or leggings for more comfort while eating (and digesting) holiday meals. However, Millennials are down to share with their furry friends, with 33 percent revealing that they would buy outfits for their pets to “get them in on the fun.”

Season of Scrappiness – All Americans Agree on One Thing, It’s Great to Save

Holiday shoppers of all ages appreciate a good deal. Just under half (47 percent) of Americans have shopped at stores where they had a coupon or earned discounts in order to save money on holiday spending. Women especially like to take advantage of these deals, with 54 percent having done so versus 40 percent of men.

The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase makes it easy for cardmembers to save for arguably the best end goal: to treat themselves with travel. Cardmembers can take advantage of the holiday shopping season by using their card to earn Marriott Rewards points on all purchases, accumulating points faster and earning free night stays for their next trip.

“We’re always looking for ways to make the Marriott card rewarding for our cardmembers with benefits such as guaranteed status and free night stays on card anniversaries,” said Vibhat Nair, general manager, Chase Card Services. “Now, the Marriott card is even more rewarding with the ability for cardmembers to earn accelerated points at both Marriott Rewards and SPG properties for purchases using their card.”

Cardmembers earn five points for every $1 spent at more than 5,700 Marriott Rewards or SPG properties worldwide and two points for every $1 spent at restaurants, car rental agencies and on airline tickets purchased directly with the airline. New cardmembers receive automatic Silver Elite Status just for signing up, and can also earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first three months from account opening.

Visit Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase to learn more.