As travel continues to evolve, Millennials and Gen Z are shaping the industry with a balance of passion and practicality. According to American Express’ latest 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, younger travelers are prioritizing unique experiences, smart spending, and seamless planning.
Key Travel Trends for 2025
American Express surveyed over 2,000 U.S. adults and more than 1,000 individuals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and India, all with an annual income of $50,000 or more who travel at least once per year. The findings reveal four major travel trends influencing global tourism in 2025: Memorable Mementos, Fam Adventures, Benefit Aficionados, and Tap In, Take Off.
1. Passion for Travel Remains Strong
Travel demand remains high, with 77% of global respondents planning to take the same number or more international trips than last year. Notably, 70% of Millennials and Gen Z focus on the journey as much as the destination, leading to a surge in luxury train travel and cruises as popular travel methods.
2. “Memorable Mementos” – Collecting Unique Souvenirs
Modern travelers seek tangible memories. 82% of Millennials and Gen Z actively look for one-of-a-kind keepsakes to remind them of their journeys. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, with 73% of travelers favoring locally made souvenirs over mass-produced items. Popular travel purchases include:
- Designer goods (58%)
- Beauty products (46%)
- Houseware and decor (43%)
3. “Fam Adventures” – Multigenerational Travel on the Rise
Millennial and Gen Z parents are redefining family vacations by involving children in the planning process. 58% of younger parents intend to travel with extended family in 2025, compared to only 31% of Gen X and Boomers. The primary motivator? Quality family time, cited by 89% of respondents.
With family-friendly travel in high demand, destinations offering diverse multigenerational experiences and activities for all ages are becoming top choices.
4. “Benefit Aficionados” – Maximizing Travel Rewards
Millennials and Gen Z are savvy travelers who leverage credit card perks and loyalty programs to enhance their trips. 61% of younger travelers strategically use credit card rewards, compared to just 36% of older generations.
- Two-thirds of respondents optimize international trips by stacking credit card points with loyalty programs.
- 58% use multiple rewards programs for upgrades and exclusive perks.
- 45% select destinations based on credit card point redemptions.
5. “Tap In, Take Off” – Tech-Driven Travel Planning
The rise of AI-powered travel planning and mobile technology is streamlining how Millennials and Gen Z organize their trips. Currently, 80% of younger travelers rely on travel planning apps and social media for seamless itinerary building.
- 83% find generative AI useful for travel planning.
- 40% use AI for activity recommendations.
- 36% rely on AI for budgeting and expense management.
- 33% use AI for translation assistance and personalized trip suggestions.
The Future of Travel: Thoughtful and Rewarding Journeys
“Travelers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are motivated to book thoughtful, meaningful trips this year,” says Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “This report shows that people feel passionately about their vacations. We understand what travelers are looking for, and as demand continues, we can use our expertise to create dream itineraries.”
With a strong focus on experience-driven, cost-effective, and technology-enhanced travel, Millennials and Gen Z are setting the tone for the future of global tourism in 2025 and beyond.
