FIVE MILLENNIAL TRAVEL TRENDS OF 2019
After attending the NY Times Travel Show and sitting in on multiple panel discussions and keynote speeches, there was one resounding word being uttered. That repeated word was “Millennials”. The outstanding insights seemed to conclude that the Millennial generation is growing target market. There were discussions regarding how to sell to Millennials, passions and interests of Millennials, collaborations with Millenial influencers in the travel industry, it was clear that “Millennial”has become more than a buzzword. As an avid traveller and Millennial myself, I thought to discuss some of the highlights from North America’s number one travel show and also via my personal experiences.
EXPERIENCES OVER DESIGNER POSSESSIONS
Let’s be real, would I’d rather get a designer purse or go on a one week tour to Macchu Picchu? Designer purchases tend to collect dust on the shelf after several flaunts around town. Then, you look up and realize this newly coveted purchase is now “out of season” or even worse, every other girl in New York City has the same product…leaving us dismayed.
Let’s avoid this mishap altogether and actually invest in an experienced worth remembering. A bucket list trip should be a fine replacement and no wonder Millennials are more concerned about experiences rather than material items.
BOOKINGS INFLUENCED BY PERSONAL CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Millennials are also strongly influenced by online sources such as review sites, blogs and social media. Our friends’ recommendations are top influences that inspire our travel choices followed by travel reviews, which have a strong impact on finalizing decisions. Only if we’re feeling exceptionally lazy or perhaps coordinating some major group trip, would we consult with a travel agent. Travel typically fuels our passion to take initiative and create those custom trips through the eyes of our Pinintrest boards and Instagram collections.
WE APPRECIATE THE EXTRA PERKS
Millennials crave different perks than their former generations and amenities are important when booking travel accommodation. Wi-Fi being of the upmost of importance lest we may go into panic mode if we can’t book an Uber ride or upload our “real-time” social media stories.
One of my favorite hotels I ever stayed at provided plenty if free perks from the start of check-in. Perks that are even normally considered an extra expense or unheard of. I greatly appreciated the free 15-minute massage issued to me at check-in, which made me completely forget about the day’s mishaps. Upon entering my room, I was told that the soda and snacks were completely free; meaning the first time around. I believe my eyes lit up at the sheer thoughtfulness of this hotel! Of course we want to save when possible, but value wins over budget.
LIVING LIKE A LOCAL IS CENTRAL TO THE EXPERIENCE
Millennials are in search of the most authentic cultural experiences, which essentially means wanting to live like a local. Now, this is possible to do on cheap or through paid tours catered to different interests such as bicycling culture tours or local wine tastings. The free or shall I say, “tipping optional” version is also available with many locals volunteering their spare time to provide tours around their hometown city.
Of course, the delivery of said tours is usually very passionate and informative considering that a guide’s earnings are made through tips alone. Either way, there are plenty of chances to get that local immersion at any cost or sometimes none at all!
FOOD AND ADVENTURE INFLUENCE THE TYPES OF TRIPS BOOKED
At the NY Times Travel Show, for instance, one keynote stated that 58% of American Millennials want to explore the cultural food scene of a new destination and 48% add an adventurous activity to their travel plans.
These topics do seem to be a primary factor when Millennials are planning itineraries. No wonder why food tours are a growing staple to one’s agenda satisfying both the foodie passion and the local immersion all-in-one.
The evidence shows that Millennial Travellers are not the average traveller and therefore looking for a more personalized/localized experience. There is no easy sell when it comes to Millennials, hence, only an authentic approach will keep this target market thriving.
