From Gen Z solo travelers to retirees taking nearly 4 trips per year, age has never played a bigger role in shaping the travel industry.
In fact, 37% of global travelers are now retirees — a shift that’s transforming the way destinations, marketers, and travel brands operate.
Whether it’s sustainability, wellness, or spending habits, each generation brings unique expectations to the table.
Top Travel Stats by Age Group (Editor’s Picks)
- 37% of global travelers are retirees — underscoring the importance of senior-friendly travel experiences.
- 61% of Gen Z prioritize wellness in travel, with self-care at the center of their plans.
- 57.1% of U.S. travelers are women, with 64% globally identifying as female.
- 72% of Gen Z are leading global travel participation.
- 73% of Gen Z consider sustainability in their travel decisions.
How Are Seniors Shaping the Future of Travel?
Retirees now represent nearly 37% of all travelers. With more time and disposable income, seniors are driving growth in guided tours and culturally rich destinations.
58% of seniors cite finances as the main barrier to travel. Despite a strong desire to travel, budget constraints remain a significant obstacle.
60% of people aged 50+ plan to travel. The senior demographic is not only growing but increasingly active.
67% of boomers prioritize visiting family when they travel. Family-oriented travel remains a strong motivator for older adults.
Seniors take an average of 3.7 trips annually, totaling about 27 travel days each year.
29% of seniors have traveled solo in the last five years, a trend that has prompted travel companies to launch solo-only tours for older adults.
What Does Gen Z Want From Travel Experiences?
61% of Gen Z travelers focus on wellness. This group seeks trips that support mental and physical health, such as retreats and spa destinations.
73% of Gen Z value sustainability. They are drawn to eco-lodges, carbon-offset programs, and green certifications.
75% of Gen Z plan solo trips. Self-discovery and independence fuel this emerging trend.
Over 80% of Gen Z consult Instagram and YouTube for travel inspiration. Social media plays a decisive role in shaping Gen Z’s travel plans.
90% of Gen Z are influenced by social media when choosing destinations. Influencer marketing has become an essential strategy.
76% of Gen Z report increased interest in travel. Post-pandemic wanderlust is translating into action.
81% cite budget as the biggest factor in travel planning. Gen Z is price-sensitive but willing to spend on meaningful experiences.
On average, Gen Z gets 29 vacation days per year, slightly fewer than older cohorts, and they tend to prefer public transportation and budget accommodations.
How Are Millennials Redefining Modern Travel?
45% of millennials travel to learn more about themselves. Purpose-driven travel resonates strongly with this cohort.
55% of millennials say they prioritize travel. It ranks above other discretionary expenses like dining out or tech gadgets.
96% of millennials are likely to travel solo. They value flexibility and adventure over traditional travel formats.
Millennials enjoy the most vacation time, averaging 35 days per year, and prefer road trips and self-guided exploration.
Millennials spend an average of $5,777 per trip, though a third keep costs under $1,000.
Top travel priorities by generation:
- 🧘 Gen Z: Wellness, authenticity, budget, solo travel.
- 🌍 Millennials: Self-growth, flexibility, experiences, technology.
- 👨👩👧 Gen X: Comfort, family travel, moderate budgets.
- 👵 Boomers: Culture, comfort, family, luxury.
What Are Generation X’s Travel Habits?
51% of Gen X prioritize travel. Often balancing careers and families, Gen X still finds time for meaningful getaways.
Only 12% of Gen X traveled internationally last year. This may be due to time constraints, financial concerns, or family responsibilities.
Gen X travelers spend around $7,452 per trip, ranking them between Boomers and Millennials in travel spending.
How Much Are Different Generations Traveling and Spending?
| Generation | Average Trip Cost | % Spending Over $6k | Preferred Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boomers | $8,242 | 25% | Luxury hotels |
| Gen X | $7,452 | 16% | Hotels and family tour packages |
| Millennials | $5,777 | 17% | Airbnb, hostels, road trips |
| Gen Z | $3,753 | <10% | Hostels, couchsurfing, budget stay |
Average vacation days and annual trips by generation:
- Millennials: 35 days / 3–5 trips
- Gen Z: 29 days / 2–3 trips
- Gen X: 26 days / 2–3 trips
- Boomers: 27 days / 3–4 trips
Across all groups, 74% plan 1–3 domestic trips and 59% plan 1–3 international trips in 2025.
Are Solo Trips Becoming the Norm?
Solo travel is booming, with 80% of Australians (across all generations) reporting solo adventures.
29% of over-50s now travel alone, and U.S. companies are creating offerings specifically for this growing market.
Millennials and Gen Z are leading the solo travel trend, driven by flexibility and self-discovery.
How Do Women Influence Travel Trends?
57.1% of U.S. travelers are women. Women lead travel planning and decision-making in many households.
64% of global travelers are female. This demographic dominates both solo and group travel experiences.
What Role Does Social Media Play in Travel Decisions?
88% of Gen Z follow at least one travel influencer. Authenticity and relatability make social platforms powerful travel tools.
83% of Gen Z and millennials prefer digital tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What generation travels the most in 2025?
Gen Z leads global travel participation, followed closely by retirees who represent 37% of travelers.
Why is Gen Z important to the travel industry?
Their emphasis on wellness, sustainability, and social media influence makes them a key driver of modern travel trends.
Are seniors still traveling after retirement?
Yes, a significant number of retirees are actively traveling, with many prioritizing cultural experiences and family visits.
How do millennials approach travel differently?
Millennials are focused on self-discovery, solo adventures, and value-driven travel choices.
What impact do women have on travel trends?
Women make up the majority of travelers globally and often lead trip planning and decision-making.
How is social media influencing travel decisions?
Platforms like Instagram and YouTube are major sources of travel inspiration, especially for Gen Z and millennials.
How much do different generations spend on travel?
Boomers lead in spending, averaging over $8,000 per trip, while Gen Z travels on tighter budgets under $4,000 per trip.
Which generation travels solo the most?
Solo travel is popular across the board, but Gen Z and Millennials are the most active solo travelers, with over-50s catching up fast.
Final Thoughts
Generational preferences are reshaping the global travel industry.
Seniors crave connection and culture, Gen Z demands sustainability and authenticity, millennials seek growth and flexibility, while Gen X balances practicality with aspirations.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for tourism brands that want to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
- Condor Ferries – Travel Statistics by Age Group
- The Senior List – Senior Travel Statistics
- Albany CEO – Summer Travel 2025: Where Every Generation is Headed and How Much They’re Spending
- Kiplinger – How Much People Spend on Travel, by Generation
- News.com.au – Grey Gap Year: Australia’s Seniors Embrace a New Travel Trend
- MarketWatch – Older Adults Are Flying Solo by Choice
- American Express – Global Travel Trends Report
- Travheir – Global Travel and Tourism Statistics
- Accio – Travel Trends by Age
- Phoenix Transportation – Travel Statistics by Age Group 2025
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