Described as valuing experiences over material possessions, millennials—those born roughly between 1981 and 1996—continue to shape the travel industry. As 2025 unfolds, their travel preferences emphasize authenticity, sustainability and self-care.
Most Americans (80 percent) are planning to take a vacation in the next 12 months, according to the latest edition of the Portrait of American Travelers report, released in December by MMGY.
Newsweek spoke to a number of experts who have unpacked the millennial travel trends that are set to remain relevant in the coming year.
Authentic Connections
"Millennials are all about experiences over possessions, and that's not changing in 2025," Grzegorz Kowalski, the CEO and founder of TripOffice.com, told Newsweek. "They'll keep seeking out authentic, immersive travel that connects them with local cultures."
Kristin Winkaffe, a sustainable luxury travel expert at Winkaffe Global Travel, echoed this sentiment, noting that you can expect millennials to "keep prioritizing destinations that offer a deeper connection, not just a pretty Instagram shot."
This desire for meaningful engagement often involves activities that immerse travelers in local traditions. Duncan Greenfield-Turk, the CEO of Global Travel Moments, told Newsweek that millennials continue to seek "real connections," whether through culinary excursions, cultural seminars or outdoor activities.
For example, millennials place a high value on culinary authenticity, Claire Riley, the owner of Duende Travels, told Newsweek.
"Millennials seem to prioritize more immersive, local culinary experiences. For example, collecting oysters with a local fisherman and grilling them on the beach for lunch, or learning to make a traditional Tuscan meal with an Italian nonna (grandmother)," Riley said, noting that "it's less about the eating, more about the opportunity for authentic connection."
Sustainability and a Focus on Nature
Kowalski also pointed to sustainability as a "huge" central pillar of millennial travel in 2025.
"Think eco-friendly stays and slower, more mindful travel," he said.
This sentiment aligns with Winkaffe's observations, who says that "millennials will keep seeking out under-the-radar destinations that align with their values—whether that's sustainability, cultural immersion or supporting local communities."
Millennials are "done with tourist traps," she says, and are "more interested in meaningful, experience-driven travel that feels authentic and responsible." They "want to know their trips are making a positive impact" and are willing to put in the effort to find places that reflect that, Winkaffe said.
Greenfield-Turk underscored millennials' commitment to principles, explaining that this generation is "spearheading environmentally friendly travel" by choosing lodging and experiences consistent with their values.
Riley sees a growing interest in nature-focused travel as a reflection of this ethos.
"I think this one is heavily driven by sustainability and a sense of urgency about the environment—things I think millennials have been at the forefront of for a while," Riley said. "In the last year, I've had honeymooners hike the W Trek [in the Patagonia region of South America], others hike to the top of Mt. Batur in Bali, and still others leaning into expedition travel and safaris."
'Workations' and Upscale Experiences
With remote work becoming the norm, millennials are finding ways to integrate their professional and personal lives and "we're going to see more millennials blending work and leisure through 'workations' and digital nomad lifestyles," said Kowalski.
Greenfield-Turk also observed a shift in spending habits as millennials enter more stable phases of their careers, noting the distinct "change from low-cost travel to more upscale and opulent experiences."
Now well into their careers, "millennials are ready to pay more for properly chosen holidays with comfort and authenticity," Greenfield-Turk said. "Whether it's lounging about boutique accommodations, exclusive trips, or long 'workations,' their emphasis now is quality over quantity."
Solo Travel
Solo travel remains a significant trend, Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, told Newsweek, noting that millennials are increasingly pursuing adventures independently.
"One of the biggest trends that shows no signs of stopping is the solo travel trend. Millennials are not waiting for friends or family to join their adventures and fulfill their travel goals," she noted.
For international travel, many millennials are opting to join group tours designed specifically for solo travelers as a way to connect with like-minded people and find connection while traveling abroad.
"Millennials love the flexibility of exploring on their own while also tapping into the camaraderie, safety and convenience of a travel group and local guide," Cappel explained.
Rest and Wellness
The rise of wellness-focused travel will be another enduring hallmark of millennial priorities this year.
"A travel trend I know will continue to thrive in 2025 is the rise of 'wellness weekends,'" Bri Ramos, co-founder of The Pause Retreat, told Newsweek.
"Millennials are prioritizing self-care and are more willing than ever to invest in their mental health and overall wellness," Ramos said. "These curated getaways combine relaxation, mindfulness, and community, which are all things millennials crave."
Cappel highlighted the shift away from party-centric trips.
"Millennials are increasingly valuing rest and well-being over partying during their trips," Cappel said. "We're seeing more and more of our travelers recognize that getting enough sleep allows them to fully enjoy and engage with their travel experiences."
LaDell Carter, the founder and lead travel designer at Royal Expression Travels, said this trend is reshaping luxury travel.
Carter told Newsweek: "Millennial travelers, in particular, are redefining luxury with a focus on wellness and convenience. These 'longevity clients' prioritize health and time, choosing accessible destinations that encourage acclimation and rejuvenation."
Nostalgic Excursions
Nostalgia is driving a unique segment of millennial travel in 2025, Daniel Batchelor, the vice president of global corporate marketing and communications at Amadeus, told Newsweek.
He explained that "culture is embracing the retro everywhere you look" and through travel, "adults are seeking to relive gap years, distant honeymoons and childhood dreams."
Batchelor pointed to specific examples, such as retro-themed rentals and renewed interest in classic vacations.
"As millennials enter middle age, we will see the revival of the classic caravan and camping holiday," he said.
Batchelor noted that adult summer camps are booming in the U.S., with Club Getaway, a camp for adults and families, reporting "a nine percent jump in revenue from its adult segments in 2024 compared to 2023," while Eurocamp, a British travel company, is seeing "a huge rise in bookings, with 2024 shaping up to be its best year in five decades."
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