The Common Baby Boomer Travel Habit Younger Generations Have Abandoned

Let's face it: Baby boomers (the generation born between 1946 and 1964) kind of have a bad rap. So much so that "OK, boomer" is now a common catchphrase among younger generations. And while many boomer traits are downright harmful (hello, power hoarding and toxic work habits), some are more on the annoying or even amusing spectrum. This applies to travel as well. Many boomer travel habits have become obsolete thanks to rapidly changing technologies and increasing globalization. When it comes to habits younger generations have abandoned, there are many, like carrying travelers cheques, bringing clunky guidebooks, and several boomer camping habits that have gone out of style.

One significant change between boomers and younger generations has to do with the specific destinations they visit. Many boomers choose to vacation in places they've already been to. According to a 2024 study by Mintel, nearly half of boomers planned to revisit a place they've gone before. Younger generations, however, including millennials, are more likely to seek out new destinations and experiences with their precious vacation time.

They say the world is a book, and those who don't travel read only a page ... and it would appear many boomers are content with reading that same page over and over again. Yet it could be argued that familiarity and comfort make for a more relaxing vacation, in part because the travel arrangements can be much less stressful. And while the boomer generation as a whole doesn't seem to be hurting much for cash, there's no doubt that strict working hours and few vacation days meant those days off really had to count. Visiting a place year after year can help you make connections with the local community and discover new corners that you missed during your last visit. 

In some cases, traveling to familiar locales might also help boomers avoid this annoying travel trend they hate: destinations that have gone viral on social media. Younger generations are much more likely to use social media recommendations than boomers, and visiting a place just for the 'Gram isn't necessarily a good thing.

But there is definitely something to be said about novelty when traveling. Daily life itself can start to feel repetitive, so the days blur together, and vacationing at the exact same place every year may not help. Plus, the excitement and eye-opening wonder that come with a brand-new destination are priceless. Opening the world's book and reading a few new pages is an excellent way to become more open-minded, after all. Not only does open-mindedness lead to traits like kindness and acceptance, but it's also beneficial for your brain. Studies have shown that "openness can have a protective effect against cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults" (via Frontiers in Neurology), which is certainly something boomers should take note of.