Americans from Different Age Groups Speak Out on Tourism

GetYourGuide.com, a leading travel booking platform, is launching a new study that reveals that American travel is at the top of everyone's mind, even though generations are divided in their approach to travel plans. 

There are certain travel and planning elements that Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X all agree on: safety concerns, the hassle of budgeting, and a desire for more outdoor adventures. However, there are divisions between these groups: how far they hope to go, travel frequency, budget, and what they are willing to spend the most money on on their trips.

Below are the key findings from the GetYourGuide survey and insights on what to expect during the summer and during the fall and holiday season as restrictions fluctuate.

While Americans wait to travel, millennials and Gen Xers stay closer to home while Gen Z watches internationally, Americans have been quarantined waiting for the day when travel restrictions are eased and they can start planning getaways again.

Most of the respondents across generations (70%) have started planning their vacations, but where people go varies.

Generation Z is the most adventurous generation with more than half (51%) planning international travel and 37% domestic.

Top international cities for American travelers include San Juan, Dubai, the Cyclades, and Paris.

Gen Z travelers can make the most of their favorite overseas destinations with unforgettable experiences such as a boat tour of the bioluminescent bay and hot springs in San Juan, a desert safari in Dubai, a cruise around the volcanic islands. in the Cyclades and a French macaron baking class in Paris.

Almost half of Millennials (48%) and more than half of Gen Xers (61%) plan to stay in the country. 35% of Millennials and 20% of Generation X seek internationalization.

Gen Z and Millennials have taken advantage of the lifting of travel restrictions: 37% of Gen Z and 34% of Millennials traveled to another city in the last month. On the other hand, Generation X has more doubts, since 33% have not traveled to another city in more than a year. 

All generations are eager to travel to the beach, placing it first, above the mountains, cities and the countryside. The coveted beaches of Miami and San Diego are probably what brought those places to the top four cities in the US for Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X.

In addition to the beach, Gen Z and Millennials are also excited to explore new cities; Places they plan to visit within the US include New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Generation X is looking to plan a visit to New York City, Miami, San Diego, and Washington, DC.

To meet the growing demand, GetYourGuide has vastly expanded the variety of activities available in the US Most popular tours include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry tour in New York, the city cruise at Millionaires' Homes and Venetian Islands in Miami, San Diego Harbor Cruise and DC Landmarks Bus Tour

Safety remains the primary concern, creating a high demand for outdoor activities.Despite

rising vaccination rates, the impact of COVID-19 is still very much present for many. People are traveling again, but keep a close eye on where and how to travel safely as the pandemic continues. When it comes to travel, generations are on the same page.

Safety remains a priority across generations, with just over half of respondents from each generation saying it is their top concern around travel plans: Gen Z (57%), Millennials (54%) and Gen X (55%).

In an effort to stay safe while venturing out into the world, outdoor excursions are the most requested activities. All three generations ranked outdoor adventures as the best experience they are excited to plan. 

The best outdoor adventures available through GetYourGuide.com include the Boston Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise, the Chicago Lake and River Architecture Cruise, and the Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show on the Everglades.

Twenty-four percent of total respondents rated flexibility regarding cancellations as their top concern. As rates and regulations for COVID-19 fluctuate, travelers will be looking for guarantees that they won't lose money if plans have to change at the last minute. GetYourGuide offers full refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Consumers exchanging screen time and cryptocurrencies for real-world experiences

Throughout the pandemic, Americans acquired new habits and hobbies: binge-watching was popular, but many also took advantage of the time to learn and invest in cryptocurrencies. Hoping to put down their COVID bubbles, they look to cash in on their earnings and enjoy real-life experiences in the outside world.

Millennials dabbled in cryptocurrencies investing more during the pandemic (42%).

Among the generations of respondents who invested in cryptocurrencies during the pandemic, more than a third said they were highly likely to spend those earnings on real-life experiences. In addition to accepting 40 currency payment options, GetYourGuide has now made it even easier for people to exchange their Dogecoin for experiences on their platform.

Over the generations, the most popular new hobbies acquired were streaming and baking or cooking. After those activities, the generations split a bit:

Members of Gen Z were into photography (43%), which they can take to the next level with an unforgettable sunrise photography tour with a professional photography guide in Oahu, Hawaii.

Millennials prioritized fitness (45%), which they can now enjoy outdoors with a yoga and walking tour in Central Park, NY.

Members of Generation X watched documentaries (40%) and can now experience nature in real life on a sunset whale watching tour in Monterey, California.

Budgeting demonstrates the most annoying aspect of travel planning: Millennials are willing to spend more.The goal of traveling is always fun, but of course there are hassles, especially in terms of planning. People are looking to do their best in their post-pandemic revenge journeys, but the financial reality can be a rude awakening. While generations may agree on the biggest hassle and what makes a trip memorable, some are more willing to spend more to enhance their travel and trip planning experiences.

All three generational groups cited travel budgeting as the most annoying aspect of planning a trip. However, Millennials are more willing than Gen Z or Gen X to pay for someone else to plan field trips for them (63%).

Across generations, respondents mentioned that unique experiences have the biggest impact on their favorite vacations (38% of Gen Z, 48% of Millennials, and 43% of Gen X). However, only Millennials are budgeting more for that element of their travels.

Millennials are budgeting more for experiences than Gen Z and Gen X; 20% of Millennials spend between $ 51 and $ 100 per person on experiences each day, while only 15% of Gen Z and 14% of Gen X are budgeting for that amount.

Source: Travel2LATAM