As we live longer and more generations are born, the way people travel is changing. Different age groups are approaching travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort.
Defining Generations
The Pew Research Center defines generations as groups of people born within a 15- to 20-year span. This means that when Generation Beta debuted in January with the first births of 2025, it was the first time in history that seven distinct generations were alive at once.
Traveling Generations
- Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips.
- Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1979) are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
- Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) prioritize flexibility and seek out unique experiences, often using technology to plan and book their trips.
- Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2009) are active and adventurous, leaning towards once-in-a-lifetime moments and local experiences.
- Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) are growing up in a fully connected world and are hungry for immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity.
- Gen Beta (born between 2025 and 2039) will prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, and will expect brands to prioritize sustainability.
Traveling Styles
| Generation | Traveling Style |
|---|---|
| Boomers | Private tours with knowledgeable guides, multi-destination trips |
| Gen Xers | Practical planners, value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group |
| Millennials | Flexible, unique experiences, use technology to plan and book trips |
| Gen Z | Active and adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, local experiences |
| Gen Alpha | Immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity |
| Gen Beta | Deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, prioritize sustainability |
Expert Insights
“While the desire to explore remains universal, we see clear differences in how each generation approaches travel planning, values experiences, and defines luxury,” says Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel company Classic Vacations.
Experts agree that different age groups approach travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort. For example, Boomers tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips. Gen Xers, on the other hand, are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
Traveling with Technology
Millennials and Gen Z are using technology to plan and book their trips, and Gen Beta will likely prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection.
“With the world at their fingertips, Gen Beta will be more globally aware, socially attuned, and intentional in how, where, and why they choose to travel,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.
Traveling with Purpose
Gen Beta will prioritize sustainability and expect brands to prioritize sustainability by default. They will also value slow, technology-free travel experiences that involve mindful connections with the place and people they encounter.
“Travel will lose some of the magic that comes from the human to human connection and hospitality,” says Milena Nikolova, chief behavior officer with BehaviorSMART.
As Gen Beta grows up in a world shaped by climate change and digital connectivity, they will expect travel to be both responsible and seamless, prioritizing experiences that align with their values and using technology to make more informed, sustainable choices.
Conclusion
As different generations approach travel in unique ways, it’s clear that the future of tourism will be shaped by the values and preferences of Gen Beta. By prioritizing sustainability, immersing themselves in local experiences, and valuing human connections, Gen Beta will create a new standard for responsible and enjoyable travel.
Traveling Generations
As we live longer and more generations are born, the way people travel is changing. Different age groups are approaching travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort.
Defining Generations
The Pew Research Center defines generations as groups of people born within a 15- to 20-year span. This means that when Generation Beta debuted in January with the first births of 2025, it was the first time in history that seven distinct generations were alive at once.
Traveling Generations
- Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips.
- Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1979) are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
- Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) prioritize flexibility and seek out unique experiences, often using technology to plan and book their trips.
- Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2009) are active and adventurous, leaning towards once-in-a-lifetime moments and local experiences.
- Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) are growing up in a fully connected world and are hungry for immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity.
- Gen Beta (born between 2025 and 2039) will prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, and will expect brands to prioritize sustainability.
Traveling Styles
| Generation | Traveling Style |
|---|---|
| Boomers | Private tours with knowledgeable guides, multi-destination trips |
| Gen Xers | Practical planners, value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group |
| Millennials | Flexible, unique experiences, use technology to plan and book trips |
| Gen Z | Active and adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, local experiences |
| Gen Alpha | Immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity |
| Gen Beta | Deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, prioritize sustainability |
Expert Insights
“While the desire to explore remains universal, we see clear differences in how each generation approaches travel planning, values experiences, and defines luxury,” says Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel company Classic Vacations.
Experts agree that different age groups approach travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort. For example, Boomers tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips. Gen Xers, on the other hand, are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
Traveling with Technology
Millennials and Gen Z are using technology to plan and book their trips, and Gen Beta will likely prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection.
“With the world at their fingertips, Gen Beta will be more globally aware, socially attuned, and intentional in how, where, and why they choose to travel,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.
Traveling with Purpose
Gen Beta will prioritize sustainability and expect brands to prioritize sustainability by default. They will also value slow, technology-free travel experiences that involve mindful connections with the place and people they encounter.
“Travel will lose some of the magic that comes from the human to human connection and hospitality,” says Milena Nikolova, chief behavior officer with BehaviorSMART.
As Gen Beta grows up in a world shaped by climate change and digital connectivity, they will expect travel to be both responsible and seamless, prioritizing experiences that align with their values and using technology to make more informed, sustainable choices.
Conclusion
As different generations approach travel in unique ways, it’s clear that the future of tourism will be shaped by the values and preferences of Gen Beta. By prioritizing sustainability, immersing themselves in local experiences, and valuing human connections, Gen Beta will create a new standard for responsible and enjoyable travel.
Traveling Generations
As we live longer and more generations are born, the way people travel is changing. Different age groups are approaching travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort.
Defining Generations
The Pew Research Center defines generations as groups of people born within a 15- to 20-year span. This means that when Generation Beta debuted in January with the first births of 2025, it was the first time in history that seven distinct generations were alive at once.
