What Each Generation Wants on Vacation

Anyone who says they don't want to go on vacation is lying. Who wouldn't want a full weekend, week, or even month to relax and explore something new? Well, although no one is going to deny a vacation, each generation has its own interests. Click through the slideshow for information on what each generation wants during a vacation. Do you agree? Where would you go on vacation if there were no monetary or time limits?

The Silent Generation includes people born between 1928 and 1945. They were born and raised during the Great Depression. So, how does the Silent Generation prefer to take vacations?

Generally, the Silent Generation likes learning in small groups. They are more likely to book small group guided tours. They also prefer security and familiarity, booking trips to places they've already been and know they enjoy with their loved ones.

Following the Silent Generation are Baby Boomers who were born between 1946 and 1964. They are more adventurous than the previous generation with their vacations, often booking multiple locations during one trip.

While Baby Boomers do travel internationally, they are more likely to travel domestically (2.7 vs 3.9 trips per year). Baby Boomers also like guided tours and are known to travel by cruise and to casinos.

After Baby Boomers is Gen X, which consists of people born between 1965 and 1979. Gen X does not have as much time for vacations as their Baby Boomer counterparts. Many aren't retired and are getting to the age where they take care of aging parents.

Still, Gen X adults do go on vacations. They are more likely, though, to make use of their time and take weekend getaways. About 37% of their vacations are weekend getaways compared to 18% for romantic getaways.

Although the news likes to depict Millennials as absolutely broke with limited fun, many still go on vacations. According to data, millennials travel more than any other generation. On average, they travel 35 days a year.

While millennials travel more than any generation, they spend less than Baby Boomers and Gen X. They travel by looking for deals but are also open to all kinds of locations. Group travel is also growing in popularity for millennials. Not only does group travel cut the cost, but it's also more doable with companies like EF Ultimate Break. They also travel to experiences and themed stays, like theme parks.

Last but not least is Gen Z, the most recent generation to reach adulthood. There isn't too much data for Gen Z just yet, though. Gen Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012.

Gen Z takes about three vacations a year and they are a mix of international and domestic. They prefer spending money on experiences and authenticity over luxury goods. Solo trips are on the rise for Gen Z. About 75% of Gen Z travelers planned a solo trip in 2024.