It seems as though everyone
has something to say about millennials these days. Despite growing up in one of
the toughest recessions, this disillusioned generation remains optimistic and
is hungry for adventure and new experiences. I recently attended a major travel
industry show in Las Vegas and millennial travel was a major topic of
discussion.
Accordingto the Boston Consulting Group, the millennial generation, defined as those
between the ages of 16 and 34, is more interested than older generations in
traveling abroad as much as possible—by a 23-percentage-point margin. And although
millennials are not yet the core travel customers of airlines and hotels, they
will be in 5-10 years, when they enter their peak earning, spending, and
traveling years. So what’s important to millennials when it comes to traveling?
Let’s take a look and see how this intrepid generation is changing the way we
look at travel.
- Why Wait? –
Rather than wait for the golden years of retirement like their parents, this
generation wants to see the world and they want to see it now. While
millennials appreciate the importance of work, they also desire more of a
work/life balance than previous generations. They want the flexibility and the opportunity
to travel the world now and experience new adventures while they are young.
- Quick Communication – It’s not a surprise that millennials prefer fast and easy communication.
This tech-savvy, on-demand generation prefers text messaging as the #1 method
of communication followed by email. As a travel agent I am aware of the unique
needs and preferences of all of my clients and make sure you get the
information you need as quickly and effortlessly as possible.
- Beyond the Beach – TheWorld Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation, found that
young travelers are not as interested in “the traditional sun, sea and sand
holidays” as previous generations are. Instead they are more interested in
exploring remote destinations, backpacking, and extended trips that allow them to
visit multiple locations and countries. By working with a travel agent like
myself, I can connect you to some of the most remote, unique places around the
world and create a custom itinerary that will not only save you time, but
create one of a kind of experiences that you simply can’t book on a travel
website.
- The Real Deal – Simply put, millennials don’t want a “cookie cutter” vacation. They
want to experience something unique and meaningful, to see and do what the
locals do, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is one of the
main reasons millennials can benefit from working with a real, flesh and blood
travel agent. I do not plan one size fits all vacations. I scope out travel
trends, pinpoint the best locations, and orchestrate every detail for my
clients to save them time and money. Top priority for me is researching where
the locals eat, shop, play, and stay-cation, so I can pass this information on
to my clients. From reservations, to accommodations, to private excursions, I
tailor each trip to ensure the most incredible travel experience possible at
the best price.
Ready
to flood your friends' feeds with pictures of your own amazing getaway? Contact
me today and let’s plan the trip of a lifetime. Adventure is calling. Why wait?
