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And her body’s so crazyGot mad attentionEverybody wants herI forgot to mentionMy baby’s so intelligentDown with itIndependentGot it allHey hey hey hey hey hey
AFAR asked, “Do you travel like a Millennial, a Boomer, or a Gen Xer?
I have to say that I am a hybrid of Millennial and Gen Z when it comes to traveling. How about you?
Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964)
Younger generations might shrug them off with a flippant “OK, Boomer,” but this generation, born after World War II (and more formally referred to as the Baby Boomer generation due to the postwar population “boom”), has serious spending power and seeks out the best experiences money can buy, says Fowkes.
“They look for comfort and pampering . . . they can be both the loveliest guests, but also the most demanding ones,” she says.
Epic, multi-destination tours
Boomers focus on the trips they have always dreamed of, says Verbruggen, including experiences like seeing the northern lights or bespoke tours in places like Mexico and Tasmania in Australia.
“They tend to prefer private tours, usually combining several destinations in one trip at a moderate pace,” he says.
Bringing the kids and grandkids along
Boomers are also likely to bring their kids or grandkids along for a family or multi-generational travel affair, says Fowkes. So maybe cool it with the “OK, Boomer” stereotyping if you want to be invited along for an all-expenses-paid ride.
Gen X (born between 1965 and 1979)
Generation X are the latchkey kids who have practically raised themselves, unlocking the doors to their houses after school while their parents were still working, and being dropped off at the shopping mall to roam free-range for hours.
“Practical planners”
It’s no surprise, then, that they operate as bosses on the travel front, too, considering plans from every angle so their trips will go off without a hitch. Fowkes calls them the “practical planners.”
“Gen Xers are career people with limited vacation time. They require everything to go as smoothly as possible—and who can fault them?” she says, adding that when they work with travel advisors they’re pragmatic and have no shortage of questions about logistics, accommodations, and activities for kids.
Making the most of limited time
Because many of them are the sandwich generation right now—with aging parents as well as their own kids to contend with—Gen Xers want assurance there will be something for everyone to enjoy. And they’re busy people, so they tend to book a trip far closer to the last minute than the generations before them would risk.
According to a Virtuoso study, because of hectic schedules, Gen Xers travel less than the other generations, but they’re not afraid to spend more when they do. More than anything, they value authentic and cultural travel experience and participating in a destination’s local life over something more sterile and touristy.
Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994)
Millennials tend to seek more flexibility when it comes to their travels, says Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel company Classic Vacations.
High tech meets high touch
The first generation to grow up with smartphones, they’re comfortable researching travel online. They’re also more apt to turn to AI to plan and book trips, according to a recent report from travel booking platform Omio, which revealed that 48 percent of Millennials and Gen Zers plan to use AI this year to plot out their travels compared to 31 percent in 2024.
But they’re not afraid to ask for help from a travel advisor, either, especially when the stakes are high, as with a milestone celebration or multi-leg itinerary, says Fowkes. Millennials like a bit of coddling, often opting to have everything prearranged so they can fully relax and soak it all in, she adds.
Group trips FTW
Fowkes says this generation “seeks the extraordinary” and craves authenticity and adventure, often traveling as a pack by way of girls’ or guys’ trips, including for bachelor and bachelorette parties and other celebrations.
“They want wild, off-the-beaten-path experiences, like remote eco-lodges and epic safaris,” she says.
Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2009)
Like Millennials before them, Gen Z enjoys a bit of luxury. But this generation prioritizes being active above all, says Verbruggen.
Active adventures worth sharing on social
They typically go on several trips a year, and the more adventurous the better (and the better for posting on all their social networks and group chats, too, of course).
Gen Zers lean more into once-in-a-lifetime moments, adventure, wellness, and local experiences with a sense of place, says Krueger.
This is a generation that tends to be passionate about all things planet-friendly, says Fowkes. “But let’s be real: They’re also digital natives, often literally glued to their phones” wherever they are in the world.
All-inclusives and authenticity
Gen Zers also love an all-inclusive resort, according to Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, since they’re looking for stress-free stays that offer a good deal—but that still meet certain standards.
“They’re looking for resorts that match the vibe of each destination and the type of trip they’re on—so every stay feels unique rather than one size fits all,” she says.
Omio’s report showed that 69 percent of Gen Z respondents are most likely to travel to places that promote sustainable travel, too.
Sober and solo
Sober tourism strikes a strong note with this set (and also with Millennials).
Gen Z also isn’t afraid to venture out solo, says Lottie Norman, chief marketing officer of Contiki, a global tour brand that caters to travelers between the ages of 18 and 35.
Along with Millennials, says Norman, Gen Zers are “more open to traveling with [a group of] strangers and embracing the social side of group trips, often preferring to book solo and find their crew along the way.”
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