Gennady Podolsky, a renowned global travel expert, looks forward to 2025 and the types of trips that will emerge in popularity for younger travelers.
As global travelers choose their “must visit” destinations for 2025, two younger demographics are engaged in a full-scale redefining of the travel experience. Specifically, Millennial and Gen Z adventurers are rewriting travel rule books to suit their distinctive tastes. And naturally, they are bringing their focus on environmental and social causes with them.
For 2025, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky highlights intriguing travel trends and themes. He also discusses social media’s role in choosing the right travel experience. And while acknowledging younger travelers’ strong research and online reservation capabilities, he emphasizes that consulting with a seasoned travel professional can always add value.
Travel Experiences Outrank Possessions
Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic’s extended forced isolation spurred many people to reevaluate their priorities. Today, a growing preference for experiences over possessions has been reflected in individuals’ travel plans. Across the globe, travelers in multiple demographics are increasingly booking “bucket list” trips or other intriguing experiences.
For perspective, over half of Millennials and Gen Zers have assigned a higher value to experiences over possessions. This mindset shift is helping to popularize travel experiences focused on cultural immersion, community connections, and personal growth. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky is increasingly seeing this trend take shape.
Young United States Travelers’ Preferences
In mid-2024, travel services provider Contiki surveyed over 1,000 United States Millennial and Gen Z travelers. The annual Voice of a Generation Survey highlighted the growing 18-to-35 group’s travel priorities and preferences. These findings will strongly influence the global travel landscape in 2025.
Taking a big-picture view, Contiki survey respondents are replacing the “digital nomad” lifestyle with dedicated vacations. For perspective, these two groups consider travel a higher priority than advancing their careers. Over half of the survey respondents would decline a raise if offered more personal time off (or PTO) instead.
Interestingly, the same portion of respondents said they would move back home to put more money in their travel coffers. In fact, 29 percent of them have already taken that step while 37 percent are considering it.
Social Media’s Role in Travel Decisions
Many Millennials and Gen Zers consider social media an integral part of their lives. They frequently use social media platforms to chat with friends, perform information searches, and enjoy reading content about hobbies or passions.
Not surprisingly, social media plays a key role in Millennials’ and Gen Zers’ travel decisions. These young adults may obtain feedback on proposed destinations, packing lists, and other aspects of their trips. In fact, many young travelers would only consider a travel experience they saw on social media.
5 Emerging Millennial and Gen Z Travel Trends
Digging deeper, the surveyed Millennials and Gen Zers weighed in on their respective travel preferences. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky highlights five intriguing travel trends for 2025.
Emphasis on Self-Discovery
Younger travelers often prioritize self-discovery and personal growth. Toward that end, they often choose travel experiences that involve cultural immersion or other intensive engagement.
Rather than traveling with friends or family, Millennial and Gen Z travelers often seek connections with fellow adventurers and/or locals along the way. In fact, 58 percent of survey respondents travel this way.
Openness to “Dupe Destinations”
Travelers can easily become annoyed by overcrowded tourism hotspots. Vehicle congestion, long lines for attractions, and potential environmental degradation can be downsides of popular destinations. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky says these negative factors can degrade the entire travel experience.
Rather than visiting an overcrowded destination, many survey respondents choose one with similar attributes but with less congestion. In fact, 83 percent of respondents had taken this tack or would seriously consider it. To illustrate, savvy SCUBA divers frequently pass up crowded dive spots. Instead, they ferret out locations with stunning marine life and few visitors.
On a related note, 53 percent of younger travelers would rather choose relatively undiscovered destinations that still possess authentic charm. Global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky has always enjoyed this type of travel experience.
Sustainable Travel Focus
Millennials and Gen Zers are known for their commitment to sustainability. Not surprisingly, 90 percent of the survey respondents prioritized sustainable travel experiences. However, they have little affinity for abstract concepts such as carbon emissions reductions.
Instead, Millennial and Gen Z travelers focus on wildlife preservation, often through ecotourism or voluntourism activities. They also enjoy contributing to their destination’s local communities. Both types of engagement reflect the young adults’ preference for tangible contributions over intangible ones.
Not surprisingly, 57 percent of Millennial and Gen Z travelers say sustainable travel’s increased costs are a concern. Therefore, travelers may decide to choose the most cost-effective travel option regardless of their personal beliefs.
Sober Travel Experiences
Popular culture has long held that younger adults prioritize alcohol-fueled partying. In 2024, however, 83 percent of Millennial and Gen Z survey respondents want to book a sober travel experience. By staying away from alcohol throughout their vacation, they will be better equipped to fully participate in the travel adventure.
Short-Notice Travel Plans
Historically, older generations have meticulously planned their travel experiences several months before their trips. Increasing the chances of available flights and lodgings, and saving money on advance-purchase fares, are two compelling reasons.
However, Millennial and Gen Z travelers have adopted the opposite travel style. In fact, 70 percent of younger adults plan their trips within 10 days of hopping on the plane. A larger percentage of travelers make their plans within a month or two of departure.
Snapshot of 3 Intriguing Travel Themes
Besides the aforementioned large-scale trends, Millennial and Gen Z travelers have embraced some intriguing travel game plans. Experienced travel concierge Gennady Podolsky offers a view of three travel themes.
Multi-City Explorations
Instead of maintaining a single city “home base,” Millennial and Gen Z travelers prefer to scope out several cities during their vacations. Regions with top-tier transportation capabilities make this a relatively easy proposition.
Sports-Focused Tourism
Following a favorite athlete or team throughout the season can be a grand adventure. To illustrate, younger fans may attend a world-class athlete’s global competitions. Alternatively, football fans may attend a favorite team’s games across Europe.
Nighttime Adventures
Many Gen Z travelers are also night owls, revving up their evening plans when many people are going to bed. Exploring intriguing destinations after dark naturally appeals to this nocturnally minded group.
Travel Professionals’ Insights are a Bonus
Digitally savvy Millennial and Gen Z travelers typically use the Internet to research their travel itineraries. Making flight and lodging reservations is also second nature to these technology-friendly young adults. That said, global travel advisor Gennady Podolsky says travel professionals’ insights can add value to even the most carefully crafted travel plans.