Millennials want to live like locals, enjoy unique experiences during holidays

Shopping and eating local fare is not the only thing on travellers’ itineraries these days. A new study says people want to take part in local activities and live like a local during holidays. While 36% Indians travelled alone last year, 71% were Millennials.

Travelling is no longer limited to sightseeing, shopping and food, as an increasing number of people want to get into live activities during their holidays, finds a survey. About 57% of survey respondents want to spend extra money on varied experiences during their holidays, as 63% Millennials, 62% Gen X, 63% of Boomers prefer such activities, says a survey by online travel agency Expedia.

The survey, conducted among 1,250 Indians in the 18-65 age bracket, compares travel preferences and behaviour of consumers across multiple generations — Gen Z (18-21 years), Millennials (22-30), Gen X (31-45) and Baby Boomers (46-65). Within leisure, 74% of Gen Z prefer connecting with near and dear ones, 81% of Millennials want to spend time with loved ones, 78% of Gen X and 80% of Boomers would also like to do the same. When it comes to adventure and exploring, 76% of Gen Z, 81% of Millennials, 69% of Gen X and 66% of Boomers are all for it.

But unique experiences and living like a local is also catching up with Gen Z (62%), Millennials (71%), Gen X (20%) and Boomers (66%) preferring it. The survey also reveals that while overall 36% Indians travelled alone last year, 71% were Millennials. Boomers and Gen X split their travel time evenly between travelling with others and alone.

Social media plays a major influence while deciding on destinations and experiences for Gen Z and Millennials, with about 66% of them posting a potential travel trip on social media to get the opinion of friends and family before booking a trip. Saving for travel is a top priority, especially for Millennials, and the lowest chance of the Gen Z holding on their purse-strings, says the survey. Overall 83% respondents save money for travel with 69% Gen Z, 91% Millennials, 80% Gen X and 75% Boomers doing the same.

Interestingly, the survey reveals that 70% Boomers, 74% of Gen X and 81% of Millennials are willing to spend half or more than Rs 10,00,000 on leisure travel, while 77% of Gen Z would allocate half or less for the same.