US Gen Z vs Millennial Travelers 2026
Despite mounting economic pressures due to inflation and the Iran War, 89% of Millennials and 95% of Gen Z plan on taking a leisure trip in the next 12 months.
Despite mounting economic pressures due to inflation and the Iran War, 89% of Millennials and 95% of Gen Z plan on taking a leisure trip in the next 12 months.
"Millennial habits are set, but changing with age. Meanwhile, the economy is poised to cause Gen Z to define their travel identity for the future."
Mike Gallinari, Senior Travel & Leisure Analyst
Despite mounting economic pressures due to inflation and the Iran War, 89% of Millennials and 95% of Gen Z plan on taking a leisure trip in the next 12 months. This, however, will likely lead them to spend less per-trip, and adjust the logistics of their travels while still trying to achieve their underlying travel goals.
Millennials are largely a known commodity within travel. The shock of the Great Recession during much of the generation’s early professional careers led them to value experiences over material things, which prioritized not only travel but immersion and authenticity. These still hold for the generation, but while their digital literacy let them take advantage of the emergence of OTAs and budget airlines, the tradeoff in the form of hardship experienced has become more acute. They want to take it a little slower, but still impart their travel values to their kids.
Gen Z may be similarly shaped if the current economic situation is prolonged and worse. Tech like AI is now as much a liability as an asset as they feel overwhelmed by the volume and spuriousness of information. This pressures them to make the “right” decision and scrutinize the value of travel, with wellness rising in importance. The focus on value and wellbeing will likely be defining characteristics of Gen Z in the future.