The common misconception of millennials is they are entitled youths of the new generation; but what really sets them apart is their ability to accept change and roll with the punches in a way their respective older generation X can’t. When it comes to travel, millennials are thought to be on their phones too often to appreciate the culture and are looking for a party-themed atmosphere but instead, they miss culturally immersing themselves in the area they’re in. A survey done by Topdeck Travel showed results in 31,000 millennials from 88 different countries that this younger generation is no longer seeking a party atmosphere and instead are looking to immerse themselves in different cultures. The survey also showed that this was a main factor for millennials seeking to travel.
-by Nikki Main
The way we travel in our younger years is vastly different from the way we travel as we get older. The older generations tend to seek the lofty hotels that sit on the sea with a spectacular view, while the younger generations, the millennials, tend to stay in hostels and couchsurf, or use Airbnb for their accommodation. The younger generation is focused more on the hidden gems of a city rather than they every day tourist traps more novice travelers get caught in.
Because millennials are always connected, they look at travel as a research opportunity and forge new norms for travel and leisure. They want adrenaline-rush experiences, not cookie-cutter travel packages. It is becoming more common for this younger age group to travel on what is now being called ‘bleisure’. And while it sounds more like a disease than an actual term, the new fad is simply combining business trips with leisure and getting more out of a trip than just the inside of office rooms and meetings.
Being constantly connected is a bonus for those aged 18-30, especially when it comes to travel as youths consider themselves “travel hackers” meaning they can find the best sites and the best prices for accommodation and the best travel deals. They get inspiration from social media platforms while most generation X or baby boomers won’t turn to every day apps for ideas. A study found that forty-four percent of millennials get their inspiration for travel from apps like Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.
More than anything, millennials are changing the way we travel. Their constant need for their devices mirrors their intake of constant information in an ever-changing world. We are now re-thinking hotels and instead opting to share an apartment with coworkers or friends we travel with. Apps are redefining the travel scene with ideas for the next big adventure. Leave it to the millennials to show us that travel can really be an eye-opening, exciting experience.
-N.M
1 comment
Nikki you really have a knack for this. I’m really impressed. Your parents must be so proud.