Interesting findings from travel data released by Air Transat show some significant differences in the way generations travel and their travel preferences.
Surprisingly, Millennials travel with the most baggage. Not surprisingly, Boomers and Gen X prefer to book their seats in advance for peace of mind.
Where we go depends not only on our own age but also on the age of the travellers we take with us.
“For those with kids under 5, Punta Cana is the summer destination experiencing the biggest increase in bookings. But for adults travelling with older grade-schoolers or teenagers, their destination of choice is increasingly Rome.
Millennials are the most likely to do short weekend vacations, with Cancun and Punta Cana topping the list, while Gen X and Boomers prefer vacations longer than two weeks in European destinations such as Paris, Rome, Athens, Porto and Lisbon.
Other Air Transat data reveals that Rome, Paris, London, and Lisbon are the most popular destinations among all adult age groups this summer, though travellers 55+ heading to Portugal tend to choose Porto over Lisbon. Porto, the coastal city in the northwest of Portugal, is also surprisingly the most popular destination for travellers with a pet, as many of the activities in the region are pet-friendly.
For travellers looking to embark on a solo trip this summer, Paris, London, Rome, and Lisbon are top of the list. Paris saw a 48% increase in bookings this year, while London saw a 39% increase. For those travelling as a pair, they are favouring similar destinations, although Rome has seen a 56 per cent increase in bookings and Paris a 50% one.
Here is a recap of the findings.
Key Highlights:
- Family Travel Trends:
- Punta Cana for Young Families: More families with toddlers and pre-school-age children are opting for the relaxing beach resorts of Punta Cana, seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and family-friendly activities.
- Rome for Older Kids: Families with teens are gravitating towards historic European cities, with Rome leading the charge. These destinations offer rich cultural experiences that engage and educate older children.
- Generational Travel Preferences:
- Millennials: Short weekend getaways are popular, with Cancun and Punta Cana topping their lists.
- Gen X and Boomers: These generations favour longer stays, particularly in European destinations like Paris, Rome, Athens, Porto, and Lisbon. Porto is especially popular among travelers with pets.
- Solo and Pair Travel:
- Solo Trips: Paris, London, Rome, and Lisbon are the top choices for solo adventurers, with Paris seeing a 48% increase in bookings.
- Duo Trips: Similar destinations are favoured by pairs, with Rome and Paris experiencing significant booking surges.
The data presented was sourced internally by Air Transat through proprietary systems designed to capture accurate and timely information related to travel bookings. The data collection period spans from November 2018 to May 2024, focusing on June – August 2024 bookings.
