Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Baby Boomers Agree -They All Want To Travel in 2024 For The Same Reason
Regardless of Americans’ age, they all agree the number one reason they want to travel in 2024 is to rest and recharge. In a recent study, 55% of Gen Z, 60% of millennials, 68% of Gen X, and 67% of boomers say that vacation time is time to rejuvenate, refresh, and re-energize. When it comes to travel, what else are the generations agreeing on?
Travel is a Priority
“Gen Z is on the move. So are Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers. This mix of generations, life stages, and experiences are fostering a diverse and inspiring mix of travel expectations and adventures,” said Jason Dorsey, President and Lead Researcher at The Center for Generational Kinetics.
“Hilton’s Trends Report reveals that while generations have their differences, one area where they align is their enthusiasm for travel and seeking memorable travel experiences that meet their unique needs,” he continued.
Hotel Rooms Must Be Optimized for Sleep
Every hotel guest, no matter their age, sleeps in their room. This common denominator has become even more critical post-pandemic. For example:
- Nearly 20% of Baby Boomers look to trusted hotel brands with known quality mattresses to ensure they’ll get a good night’s sleep during their travels
- One in five travelers admit to packing their pillows. Surprisingly, Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge as the top pillow packers.
- On a global scale, 20% of all travelers choose or request a quiet room to ensure they can start each day well-rested.
Everyone Wants To Book Their Travel Online
Travelers expect their digital experience to be helpful, intuitive, seamless, and personalized. They expect easy-to-filter options to build their perfect trip, such as pet-friendly hotels or properties with EV charging.
No Matter Their Age, A Majority of Travelers Don’t Prefer To Talk To a Person to Make a Reservation
Eighty percent of those polled said it is crucial to be able to book their trip entirely online, with baby boomers feeling it is slightly less important than other generations.
Travel Remains a Spending Priority Across the Generations
While post-pandemic revenge travel is over, wanderlust looks like it is here to stay even in the face of inflation. On average, 64% of global travelers are cutting back on spending in other areas of their lives to fund personal travel in 2024. That number jumps to 72% for Gen Z and 71% for Millennials.
They Are Traveling For and Spending Big on Food
Three in four Americans who have traveled in the last five years went for the food, according to a OnePoll/Hello Fresh Survey. Culinary experiences will continue to be a focus for travelers in 2024. Across the generations, about half of the survey respondents shared culinary experiences as their top focus.
Eating Healthy on The Go Is Important To All
Besides restaurants, travelers want their hotel to have on-property, modern grab-and-go options. 78% percent of global travelers appreciate healthy, quick choices. Across the generations, 82% of Gen Z, 83% of Millennials, 77% of Gen X, and 69% of Baby Boomers want this 24/7 offering.
They Want to Mix In Exploring and Adventures
While there is an importance placed on rest, that doesn’t mean that adventures are totally off the table. Half of all travelers polled placed exploring their destination second to food, with Gen Z and Millennials carving out more of their vacation dollars for experiences.
Environmental Change and Its Impact on Travel Is Overwhelming
From flooding to fires, travel became even more complicated this summer. So it’s unsurprising that 2/3 of those polled admit it’s an overwhelming part of planning a trip and traveling. Interestingly, Baby Boomers are the least bothered (54%), followed by Gen X and Millennials. Gen Z feels overwhelmed the most by this aspect of travel.
But at The Heart of It All Is Connections
45% of those polled in each generation shared that they want to travel to reconnect with friends and family. Additionally, travelers want to use this time outside work to build and strengthen their connection with people and cultures.
The Surprising Millennial Travel Trend That Boomers Started
It may be a shock to learn that timesharing, first invented in the 1960s, is booming. And it’s millennials driving its growth, multi-billion dollars in annual sales, and ushering in a new era of timeshare traveling.
Decades ago, when boomers purchased a timeshare, their pre-paid getaways were for a set, repeating week at a single resort. Fast-forward 60 years, millennials buy a very different type of timeshare in record numbers.
The Surprising Millennial Travel Trend That Boomers Started
The Safest Places to Travel Announced
For the eighth year in a row, travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway has combined travelers’ feedback with data to create the State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report.
So, if you want to book an international vacation, take a travel planning shortcut and book a trip to one of their 15 safest countries or 15 safest cities.
The Safest Places to Travel Announced
Lonely Planet’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 Unveiled
Wanderlust is here, and it’s not going anywhere. 64% of global travelers say they’ll reduce other areas of their personal spending to prioritize trips in 2024. If you’re still searching for a fantastic vacation spot for next year, stop looking.
Lonely Planet’s vast network of local travel experts, writers, and publishing partners named the most sought-after destinations of 2024 across five key categories. Each category features ten destinations chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community.
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 Unveiled
Want To Go On Vacation But Can’t Afford It? Uncover $5,000 You Didn’t Know You Had
There’s that family vacation we all are dreaming of. But how can you afford it with sky-high childcare payments, increasing gas prices, higher food costs, and a never-ending pile of rising bills? Well, what if I told you that with just three realistic changes to your everyday spending, that family vacation to a beach or other destination could be within reach?
Want To Go On Vacation But Can’t Afford It? Uncover $5,000 You Didn’t Know You Had
Here’s How I Saved $7,000 On Our Summer Family Vacation To Hawaii
With its unique aloha spirit, volcanic mountain terrain, tropical rainforests, national parks, fantastic food, and the best beaches in the world, it’s not a surprise that Hawaii is a top destination on people’s vacation wish lists.
If you think it’s out of reach for your family to visit the Aloha state, here’s how I saved $7,000 on our trip with just two booking strategies.
Here’s How I Saved $7,000 On Our Summer Family Vacation To Hawaii