Fascinating Generational Travel Trends: How Gen Z and Beyond Explore the World

Understanding Generations

Generations are defined by the cultural, social and technological shifts that shape the experiences and values of people born within specific timeframes. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly recognized generations, what defines them and who belongs to each one:

Generations evolve, wanderlust doesn’t.

1. Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)
   Baby Boomers grew up after World War II, during a time of economic growth and social change. They witnessed the rise of television, the civil rights movement and shifts in family dynamics.
2. Generation X (Born 1965-1980)
   Generation X, known as the “latchkey” generation, grew up amid changing family structures, economic uncertainty and the rise of personal technology. They are recognized for their independence and adaptability, experiencing the early internet and the shift from analog to digital.
3. Millennials (Born 1981-1996)
   Millennials, known as Gen Y, are defined by their connection to technology, social media and a globalized world. They are the first generation to grow up with the internet, smartphones and social media in daily life
4. Generation Z (Born 1997-2012)
   Gen Z is the first digital-native generation, growing up with smartphones, social media and constant connectivity. They’re known for their entrepreneurial spirit, social awareness and focus on individuality.
5. Generation Alpha (Born 2013-Present)
   Generation Alpha is the youngest generation, still growing up and expected to be the most technologically immersed, with AI, virtual reality and robotics shaping their daily lives.

Why It’s Important to Understand Generational Travel Trends

Regardless of generational differences, travel is looking up for 2025. AAA says the interest in international travel is high with a big boost expected in international vacations. One variation may be location. In 2025 less-crowded destinations are expected to be even most desirable. So maybe it’s time to book a program in countries like Mongolia, Nepal and Cambodia.

In fact, 63% of travelers expressed interest in visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations on their next trip, according to Expedia.

It shouldn’t be too surprising that there are some generational differences when it comes to travel. For one, Gen Z students may have a completely different way of describing a trip. When they say, “Bro, we were lowkey excited about going to Costa Rica and ONG it slapped.” Then you know all is well.

But what about other differences? Generally across generations, travel has been on the rise over the last several decades. In fact, there’s been a stunning rise. Back in 1950 the United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated there were about 25 million international arrivals around the world per year. By 2018 that number had risen to 1.4 billion.

As seen in the chart, travels to Asia and Pacific have particularly increased over this time period, taking a larger chunk of the share. Europe has long been a popular destination.

Generational Travel Trends: General Trends

Across the generations, people are looking for interesting activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences when they travel. There’s much more of a focus on what you may do while traveling than other factors like accommodations.

However, when it comes to certain particulars, someone from Gen X may make different choices than someone from Gen Z. Gen Z is more likely to travel internationally. Young adventurers are most interested in going to far flung destinations.

For example, my mom had never traveled outside of Europe—until I convinced her to visit me in South Korea last year. Meanwhile, all three of her kids had been beyond Europe by the time we turned 18.

Students hike through the nature.

Partially because of family responsibilities, Generation X takes the fewest international trips. Meanwhile, baby boomers who are mainly retired take the longest trips and millennials take shorter trips but travel the most days each year. Millennials also like to have a good degree of rest and relaxation when they go, taking a break from their hectic jobs.

Generation X tends to spend the most money, but that is partly because they often are paying for other family members when traveling. Because of this factor, Generation X is more likely to seek out deals.

How Generations Pick a Destination

Living the dream…

Not shockingly, your average Gen Z person relies quite a bit on social media to look into possible destinations. An amazing 90% say social media plays a role in their travel decisions.

Their parents’ generation is far less likely to use social media for destination inquiries. Meanwhile, baby boomers are the least likely to do destination research. Many in this generation are decisive about their travel location and don’t need help picking a place. However, they’ll use technology for particulars, such as transportation.

Types of Trips

It’s a little more difficult to pin more specific travel preferences to a generation, but there are several tidbits of interest when it comes to generational differences.

Expedia research has found that 70% of people in Generation X say they enjoy museums, historical sites, arts and culture. Nearly half of baby boomers plan their trips around food and drink and interestingly that increases to 67% for Chinese and Mexican baby boomers.

Since millennials travel the most days, they tend to have a wider variety of trips, including visiting family, seeing well-known sightseeing destinations, and traveling to spots that are off the beaten track.

Generation Z often likes unique, interactive and social experiences when traveling. People in Gen Z score above average in their love of the ocean. This generation is also twice as likely as other generations to stay in alternative accommodations, such as glamping instead of staying in a hotel.

Camp in tents under the milky way and get to know your fellow travelers around a bonfire.