Travelers of all ages share an appreciation for tourism as a way to explore and relax, but their preferences differ. Each generation approaches romantic trips differently, with Gen Z seeking adventures and unique experiences and boomers preferring relaxation and comfort.
Adventure and self-discovery vs social connection
Self-discovery and adventure are at the heart of Gen Z travelers' tourism habits. During their last trip, almost half (48%) of international Gen Z travelers visited multiple countries, driven by their inclination to explore unique destinations. The youngest (partially) adult generation is also the likeliest to embrace solo travel, with a fifth traveling alone on their last holiday.
They are also much likelier than older generations to be inspired by influencers and social media. 63% say social media play a key role in their travel plans, while influencers determine their destinations to an extent. Gen Z also shows a strong interest in AI-powered travel planning platforms and tools.
Millennials value a combination of social connection and exploration when planning vacations, including romantic trips. Reports reveal they often go on trips with a partner or group of friends. This generation relishes romantic getaways, with 26% prioritizing such trips with a partner or spouse. They balance activity and leisure when it comes to destinations, showing interest in both entertainment and cultural experiences.
The implications for cross-generation traveling
These findings have interesting implications when traveling with a partner from a different generation, like a millennial and a Gen Z, and in terms of age-gap relationships in general. Are you a Gen Z traveling with a millennial or vice versa? Focus on shared interests. If they love rock music and you love the beach, find a destination that has both. Balance activity and downtime, respecting energy levels and comfort zones. Mix in a bit of nostalgia for them and a new experience for you. Most importantly, communicate openly about expectations and create space for your preferences to align.
Family-oriented explorers
If you're planning a romantic trip with a Gen X member, keep in mind travel often revolves around family. Just 20% of this generation had traveled in February 2025, and those who did traveled with kids or extended family. Gen X travelers prefer to stay in rental apartments or houses, especially during longer trips, because they accommodate multi-generational trips with more than one family more easily.
Social media doesn't influence this generation very much, and they're likelier to value personal recommendations when planning holidays. Gen X's preference for traditional travel planning sets them apart from Gen Z and millennials.
Boomers seek relaxation and comfort
As expected, boomers prioritize relaxation and comfort when planning trips. More than three-quarters (77%) chose a single destination during international trips, according to a 2025 survey. They prefer traveling domestically, especially boomers from the US and Australia. They opt for resorts and hotels when selecting accommodations and are the least likely to use AI.
Who travels the most?
Recent data shows that millennials have the most vacations - 35 days a year, or six more days than Gen Z, their predecessor. Boomers don't seek out exotic destinations when planning trips, while millennials and Gen Z choose new places to relax. 83% of millennials prefer all-inclusive, stress-free trips, which come with a heftier price tag, making millennials and Gen Z the highest spenders when they travel.
Final thoughts
Planning a romantic trip across generations is as much about picking the right destination as it is about bridging perspectives. Differences in travel styles, pace, and priorities can spark meaningful conversations and deepen connection when approached with patience. By embracing each other's preferences with openness and tolerance, couples can create unique and memorable experiences. Thoughtful travel plans can help avoid the unpleasant memories of two different worlds colliding rather than blending into one another.
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