Millennials are known for being one of the most adaptive, curious, and creative generations, and, according to research, they typically value experiences over material things.
These qualities are likely behind their ever-growing passion for travel.
When comparing millennials to other generations, they take more trips, their vacations are slightly shorter, and they are the most likely age group to take on debt in order to travel.
But there is one travel preference that all generations have in common – Mexico! According to a recent study by travel insurance company InsureMyTrip, everyone from Baby Boomers all the way down to Gen Z chose Mexico as their top international travel destination.
Using three years’ worth of data from their policyholders InsureMyTrip was able to pull out some pretty interesting data.
For reference, the age ranges used by InsureMyTrip in this study are as follows:
- Baby Boomer: age 58 – 76
- Gen X: age 46 – 57
- Millennial: age 27 – 45
- Gen Z: age 6 – 26
Millennial’s Top Travel Destinations
When it comes to travel, Millennials (age 27-45 in this data) have many preferences, including:
- A desire for good WiFi connectivity
- Instagram worthy scenery
- Personalized service
- Authentic and culturally immersive experiences
Additionally, millennials often seek out unique destinations.
A recent report from Skift noted that 70% of American millennials wanted to find destinations and activities that are lesser known.
Millennial’s top three international destinations are capable of ticking all those boxes.
1. Mexico
According to the study, the number one international destination amongst American millennials is Mexico.
This is not surprising, given that 25% of Americans flying abroad go to Mexico.
Mexico is one of the most easily accessible destinations from the U.S. – it is relatively close, offers great value, and is well connected to major U.S. cities.
The range of destinations within Mexico is incredible. Travelers can find everything from luxury all-inclusive resorts to small, relatively unknown magical towns.
2. Costa Rica
Last year, Costa Rica was crowned the leading destination for travelers in all of Central America.
Visiting the country, which is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, means that immersing oneself in nature while visiting is the norm.
That not only makes for incredible authentic experiences, but it is also perfect for snapping those swoon-worthy photos to post on Instagram.
3. Bahamas
The 700 islands and cays that make up The Bahamas contain some of the most idyllic beaches and blue waters in the world.
It is no wonder that when millennials need to kick back and relax, they often head to The Bahamas, where flights are cheap, and the resorts have all the amenities needed for a break on the beach.
The Bahamas is a great choice for travelers looking for a unique destination, as there are so many islands to explore, and no two are exactly alike.
How Do Millennials Compare To Other Generations
Baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all choose Mexico as their top international travel destination.
However, their other destinations and travel preferences differ. The full breakdown of InsureMyTrip’s data is as follows:
Baby Boomers
On average, Baby Boomers are the top spenders when it comes to vacations. Their average spend for a trip is $6,126, and they typically travel with a companion.
- Mexico
- Italy
- United Kingdom
Gen X
Those in Generation X spend, on average, $5,060 per vacation. They also typically travel with a partner. The top destinations for Gen X are:
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Italy
Gen Z
Generation Z spends the least on vacations, averaging $2,788 per trip. They are the age group most likely to travel solo.
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- United Kingdom
