American Express Travel’s 2025 Global Travel Trends report highlights generational differences of how Millennials and Gen Z consumers are planning 2025 travel and how they are prioritizing spend, compared to their Gen X and Baby Boomers counterparts.
Here’s a snapshot of the four themes that are rising to the top for travellers this year:
Memorable Mementos: Travellers are redefining souvenirs and curating tangible ways to remember their destinations long after they’ve returned.
82% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed look for one-of-a-kind goods that will remind them of their trip, so they have a story to share with friends and family (compared to 68% of Gen X and Baby Boomers)
Fam Adventures: From Millennial/Gen Z-aged parents letting their kids take the lead on planning, to bringing extended family along – multi-generation vacations are becoming increasingly popular.
81% of global respondents prefer destinations that are family-centric and have activities for all generations surveyed
Benefit Aficionados: Travellers are becoming savvier by maximizing credit card rewards and taking advantage of combining loyalty programs, benefits and points to get the most out of their spending.
61% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed use their credit card to maximize travel rewards, compared to 36% of Gen X and Baby Boomers
Tap In, Take Off: Travellers are relying on new technology to make their journey smoother and more personalized.
83% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed found at least one aspect of this new technology to be useful for booking, compared to 64% of Gen X and Baby Boomers
Overall, the report uncovered that travellers across the globe are approaching trips with a mix of passion and practicality. 77% of global respondents plan on going on more or the same number of international trips compared to last year, and 70% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed like to plan trips that focus on enjoying the journey as much as the destination (e.g. Luxury Rail, Cruise, etc.).
American Express Travel’s 2025 Global Travel Trends, travel,
