Gen Z and Millennials are Redefining the Terms of Vacation, Skip the Vacation

Young Americans think vacationing is too much, according to a new survey.

A survey of 2,000 traveling Americans (split evenly by generation) looked at how people of different ages travel and found that Gen X (51%) and Baby Boomers (57%) prioritize relaxation when they travel, while Gen Z (54%) ) and millennials (45%) are most interested in making memories.

In fact, 29% of those who don’t prioritize vacationing find it a waste of time – especially millennials (30%).

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Conducted by Talker Research for Apple Vacations, the survey found that these preferences may change in the future, as 59% shared that their vacation priorities have changed as they get older.

A quarter of millennials reported that sightseeing is a thing of the past, and Gen Z no longer prioritizes learning new things while traveling (28%).

Respondents from different generations recalled the average age they were when their vacation preferences changed. Gen Z’s preferences change at age 18, while millennials see it at age 27, Gen X at age 38 and Baby Boomers at age 54.

One thing that won’t change is Americans’ love of travel, with one in four (28%) sharing that travel is their top priority these days.

While millennials are currently the most travel-oriented (38%), Gen Z (35%) is likely to exceed the average number of trips taken annually.

Looking at the differences in how they enjoy this time, the results showed that Baby Boomers (74%) prefer domestic travel, while Gen Z (14%) are the most likely to enjoy international travel.

Family-friendly (33%) and hot spots (27%) are popular among all generations, but Gen Z (25%) and millennials (24%) also share a strong love of theme parks.

In addition to their higher preferences, Gen X (21%) and Baby Boomers (24%) are also attracted to smaller cities.

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“Vacation looks and feels different for everyone,” said Dana Studebaker, vice president of marketing at Apple Vacations. “I feel most at ease reading a good book on the beach, knowing that everything I need is at my fingertips at an all-inclusive resort, but others feel rejuvenated after a great backpacking trip in the mountains, documenting history in a big city. . This is the beauty of travel: Your vacations can turn out the way you want them to.”

Before their trip, Gen Z is more interested in creating a vacation plan (60%) and Baby Boomers can go with the flow (40%).

Gen X (53%) and Baby Boomers (65%) who choose to go with the flow agree that this helps them avoid feeling rushed or tied to a schedule.

Planners find comfort in mapping out their day (56%) and say it helps them make the most of their time (54%).

Gen Z embraces the security they feel when planning things (46%), while Baby Boomers who prefer to plan ahead also enjoy the feeling of checking things they want to do (50%).

When planning a trip, millennials are more likely to use a travel agent (18%), while Gen Z relies more on social media for planning (55%) and inspiration (66%).

Older generations prefer to keep the classics the most, with Gen X trusting word of mouth (44%) and Baby Boomers referring to travel magazines or websites for advice (34%).

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Before going on vacation, millennials are the most likely to read restaurant menus (34%); instead, Gen X looks at photos others have posted (36%).

Gen Z respondents are more likely to look at how much things cost and exchange money (49%), and transportation options (43%).

Looking ahead, half of respondents plan to travel more as they get older.

Gen Z will use this opportunity more (73%), planning to travel with their friends (43%), while Baby Boomers will travel to connect with other family members (20%).

Family ranks high among those who traveled with their parents when they were growing up, and 77% plan to continue the tradition of traveling with their children to socialize (66%) and make new memories (65%).

“Getting out of the house and spending quality time with family while traveling is the best way to create memories,” said Michael Lowery, senior vice president and global head of consumer business units at Apple Vacations. “When I’m traveling with a larger group with many ages to keep in mind, I always visit an all-inclusive resort because any concerns about entertaining different ages are taken care of. Some guests can enjoy a day at the spa, while others can safely. Be entertained with tours and activities.”

See a complete breakdown of the survey results below.