Millennial Travel Trends for 2023

Take a look at our selection of curated trips, perfect for anyone looking for premium, small-group experiences in 2023.

The term ‘Revenge Travel’ was coined in the immediate aftermath of the first phase of the Covid pandemic. In essence the phrase applied to people who had saved up and decided to splurge their cash on going away as soon as restrictions were lifted, and this act of defiance was seen as travelling in anger. Most countries have now fully opened their borders to tourists, so there is less of a rush to get away. Booking in advance is an option now, and utilising outstanding work leave means longer breaks are possible.

Millennials are seen as a group with more disposable income than others and they are also in a position to flex their holiday muscles. Perceived to be socially aware and after enriching travel experiences, this group are making some interesting choices. Martine Langerak, Head of Communications for Sunweb Group, tells us that ‘After a difficult few years, the travel industry is set to explode in 2023 and we are seeing an increasing number of people seek out an active or adventure holiday.’

This is especially true of the 25-40 year olds.

Skiing is back on the agenda for many, but so are adrenaline-fuelled activities in sunnier locations. Many people are taking their new found love of cycling, a hobby that grew in popularity during the various lockdowns we experienced since 2020, and are booking bike holidays. We’ve included cycling options in a number of our own trips, and these activities are proving to be hugely popular with travellers.

Other trends already proving popular are rail travel and workcations. Sustainability has been a consideration for a while, but it has taken a while for real options to replace traditional flights. Sleeper trains are a great way to experience the thrill of crossing borders from the comfort of a cosy seat with a great view. Midnight Trains and the European Sleeper Service have both announced exciting new routes for 2023.

Having launched Sailing Trips in 2022, we’re proud to showcase our own collection of rail trips too. All our trips remain 100% flightless in destination, but now you can also enjoy the comforts of train travel to get around the many locations we cover.

If the way we travel is changing, then the way we work has morphed into something entirely new. Flexible hours, remote working and a better understanding from many companies about what their employees need has meant that more and more people are opting to spend longer periods of time abroad to make the most of their working life. It’s not an option for everyone, but the millennial age group in particular are finding creative ways of logging on from anywhere other than their desks. Countries in the Caribbean and South America appear to be early adopters of this trend and are offering favourable working visas to many foreigners. Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica are leading the way, but European destinations like Croatia and Greece are catching up. You could even opt for a workcation to Georgia if you really fancy something different.

Location vacations – also known as ‘setjetting’ – is a growing trend that has seen destinations featured on screen becoming hugely popular following their debuts either on TV or cinema. A great recent example is Matera, which was the star location seen in No Time to Die (2021). The Italian city has become one of the must-see attractions in southern Italy and expect it to be joined by many more in the next few months. Sicily already has a rich film heritage thanks to the Godfather trilogy, and the new Indiana Jones film will also be set on the Italian island. The White Lotus docked here for its second season, only adding to its allure.

We suspect a few people will also attempt to seek out the Greek Island where Daniel Craig spent his summer as part of murder mystery ensemble cast in The Glass Onion (2022).