From printed itineraries to overflowing suitcases, these eight travel habits reveal how boomers approach vacations differently than younger generations.
Travel has changed dramatically over the past few decades.
From how we book trips to the activities we choose, the modern vacation looks very different depending on which generation you ask.
Younger travelers tend to embrace spontaneity, technology, and minimalism.
Boomers, on the other hand, often stick to the habits they’ve trusted for years.
These traditions aren’t necessarily wrong, but they can feel outdated to millennials and Gen Z travelers who approach vacations with a different mindset.
Some of these boomer habits bring comfort and nostalgia, while others leave younger companions scratching their heads.
Here are eight things boomers still do on vacation that younger travelers gave up years ago.
1. Printing out every document
Boomers rarely rely solely on digital confirmations for their trips.
Even with mobile boarding passes and travel apps, they feel more secure having physical copies of everything.
This often includes flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and even restaurant reservations.
While younger travelers happily keep everything on their phones, boomers arrive with neatly organized folders or envelopes.
It’s their way of ensuring nothing gets lost if technology fails.
This habit dates back to a time when paper tickets were the norm and travel plans couldn’t be saved to a cloud.
To younger people, it seems unnecessary and even a little clunky.
But for boomers, those printed papers are a safety net they can physically hold.
2. Packing way more than necessary
Younger travelers are increasingly embracing the “carry-on only” lifestyle.
They prefer to pack light, valuing mobility and ease over having endless outfit options.
Boomers, however, tend to pack like they’re moving to a new country.
Their suitcases are filled with extra shoes, backup outfits, and “just in case” items.
This can lead to multiple checked bags, which younger generations avoid to save both money and hassle.
The difference comes down to mindset: boomers were raised to be prepared for every scenario.
Younger travelers are more comfortable improvising or buying something if they really need it.
To boomers, overpacking feels responsible.
To their kids or grandkids, it looks like unnecessary stress to lug around.
3. Visiting every tourist attraction on the list
Boomers often travel with a checklist mentality.
They want to see every major landmark, museum, and attraction a destination has to offer.
This approach makes sense—they value getting their money’s worth and making sure nothing is missed.
The result is a tightly packed itinerary with little room for rest or spontaneity.
Younger travelers tend to prioritize experiences over checklists.
They might skip the most famous spot in favor of wandering local neighborhoods or finding hidden gems.
To them, it’s about depth rather than breadth.
Boomers, however, feel more satisfied when they can return home with proof they’ve “done it all.”
4. Taking group tours for everything
Guided tours are still a go-to for many boomers.
They offer structure, safety, and the comfort of having a knowledgeable leader.
This makes sense given that many boomers grew up traveling when resources were limited and language barriers felt more daunting.
Group tours also create built-in social opportunities, which some find appealing.
Younger travelers tend to prefer independent exploration.
They rely on apps, blogs, and online reviews to guide them, often crafting their own unique itineraries.
While they might book a tour for a specific experience, they rarely stick to a fully scheduled group package.
For boomers, the tour bus remains a staple of travel.
5. Using travel agents instead of booking online
The majority of younger travelers have never even considered calling a travel agent.
They’re used to comparing flights and accommodations online in minutes.
Boomers, however, often still value the expertise and personalized service a travel agent provides.
They see it as a way to avoid mistakes and ensure everything is handled professionally.
To them, speaking to a real person builds trust in a way a website never could.
It’s a habit rooted in a time before Expedia, Kayak, or Airbnb existed.
Younger generations see online booking as more convenient and cost-effective.
For boomers, handing the planning over to an expert feels like peace of mind.
6. Documenting trips with camcorders or bulky cameras
Smartphones have completely changed the way people capture vacation memories.
Most younger travelers rely solely on their phones for photos and videos.
Boomers, however, often stick to the devices they’ve used for decades.
Some still bring camcorders, bulky digital cameras, or even video tapes.
To younger companions, this feels unnecessary, especially when modern phones take stunning photos instantly.
But for boomers, these older devices feel familiar and reliable.
They see them as tools that guarantee their memories will be preserved.
Even if it takes extra space in the suitcase, they prefer what they know best.
7. Eating only at familiar chain restaurants
Trying local cuisine is one of the highlights of travel for younger generations.
They actively seek out unique, authentic dining experiences.
Boomers, on the other hand, often gravitate toward restaurants they already know and trust.
This might mean eating at a recognizable chain instead of venturing into unfamiliar territory.
For them, it’s about comfort and predictability—especially when dealing with dietary concerns or picky eaters.
Younger travelers see this as a missed opportunity to connect with the local culture.
But for boomers, familiarity can be more important than culinary adventure.
To them, a reliable meal beats the risk of disappointment.
8. Bringing home loads of souvenirs
Younger generations often travel light and bring back only a few carefully chosen mementos—or none at all.
They value experiences over physical objects.
Boomers, however, often see souvenirs as essential to the travel experience.
They buy t-shirts, magnets, keychains, and even bulky decor items to remember their trip.
Part of this habit comes from wanting to share their journey with friends and family through tangible gifts.
It’s also a way to prove where they’ve been and what they’ve seen.
For younger travelers, photos and memories feel sufficient.
For boomers, souvenirs are the lasting evidence of an adventure well-lived.
Final thoughts: travel traditions in transition
Travel habits reflect more than just preferences—they tell a story about how different generations see the world.
Boomers bring experience, structure, and a sense of preparedness to their journeys.
Younger travelers lean toward flexibility, independence, and minimalism.
Neither approach is right or wrong—they simply reflect different values and life experiences.
When these generations travel together, it can lead to both friction and fun.
In the end, everyone just wants the same thing: meaningful memories and shared adventures.
The journey may look different, but the goal remains universal.
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