Millennials and Gen Z Lead the Way in 2025’s Evolving Travel Landscape

The Amex 2025 Global Travel Trends Report reveals the changing dynamics of global travel, focusing on the motivations and behavioral patterns of Millennials and Gen Z travelers.

The 2025 Global Travel Trends Report uncovers the shifting landscape of global travel, focusing on the behavioral patterns of Millennials and Gen Z travelers. The report reveals that these travelers are motivated to book thoughtful, meaningful trips, with 77% of global respondents planning to undertake more or the same number of international trips compared to the previous year.

The report further details that 70% of Millennial and Gen Z travelers prefer to plan trips that focus on the journey as much as the destination. A significant 75% of these travelers perceive booking travel with credit card points as a rewarding experience.

Regarding travel habits for 2025, the report states that 74% of global respondents plan on taking 1 – 3 domestic trips and 59% plan on taking 1 – 3 international trips. Moreover, 60% of respondents plan to book a trip around entertainment events or take at least one trip for a sporting event, reinforcing that traveling for experiences continues to be a driving force.

An interesting shift is the redefinition of souvenirs by travelers. The traditional souvenir or duty-free shop no longer suffices. Travelers are more intentional about what they bring back, especially regarding handmade or specialty local goods. This is particularly true for 82% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers, who look for one-of-a-kind goods that will remind them of their trip.

The trend of multi-generation vacations is also on the rise. Travelers of all generations, from young kids to grandparents, plan to vacation together. A significant 58% of Millennials and Gen Z parents plan to bring their extended family on vacation in 2025.

The report highlights that travelers are becoming savvier by stacking reward points and using benefits across credit cards and travel programs to maximize their trips. Two-thirds (66%) of global respondents say combining credit card rewards with other loyalty perks provides “the best value for international trips.”

Lastly, the report mentions that travelers increasingly rely on new technology to make their journeys smoother and more personalized. Younger generations are leading the embrace of new technologies, with 83% of Millennials and Gen Z finding at least one aspect of the technology useful for booking.

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