Top Travel Destinations for Each Generation
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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According to a recent breakdown shared by Whimstay, 52% of millennials prioritize adventure on their travels, while 45% of Gen X travelers seek out culinary experiences on vacation. The report also went into detail on the top travel destinations of every generation, with some surprising locations making the list.
Here’s a breakdown of the top three places every generation is traveling to, based on Whimstay data, as well as insights from experts about what’s driving these trends.
Gen Z
First up is Gen Z. Here are three of the top places they’re traveling, per Whimstay:
- Portugal
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Washington, D.C.
“Gen Z loves unapologetic authenticity and feeling overwhelmingly alive,” said Veronika Romane, travel advisor at Aim To Discover. “It’s almost like they chase that next adventure that’ll become a story of a lifetime. They’re early in their careers, still figuring it out, and that’s precisely what allows their trips to be so raw and authentic.”
The research noted that Gen Z is turning away from popular destinations like Santorini and Bali in search of hidden gems. Dubbed as part of the “anti-bucket list generation,” travelers in this age group would rather find a secluded waterfall than explore a common tourist trap.
Kanika Puri, a travel expert and chief operating officer at Fast Cover Travel Insurance, noted that affordability is driving the travel trends with the top three destinations. “Each of these destinations offers a cheaper, and often less crowded, alternative to spots like Hawaii and California, so it makes perfect sense that young travelers would seek them out,” Puri said.
Social media may influence this generation when it comes to travel choices, but they’re choosing to reject traditional tourist destinations.
Millennials
Next up, here are three of the top destinations for millennials:
- Orange Beach, Alabama
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The research revealed that 60% of millennials are seeking to rest and recharge, opting for beach destinations that offer a balance of relaxation and adventure. Romane believes that millennials are a product of hustle culture and that their vacations serve as a reset button to recover from the chaos of their lives. After a good rest at the beach or pool, this group of travelers will chase exploration.
Puri pointed out that this demographic is getting older and having kids, so they’re seeking fun-loving adventures that offer some luxury. She feels that locations like Orange Beach and Panama City Beach offer a little more value for money than most.
Caroline Teel, executive editor at SmarterTravel, shared that millennials are making astute choices with Orange Beach and Panama City Beach since these are family-friendly destinations where kids can build sandcastles, parents can actually relax and nobody has to take out a second mortgage to cover travel expenses.
Gen X
Dubbed the “stealth luxury seekers” by Whimstay, Gen X is traveling to these destinations:
- Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Miramar Beach, Florida
- Ocean City, Maryland.
The analysis found that this group will travel less than other generations but will spend more on authentic experiences. Travel trends for this demographic are fueled by insider knowledge and meticulous planning. “Growing up before all of the social media craze means they value privacy, space, and reliability more than anything else,” Romane said. This generation is chasing culture instead of trends.
“Most Gen X travelers are drawn to destinations that resonate with quiet sophistication, which the likes of Miramar Beach … deliver in droves,” Puri explained. Since many in this group likely have more money to spend, they don’t mind seeking out destinations with exceptional dining scenes.
Baby Boomers
Finally, here some top destinations that baby boomers have been heading to:
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Port Aransas, Texas
- Sunriver, Oregon.
Romane pointed out that baby boomers are the culmination of experienced travelers. “They’ve earned the right to luxury, and they’re not ashamed to use it. They spend their time and money to buy comfort with zero compromises made. Meaning is at the core of their travels, so they may visit locations to celebrate special occasions, strengthen friendships, or revisit memories that have shaped who they are,” she said.
Puri shared that it’s super common to see this generation heading to quiet destinations that deliver an unmistakable sense of luxury. She has noticed that the likes of Hilton Head, Port Aransas and Sunriver all offer exceptional dining and coastal activities alongside top-notch golfing and hiking.
The research also found that this generation values cultural depth and family bonding, with 77% stating that they would be willing to pay for their children. This group of travelers is motivated to spend on premium experiences that they’ve waited decades to be able to afford.
Teel stated that the common thread among the generations of travelers is that they’re all rediscovering that amazing travel experiences don’t require a passport. The list of popular destinations clearly shows this, as all age groups are seeking out locations that wouldn’t have been included on such lists just a few years ago.
“Despite different approaches, all generations crave authentic experiences,” Alex Alioto, resident travel expert and co-founder at Whimstay, concluded.
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