Traveling Generations
- Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips.
- Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1979) are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
- Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) prioritize flexibility and seek out unique experiences, often using technology to plan and book their trips.
- Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2009) are active and adventurous, leaning towards once-in-a-lifetime moments and local experiences.
- Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) are growing up in a fully connected world and are hungry for immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity.
- Gen Beta (born between 2025 and 2039) will prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, and will expect brands to prioritize sustainability.
Traveling Styles
| Generation | Traveling Style |
|---|---|
| Boomers | Private tours with knowledgeable guides, multi-destination trips |
| Gen Xers | Practical planners, value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group |
| Millennials | Flexible, unique experiences, use technology to plan and book trips |
| Gen Z | Active and adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, local experiences |
| Gen Alpha | Immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity |
| Gen Beta | Deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, prioritize sustainability |
Expert Insights
“While the desire to explore remains universal, we see clear differences in how each generation approaches travel planning, values experiences, and defines luxury,” says Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel company Classic Vacations.
Experts agree that different age groups approach travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort. For example, Boomers tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips. Gen Xers, on the other hand, are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
Traveling with Technology
Millennials and Gen Z are using technology to plan and book their trips, and Gen Beta will likely prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection.
“With the world at their fingertips, Gen Beta will be more globally aware, socially attuned, and intentional in how, where, and why they choose to travel,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.
Traveling with Purpose
Gen Beta will prioritize sustainability and expect brands to prioritize sustainability by default. They will also value slow, technology-free travel experiences that involve mindful connections with the place and people they encounter.
“Travel will lose some of the magic that comes from the human to human connection and hospitality,” says Milena Nikolova, chief behavior officer with BehaviorSMART.
As Gen Beta grows up in a world shaped by climate change and digital connectivity, they will expect travel to be both responsible and seamless, prioritizing experiences that align with their values and using technology to make more informed, sustainable choices.
Conclusion
As different generations approach travel in unique ways, it’s clear that the future of tourism will be shaped by the values and preferences of Gen Beta. By prioritizing sustainability, immersing themselves in local experiences, and valuing human connections, Gen Beta will create a new standard for responsible and enjoyable travel.
Traveling Generations
As we live longer and more generations are born, the way people travel is changing. Different age groups are approaching travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort.
Defining Generations
The Pew Research Center defines generations as groups of people born within a 15- to 20-year span. This means that when Generation Beta debuted in January with the first births of 2025, it was the first time in history that seven distinct generations were alive at once.
Traveling Generations
- Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips.
- Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1979) are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
- Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) prioritize flexibility and seek out unique experiences, often using technology to plan and book their trips.
- Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2009) are active and adventurous, leaning towards once-in-a-lifetime moments and local experiences.
- Gen Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) are growing up in a fully connected world and are hungry for immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity.
- Gen Beta (born between 2025 and 2039) will prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, and will expect brands to prioritize sustainability.
Traveling Styles
| Generation | Traveling Style |
|---|---|
| Boomers | Private tours with knowledgeable guides, multi-destination trips |
| Gen Xers | Practical planners, value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group |
| Millennials | Flexible, unique experiences, use technology to plan and book trips |
| Gen Z | Active and adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime moments, local experiences |
| Gen Alpha | Immersive, hands-on adventures that combine learning, culture, and creativity |
| Gen Beta | Deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection, prioritize sustainability |
Expert Insights
“While the desire to explore remains universal, we see clear differences in how each generation approaches travel planning, values experiences, and defines luxury,” says Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel company Classic Vacations.
Experts agree that different age groups approach travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort. For example, Boomers tend to seek out the best experiences money can buy and are comfortable with private tours and multi-destination trips. Gen Xers, on the other hand, are practical planners who value authenticity and adventure, often traveling with family or as a group.
Traveling with Technology
Millennials and Gen Z are using technology to plan and book their trips, and Gen Beta will likely prioritize deeply immersive, hyper-personalized, local experiences that foster real human connection.
“With the world at their fingertips, Gen Beta will be more globally aware, socially attuned, and intentional in how, where, and why they choose to travel,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.
Traveling with Purpose
Gen Beta will prioritize sustainability and expect brands to prioritize sustainability by default. They will also value slow, technology-free travel experiences that involve mindful connections with the place and people they encounter.
“Travel will lose some of the magic that comes from the human to human connection and hospitality,” says Milena Nikolova, chief behavior officer with BehaviorSMART.
As Gen Beta grows up in a world shaped by climate change and digital connectivity, they will expect travel to be both responsible and seamless, prioritizing experiences that align with their values and using technology to make more informed, sustainable choices.
Conclusion
As different generations approach travel in unique ways, it’s clear that the future of tourism will be shaped by the values and preferences of Gen Beta. By prioritizing sustainability, immersing themselves in local experiences, and valuing human connections, Gen Beta will create a new standard for responsible and enjoyable travel.
Traveling Generations
As we live longer and more generations are born, the way people travel is changing. Different age groups are approaching travel in unique ways, influenced by their values, experiences, and technological comfort.
Defining Generations
The Pew Research Center defines generations as groups of people born within a 15- to 20-year span.
