You’ve probably heard or read about millennials a lot lately. I didn’t even know what the term meant until recently. So in case you don’t know, I’ll break it down for you below:

• Millennials: 18-34 years of age

• Generation X (Gen Xers): 35-49 years of age

• Baby boomers (Boomers): 50-67 years of age

Marriott Rewards Credit Card conducted a nationwide survey to gauge the global travel mindset of travellers between the ages of 18-67 who stay in hotels at least five nights per year for business, pleasure, or both. In this survey, they discovered that:

Millennials are more likely than their older counterparts to travel with a purpose – 84% say they would travel abroad to participate in volunteer activities.

I recently noticed many of my millennial pals travelling for the good and volunteering their time at charities or at NGOs when they travel. We constantly hear negative comments or have negative views of millennials but volunteer travel is admirable. I have to give it to these younger travellers. I think myself and those my age or older should take out a page from the millennial travel book and consider giving back more when we travel if we aren’t already.

Millennial travellers seek thrilling adventures over leisurely vacations abroad. Of Millennials seeking a thrilling vacation, 67% are interested in watersports.

I agree with these statements. As I type this, one of my millennial travel blogger pals just went to a music festival in Las Vegas and is now on a road trip visiting different canyons in the American Southwest and two younger friends are en route to Bali for a surf holiday. Comparatively, when looking at my Gen Xer friends who are travelling at the moment, I see them on beach and spa vacations relaxing with their families or partners.

Took a little surf trip to the southern Philippines as per recommendation by Millennial travellers that I met

Millennial travellers are more likely to define international vacation hot spots by celebrity and pop culture influence. Millennials are more likely than Gen Xers and Boomers to view destinations as hot spots if they have a booming industry and culture. In the same survey, 34% of Boomers are most likely to define a destination as a hotspot if it was highlighted in a notable travel or lifestyle publication.

So true! Many of my younger friends who are on social media like Instagram follow their favourite bloggers or celebs, see where they holiday and get inspired by their posts. I know many millennial-aged friends who are travelling to places like Palm Springs, which was previously just a haven for retirees because they have become popular due to festivals and events like Coachella. Millennials gravitate towards social media, blogs, and websites for travel inspiration whereas the older travelling set still look at print publications for ideas.

At the popular Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

Nightlife is a key factor for Millennial travellers. 28% of Millenials are more likely than Gen Xers and Boomers to consider the local nightlife when choosing a particular destination abroad to visit.

While travelling on my Round The World trip, I definitely noticed this. I met more millennial travellers than any of the other age groups during my 19 months of travel. On occasion, I would join my younger comrades in a night of fun (okay maybe more than a few occasions) and go out to a bar or club. Friends and acquaintances my age or older definitely don’t plan their vacations around nightlife. It may be something that happens randomly but it’s definitely not a major factor in choosing where to go.

Boracay is an island party scene. Pristine beaches, nightlife and yes cliff jumping!

Travellers of all ages, including myself, can learn a thing or two from millennial travellers. They are adventurous, fun, charitable, and savvy. Even though they are young, they are changing the face of travel.

Check out this infographic with all the findings from this survey:

Marriott Rewards Credit Card from Chase lets travellers earn accelerated Marriott Rewards points on all purchases to help you get the most of out of your travel. Who doesn’t love free? No one!! Earn points towards free rooms or convert them into airline miles, shop with them, and more. You also don’t get charged foreign transaction fees when you use this card abroad. It also has an embedded chip, which is ohhhh so necessary when travelling to other countries. Do you like earning points to put towards your next trip?