For Millennials and Gen Z, a truly successful vacation is no longer measured by how many famous monuments you check off a list—it’s measured by the unforgettable stories you bring home.
According to American Express Travel’s 2026 Global Travel Trends Report, younger generations are intentionally building their itineraries around spontaneity, unexpected accommodations, and real-world plot twists in a movement the company calls “Lore Chasing.”
Based on global survey data from travelers across the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, the report highlights just how deeply younger generations prioritize meaningful travel experiences. While 80% of global respondents plan to take the same number or more international trips in 2026 compared to last year, 64% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say they would even take a job with fewer benefits if it allowed for greater flexibility to travel.
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“Our 2026 Global Travel Trends Report shows that travelers are being incredibly intentional about how they spend their vacation time this year,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, in the report’s release.
When it comes to Lore Chasing, that intentionality means leaving plenty of breathing room for the unexpected. Rather than following a minute-by-minute tourist schedule, 82% of Millennials and Gen Z surveyed say they are likely to do something completely out of the ordinary while traveling simply because it makes a good story. Furthermore, 86% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents say they are likely to do something adventurous or outside their comfort zone on a trip (compared to 76% of global respondents overall), and 86% believe chance encounters with locals or new people create the most memorable trip moments.
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That hunger for a standout narrative even extends to where younger travelers choose to sleep. According to the report, an overwhelming 91% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents are interested in booking an unconventional accommodation on their next getaway—trading standard hotel chains for stays that feel like an adventure in their own right. Leading the wishlist are luxury rail travel (45%) and converted historical spaces (37%), proving that the journey and the setting are just as important as the destination itself.
Whether hopping aboard an overnight sleeper train, striking up a conversation at a neighborhood café, or saying yes to a last-minute detour off the beaten path, Millennials and Gen Z are proving that the best souvenirs cannot be bought in a gift shop—they are the stories you tell for years afterward.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
