OK Boomer, what’s the deal? Why are millennials travelling more than you and Gen X? To discover why this may be the case, read on…
You may have heard of the distinctions between generations. We have the silent generation, born pre-war, as well as the Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z-ers, who we’ll be talking about today, and finally, Generation Alpha.
Our main focus for today’s article will be the millennials and their seeming obsession with travel. While Boomers and their Gen X predecessors worry themselves over estate planning, the millennials are exploring the world.
So, what makes the Millennial generation so adventurous? To discover more about the varying circumstances of each generation, and what may have caused our generational wanderlust, read on…
Who Are the Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millennials, and Gen Z-ers?
Before we kick everything off and dive into our 10 reasons why millennials travel more, a bit of explanation is needed. So, let’s start off with a little description of what constitutes each of the generations. Be it, characteristics, and general lifestyle, it’s all down below…
Who Are the Boomers?
Preceding the Silent Generation, Boomers are named after the post-war baby boom, which brought in a huge amount of newborns during a short period of time. So, those born between the years 1946 to 1964 fit this criteria.
Boomers are characterised by a more traditional way of life than we favour today today. This includes the man of the family earning the bread by heading to the office, the women staying at home to look after the house and children, and children being a life goal.
Who Are Generation X?
The Gen X age range follows on from their predecessors, from the years 1965 to 1980. Right now, those born during the Gen X years are nearing the middle or end of their careers, paying off their mortgages, and are looking towards retirement. In most cases, their children will have gone off to university, and may even be living away from home.
Some classic Gen X characteristics include being cynical, possibly due to rising divorce rates at the time, as well as being slackers. Ultimately, this generation were brought up in a time of social change, that hadn’t quite infiltrated their personal lives just yet.
So, their lives are filled with much adjustment, which peaks when their children teach them new waves of acceptance. But what makes Gen X vs Millennials so different? Take a look…
Who Are the Millennials?
Millennials, or Generation Y, steer quite far away from their parents and grandparents. The Gen Y age range is between the years 1981 to 1996. Born in a time when social change was rapidly coming into play, this generation are more accepting and technologically advanced than previous generations.
But, with social change also comes economic disturbance, which is rife throughout this generations’ life. This means that some Millennials characteristics include a struggle to find somewhere to live that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg; practically impossible.
But, with these challenges comes adventure and excitement, which we will discuss further in a bit. So, what about Millennials vs Gen Z then?
Who Are Gen Z?
Generation Z are characterised by their birth during a technological age; between 1996 and 2010. With such rapid changes going on from their birth until now, they also vary greatly from Boomers and Generation X.
Some post millennials characteristics include the need for social equality, as well as calls for a digital world. Their lives are completely structured and influenced by this inauguration of social media and the internet. This mass exposure to the world around them makes them the most accepting generation of them all, but also one rife with mental health problems.
10 Reasons Why Millennials Are Travelling More
Millennials have grown up in a very time different from their predecessors. Whilst Boomers grew up in a post-war era, and Generation X grew up in the 60s and 70s revolution, Millennials aged in a world of technology and change. This has created a completely separate group of individuals, but in what ways?
- Sense of Adventure
One of the greatest characteristics of the Millennial generation is their sense of adventure. Unlike their older counterparts who were born in a time of tradition and social etiquette, Millennials grew up in a time of change.
This means they are not bound by the social constructs which limited their parents and grandparents. Naturally, this has nurtured a generation who are not afraid to explore, experiment, and, quite frankly, live.
- Less Incentive to Save Money
With the economic decline and uncertainty plaguing this generation, it’s no wonder they feel less need to save money. Millennial’s parents and grandparents were born in time when a single paycheque could support an entire nuclear family. That said, Millennials weren’t so lucky…
The rapid increase of housing prices, with minimal increase in average income, means Millennials have less inclination not to spend, spend, spend. After all, spending £1000 on a holiday won’t even scratch the surface of a mortgage anyway. So, why bother to save up when it won’t be for years yet before you can afford a house?
- They Are More Open-Minded
Millennials were also born during a time where multiple ethnicities lived side-by-side more frequently than before. With much less racial discrimination and gender inequality, this makes them more open-minded than their Gen X and Boomer counterparts. So, in general, Millennials have less fear of the unknown and are willing to experiment.
- More Accessibility
What’s more, Millennials have also been brought up in a time when commercial travel has become much more accessible. In fact, back when commercial flights became more popular during the 50s and 60s, you might have had to pay five percent of your salary for a ticket.
Now, the price of a plane ticket is often less than a train pass to London! So, forget caravan holidays in Cornwall, and bring in tropical getaways to the Maldives.
- Are Able to Work Remotely
In recent years, working remotely has become part and parcel of the working world. So, unlike their predecessors, who were often restricted with their career choices, Millennials are not bound by the same ropes.
Now, instead of the expectations of people in the workplace, work/life balance is much more promoted. What’s more, the accessibility our society now has in terms of the internet and Wi-Fi, accessing emails and communicating with colleagues has never been easier. So, although it’s not advised, it’s now entirely possible for you to get on with work whilst on your holidays.
- There’s More Career Diversity
These days, social media and the world of influencers means that there are the lucky few people who can travel for work. Whether it be a sponsorship opportunity or a way to get intriguing content, people are able to work and play. This was not possible 50 years ago so times are changing.
- The Urge to Make a Difference
With social media, the internet, and the thousands of charities marketing their work, we are more exposed than ever to what’s going on in the world around us. This means we are now privy to the struggles of Third World countries. Because of this, Millennials are keen to help, which calls for travelling across the globe to build wells and houses wherever it’s needed.
- Traditional Ways of Life Are Changing
Our parents and grandparents likely grew up in a world where social boundaries and traditions were still ever-present. That said, Millennials and Gen Z-ers have grown up in a world apart; where social constructions have been challenged drastically.
This means that their way of life doesn’t necessarily revolve around marrying young and having children. Instead, Millennials don’t feel bound by these restrictions and, therefore, are much more likely to travel the world.
- Rise in Mental Health Problems
It’s no secret that mental health has become a hot topic in recent decades. The rising prevalence of mental health problems can be put down to a number of factors, including the provisions of social media and the fact that people are talking about it more.
With this in mind, travelling has become a much-needed remedy to these ever-present issues. In a way, it’s become part of our society as a way to cope. After all, none of us can argue that a bit of time away is a healer.
- 10. Social Media is Everything
To many Millennials, creating a social image has become the norm, and what’s expected. So, to make your life look interesting and fun to your many followers, showing off new and unique travel destinations is vital.
Naturally, this isn’t the case for all of Generation Y, as many may not be so wrapped up in this social image. But, for some types of Millennials, this can be as important as the air we breath. So, in a world where social media rules, travel is one of the best ways you can stand apart from the crowd.
OK Boomer, Why Don’t You Start Travelling More?
If you’re a Millennial, I’m sure you can agree that this newfound freedom is nothing short of fabulous. Although the inability to live a traditional life, like our parents and grandparents, maybe sad for some, we now have greater choice than ever before! So, travel while you’re young, and before adulting becomes a must.
Alternatively, if you’re a Boomer, there is nothing stopping you from exploring the world in your retirement. Whether it be a cruise, or purchasing a villa somewhere in Europe, the choices are endless. After all, you’re lucky to have a pretty nice retirement fund, unlike Millennials will likely have…
Are you a greater-travelled Boomer with a story to tell? Or, are you a lesser-travelled Millennial looking forward to a traditional life like your parents had? Perhaps you fit the stereotypes we’ve spoken about above? Either way, we’d love to hear your story in the comments down below, so get involved!
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