Gen Z, Millennials & Affluent Travelers Set the Pace for ‘25 – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
Confidence in taking an annual vacation has reached a record high, as noted in Allianz Partners USA‘s annual Vacation Confidence Index. However, the data also reveals striking differences in travel attitudes and behaviors across demographic groups. The annual study sheds light on how age, income, gender, and family dynamics are shaping Americans’ vacation plans in 2025, according to a press release.
Despite persistent inflation concerns and mixed signals about the broader economy, a clear picture is emerging in the travel space: younger and higher-income Americans are still eager to get away. 70% of Americans under the age of 35 are confident they’ll take a summer vacation this year, compared to 57% of their older counterparts (aged 55+) who share the same optimism.
This surge in vacation confidence among younger adults is reflected in their behavior as well: nearly one in three (29%) aged 18–34 has taken a vacation in the past three months, reinforcing the generation’s commitment to prioritizing travel, even amid economic uncertainty.
The data also underscores how income and education continue to shape travel behavior in a post-pandemic world. Three-quarters (76%) of Americans earning $100K+ annually are planning to travel this summer, compared to just 45% of those earning under $50K.
Similarly, individuals with a college degree (70%) are far more likely to take a vacation than those without one (50%). This reflects a broader consumer trend seen across industries in 2025: those with greater financial flexibility are still spending on experiences, while cost-conscious groups are scaling back.
Family dynamics and gender also shape this year’s travel trends, with men (68%) and women (59%) both showing strong confidence in their vacation plans — a sign that enthusiasm for summer travel is widespread across households. Parents with children at home are also showing high intent to travel, with 74% planning summer getaways, compared to just 58% of non-parents.
“As travel continues to rebound, these findings underscore how income and life stage increasingly influence how, and if, Americans plan their vacations,” said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners USA. “While cost remains a concern for many, Gen Z, Millennials, and affluent families are driving the recovery, and they’re not waiting for perfect conditions to hit ‘book now.’ As more travelers take advantage of quick getaways and flexible planning, having the right travel insurance helps ensure those trips stay protected, no matter what comes their way.”
The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as a leisure trip of at least one week to a place that is 100 miles or more from home.
Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Partners and available travel policies, visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/.
