10 things boomers do on holiday that make everyone else secretly roll their eyes

Vacations are supposed to be fun for everyone.

But if you’ve ever traveled with—or around—boomers, you’ve probably noticed a few habits that quietly drive the rest of us nuts.

They’re not evil, just uniquely… boomer.

Some are endearing, others are exasperating, but all of them are instantly recognizable.

Here are ten things boomers do on holiday that make everyone else secretly roll their eyes.

1. Waking up at dawn to “make the most of the day”

For boomers, vacations aren’t for sleeping in—they’re for rising with the sun.

They’re up at 6 a.m., dressed, and ready for a full schedule before most people have opened their eyes.

The logic is noble: maximize every second of the trip.

But when you’re dragged out of bed on holiday to march through a jam-packed itinerary, it feels less like a break and more like boot camp.

Younger travelers prefer a balance of sightseeing and relaxation.

Boomers see sleeping in as a waste of money.

And while it’s admirable, it’s also exhausting.

Cue the quiet eye rolls from the rest of the group.

2. Overpacking “just in case” items

Boomers rarely travel light.

They arrive at the airport with multiple suitcases, a carry-on, and sometimes even a tote bag stuffed with “essentials.”

Inside?

Enough clothing options for a month, five pairs of shoes, and an emergency rain poncho—just in case.

It’s as if they’re preparing for an apocalypse instead of a week in Spain.

Meanwhile, everyone else is breezing through with a sleek carry-on.

It’s not wrong—it’s just a very different travel philosophy.

And when you watch them wrestle luggage onto cobblestones, you can’t help but sigh.

3. Complaining about Wi-Fi

The modern traveler expects Wi-Fi everywhere.

Boomers expect it but also can’t stop commenting on it.

If it’s too slow, they’ll complain. If it’s missing, they’ll complain louder.

It doesn’t matter if they’re in a 600-year-old Italian villa or halfway up a mountain in Peru—boomers still expect seamless internet.

Meanwhile, everyone else has already switched to data or decided to disconnect.

The obsession with Wi-Fi quickly becomes a running joke.

But for boomers, it’s serious business.

And yes, it makes everyone else roll their eyes.

4. Treating hotel staff like personal assistants

Boomers grew up in an era when “service” was taken very seriously.

So when they’re on holiday, they often treat hotel staff like they’re there for every little whim.

Asking endless questions, requesting upgrades, or demanding extra towels every hour—it’s a lot.

Staff are polite, but fellow travelers notice.

Younger generations tend to use apps, guides, or self-service check-ins.

Boomers?

They go straight to the front desk for everything.

It’s not malicious, but it does feel outdated.

And yes, it gets a few eye rolls from the lobby.

5. Taking photos of everything—on an iPad

Nobody documents a trip like boomers.

But while everyone else snaps discreet photos on their phones, boomers whip out full-sized iPads.

Suddenly, entire views are blocked by a glowing tablet screen.

The photos are often blurry, but that doesn’t matter—it’s about “capturing the moment.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd is groaning quietly.

It’s not just the iPads—it’s the sheer volume of photos.

Boomers take fifty shots of the same fountain just to be safe.

And everyone else is rolling their eyes in unison.

6. Talking loudly in English everywhere

Boomers often skip the polite local greeting and dive straight into English—at full volume.

In restaurants, shops, or train stations, their voices carry across the room.

It’s not rude in their minds—it’s just how they’ve always communicated.

But to locals (and fellow travelers), it comes off as pushy.

The stereotype of the “loud American abroad” often starts right here.

Younger travelers try to blend in, boomers tend to stand out.

It’s not intentional—it’s cultural.

But it’s definitely eye-roll material.

7. Treating itineraries like military operations

Boomers love a plan, and on holiday, that plan is ironclad.

Every hour has a purpose: breakfast at 7:30, museum at 9, walking tour at 11, lunch at 12:30, shopping at 2.

There’s no room for spontaneity, naps, or getting lost on purpose.

Younger travelers often crave flexibility.

Boomers thrive on efficiency.

The result?

Vacations that feel like work schedules.

It’s impressive—but it’s also exhausting.

And when the rest of the group secretly wants to slow down, the eye rolls start.

8. Over-tipping or under-tipping abroad

Boomers are deeply rooted in American tipping culture.

So when they travel abroad, they often misfire.

Either they over-tip dramatically, confusing the locals, or they under-tip because they’re unsure of customs.

The act itself isn’t the issue—it’s the awkwardness that follows.

Servers smile politely, fellow travelers cringe, and everyone else quietly adjusts the bill.

It’s a small thing, but it happens constantly.

And each time, the eye rolls get just a little stronger.

9. Comparing everything to home

Boomers have a habit of comparing foreign places to the U.S. (or their home country).

“Coffee here is good, but not as good as Starbucks.”

“These roads aren’t as nice as back home.”

“They should do things the way we do—it’s easier.”

It’s not meant as an insult, but it often comes across that way.

Younger travelers want immersion.

Boomers sometimes want home comforts abroad.

And while their commentary is consistent, so are the quiet eye rolls it inspires.

10. Buying tacky souvenirs in bulk

Boomers love gift shops—and they love bringing home “something for everyone.”

Shot glasses, snow globes, keychains—you name it, it’s going in the suitcase.

The intention is sweet, but the execution is eye-roll worthy.

Younger travelers often prefer experiences or meaningful keepsakes.

Boomers often load up on fridge magnets.

It’s not wrong, it’s just very obvious.

And when you see someone lugging ten Eiffel Tower trinkets through security, you know exactly what generation they’re from.

Closing reflection: endearing but eye-roll worthy

Boomers don’t mean to annoy anyone on holiday.

Most of these habits come from a different generation’s idea of what travel should be.

They like structure, service, and mementos.

The rest of us may roll our eyes, but deep down, we know these quirks are part of what makes boomer travel so recognizable.

And maybe, just maybe, a little entertaining too.