From Bali to Paris: How the Generations See Their Next Great Getaway

Younger and older travelers share a taste for discovery, but differences in pace, convenience and inspiration can shape very different vacations. Here’s a roundup of research highlighting general differences in preferred destinations and travel experiences, recognizing the dangers of over generalizing human preferences.

What The Research Tells Us
Under 40: 15 International Destinations for Exploration, Food and Adventure
Over 40: 15 Destinations for Culture, Connection and a More Settled Pace
The Same Destination Can Deliver Very Different Vacations

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A street-food crawl through Bangkok, a museum-filled week in Paris or a Caribbean vacation with nothing on the schedule: travel dreams change with life stage, but the dividing line is hardly absolute. Generational research points to younger travelers embracing exploration and older travelers placing greater emphasis on convenience and relaxation—while cultural experiences, memorable meals and time with loved ones appeal across ages.

Destination choices and generational tastes reflect distinct shifts in life stages and pacing. Younger travelers (such as Millennials and Gen Z) frequently gravitate toward high-energy cities, active outdoor adventure hubs, and culturally vibrant spots driven by social connection, food scenes, and digital inspiration. Conversely, older travelers (such as Baby Boomers and adults 50-plus) place a higher value on comfort, accessibility, historical depth, and a relaxed, scenic pace. According to AARP's Travel Trends research, domestic travel for older adults remains heavily concentrated in the South and West, favoring national parks, cultural heritage hubs, and regional road trips or cruises.

So where are people under 40 traveling internationally and the US compared with Americans over 40? There is an important qualification because the research reviewed does not establish two definitive, comparable top-15 destination rankings for those exact age groups. General booking lists cannot be treated as evidence of older travelers’ preferences, and generational surveys do not neatly divide at 40 or any age.

The destinations below therefore offer two travel shortlists organized around contrasting vacation styles. They are suggestions to explore, rather than measured popularity rankings.

What The Research Tells Us

In Kantar’s research on generational travel habits, covering more than 10,000 consumers across 10 markets, 48% of Gen Z international travelers reported visiting multiple countries on their last trip. Among baby boomers, 77% chose a single destination. The findings suggest a difference in pace and approach, although they are global results rather than an American under-40-versus-over-40 comparison. Kantar is an international travel research firm.

For older Americans, Europe remains a major international draw. AARP’s 2026 travel research identifies Europe as the leading international region for adults 50-plus, accounting for 40% of planned international trips, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 29%. Italy, Great Britain and France lead the European selections in this survey.

Under 40: 15 International Destinations for Exploration, Food and Adventure

For travelers drawn to flexible itineraries, active days and lively cultural scenes, these destinations offer plenty to build a trip around:

Thailand: Bangkok’s food scene and the beaches of the Phi Phi islands.
Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the landscapes of Ha Long Bay.
Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka for food, design and popular culture.
Indonesia: Bali and Gili Trawangan for surfing, island life and wellness.
Philippines: Palawan and Boracay for beaches and island hopping.
Spain: Barcelona and Madrid for art, food and nightlife.
Italy: Rome and Florence for history, architecture and memorable meals.
United Kingdom: London for music, museums and theater.
Costa Rica: La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio for wildlife and outdoor activities.
South Korea: Seoul for food, shopping and contemporary culture.
Peru: Cusco and Machu Picchu for history and trekking.
Iceland: Reykjavik and the Ring Road for dramatic landscapes.
Mexico: Mexico City and Oaxaca for food, art and cultural exploration.
Greece: Athens and the islands for ancient history and beach time.
India: Delhi, Goa and Rishikesh for contrasting cultural experiences.

Younger travelers’ interests also extend beyond nightlife and low prices. Expedia Group’s 2026 research,surveying travelers ages 18–44 across seven markets, found that environmental and social concerns influence decisions about destinations, timing and activities.

