Millennials are a hot topic of conversation, mostly for their relationships with smartphones and obsession with posting on Instagram, but did you know they are the largest generation on the planet? There are over 400 million millennials in India alone. They influence each other’s decisions as they put their lives on social media in a way no other generation has seen. The pressure and desire to travel has evolved from being seen as a luxury or privilege by older generations to a point where the young people of today see overseas travel almost as a given. Investigating this evolution, Skyscanner India found out what millennials want from travel.
Always on the move
Ever-enthused and excited about exploring new destinations, millennials’ show a real passion for travelling, with 62 per cent of them typically travelling two to five times a year; a lucky 10 per cent stated that they globe-trot between six to 10 times a year!
Spreading wings
A whopping 80 per cent of millennial travellers prefer exploring international destinations over domestic locations. Making the most of their time overseas, 50 per cent of them plan to tick off multiple cities in one trip. Thanks to visa schemes such as Schengen, city-hopping is a breeze for travellers with a thirst for seeing the world. Skyscanner also noted European destinations are a firm favourite amongst travellers of all age groups, with the United States and New Zealand also making appearances.
There is always a plan
While they seem spontaneous, millennials are much more organised than they let on. Contrary to the common perception that millennials are laidback, it turns out the younger generation are, in fact, methodical organisers who prefer time in hand to plan an efficient holiday – nearly half of the respondents (45 per cent) book their tickets three months prior to their journey date.
Convenience over cost
The Millennial Travel Survey also observed that 86 per cent of millennial travellers prefer to pay more for convenience of flight schedule, irrespective of cost. This is in stark contrast to non-millennial travellers, 75 per cent of whom choose to book a cheaper flight even if is at an anti-social hour or involves a layover. Millennials are bucking the age-old trend and choosing convenience over cost. However, 88 per cent of all travellers are still in search of a ‘good’ deal and are willing to shift the date of their travel plans for a better price.
One trend still going strong is solo tripping, finding favour in about 30 per cent of millennials compared to only 18 per cent of non-millennials whose favourite travel companion is family. Choosing independent holidays over ones with families, 40 per cent of the millennial travelers get a chance to visit off-the-radar destinations, without the added consideration of others travelling with them.
Experiential travellers
Engaging in the new is a must on the millennial to-do list. According to the survey, 53 per cent of the millennials prefer to spend money on activities and experiences as opposed to food and drinks, shopping and accommodation.
The road less travelled
Vacationing in places off the usual travel checklist rates high among the millennials with 40 per cent opting for less frequented destinations. Exploring exotic and unusual locations is a key factor while planning the vacation.
Source: Skyscanner.co.in