Millennial Travel Trends For 2023

With an appetite for smart travel and plenty of time to plan, millennials are a group hungry for new experiences. While 2022 was the year of getting back into the swing of things, 2023 is set to be the time when everyone gets to do whatever they want (within reason, obviously). Here are some travel trends we predict will be popular in the next 12 months.

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.’

Skiing certainly isn’t all there is to do in the French Alps for thrill-seeking Millennials

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).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.