Over 40: 15 Destinations for Culture, Connection and a More Settled Pace

For travelers who prefer a comfortable base, organized excursions or time to explore one place in depth, these selections offer a different starting point:

London, United Kingdom: Museums, theater and historic neighborhoods.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Beach resorts and all-inclusive stays.
Montego Bay, Jamaica: Resort vacations and coastal excursions.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Old San Juan, beaches and cruise connections.
Manila, Philippines: Urban sightseeing and a base for visiting family or exploring farther.
Paris, France: Art museums, neighborhood cafés and landmark sights.
Tokyo, Japan: Food, gardens, museums and extensive rail connections.
Rome, Italy: Ancient landmarks, guided walks and leisurely dining.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: History, food and excursions into the Mekong Delta.
Nassau, Bahamas: Beach stays and cruise visits.
Athens, Greece: Archaeological sites and access to island itineraries.
Seoul, South Korea: Palaces, markets and modern city attractions.
Delhi, India: Historic monuments and a starting point for Golden Triangle tours.
San Salvador, El Salvador: Museums, regional excursions and family connections.
Aruba: Beaches and resort stays.

Puerto Rico is a US territory, so San Juan belongs in a broader destination comparison rather than a list limited to international travel.

The Same Destination Can Deliver Very Different Vacations

Japan, Italy, Greece and Vietnam appear in both selections for good reason: each can accommodate an independent adventure or a carefully paced cultural trip. Age alone does not determine which version a traveler will choose.

Nor does getting older mean abandoning discovery. AARP’s 2026 survey coverage reports that bucket-list experiences account for one-fifth of planned international trips among travelers 50-plus, while cost remains a leading barrier For anyone choosing the next getaway, the most useful questions are personal: How much activity feels enjoyable? How much planning feels manageable? And would this trip be better spent discovering several places—or getting to know one?

When looking closer at domestic travel within the United States, destination choices and generational tastes reflect distinct shifts in life stages and pacing. Younger travelers (such as Millennials and Gen Z) frequently gravitate toward high-energy cities, active outdoor adventure hubs, and culturally vibrant spots driven by social connection, food scenes, and digital inspiration. Conversely, older travelers (such as Baby Boomers and adults 50-plus) place a higher value on comfort, accessibility, historical depth, and a relaxed, scenic pace. According to AARP's Travel Trends research, domestic travel for older adults remains heavily concentrated in the South and West, favoring national parks, cultural heritage hubs, and regional road trips or cruises.

While overall domestic travel rankings capture millions of overlapping visitors, the top 10 most popular destinations in the US (informed by destination metrics from tourism monitors such as the US National Travel and Tourism Office data tracked via Luxury Link and World Atlas city statistics) reflect these broader general differences in how generations experience them:

New York City, NY – Favored by younger crowds for its nightlife, trendy neighborhoods, and pop-culture hotspots, while older visitors often approach it for Broadway theater, world-class museums, and fine dining.

Orlando, FL – Heavily sought out by families and younger adults for theme parks and entertainment complexes.

Las Vegas, NV – Attracts younger travelers for nightlife, concerts, and residency shows, while older visitors often enjoy it for upscale dining, luxury resort amenities, and relaxed entertainment schedules.

Miami, FL – A magnet for youth culture, beach clubs, and vibrant arts districts, contrasted with more leisurely coastal stays and cruise departures favored by older demographics.

Los Angeles, CA – Draws younger travelers exploring trend-setting neighborhoods, coastal hubs, and entertainment production tours.

Honolulu, HI – Popular across generations, though younger travelers lean toward active surfing and hiking itineraries, while older travelers favor resort relaxation and scenic island cruises.

San Francisco, CA – Known for tech-forward urban exploration, historic neighborhoods, and culinary landmarks.

San Diego, CA – Valued across age groups for its laid-back coastal atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and accessible cultural attractions.

Phoenix / Scottsdale, AZ – A major warm-weather draw featuring wellness resorts, desert landscape excursions, and golf communities that heavily appeal to a more settled pace.

New Orleans, LA – Renowned for live music, historic architecture, and a rich culinary heritage that captures the curiosity of both adventurous food-seeking youth and history-focused older adults.

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