From Gen Z to Boomers: how different generations are adapting their travel plans this year

As Ontarians prepare for their 2025 summer travels, new insights from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) reveal a generational divide.

While the desire to travel is strong across all age groups, confidence that trips will go as planned is noticeably lower, especially among older travellers.

Different generations, different destinations

Younger Ontarians are showing more optimism and a greater willingness to travel internationally. 36% of respondents under 35 plan to travel internationally this year, compared to just 23% of those aged 55 and older. For Gen Z and Millennials, the excitement of new experiences seems to outweigh concerns about global uncertainty.

Older travellers are feeling more cautious about their travel plans and are keeping trips local. 61% of Ontarians aged 65 and over are avoiding cross-border trips, compared to just 29% of those under 45.

Concerns about political tensions, tariffs, and the fluctuating exchange rate are playing a major role in these decisions.

The rise of domestic travel

Across all age groups, there is a growing interest in exploring closer to home. More than 50% of Ontarians say they are more likely to travel within Ontario or elsewhere in Canada this year.

For older generations, this trend is also driven by a sense of national pride.

64% of those over 65 say that supporting Canadian destinations significantly influences their travel choices.

Confidence in travel going as planned is low

Only one-in-three Ontarians feel confident that their travel plans will go as expected.

While nearly half of Ontarians under 35 (49%) feel confident their travel plans will go smoothly, that optimism fades with age. Only 27% of those 55 and older share that confidence.

Why consumer protection matters more than ever

TICO reminds Ontarians that booking with one of the province’s 1,900 registered travel agencies, websites, or tour operators offers valuable safeguards. These include:

• All-in pricing with no hidden fees
• Clear cancellation and change policies
• Guidance on required travel documentation
• Information about travel insurance
• Disclosure of any special conditions that could affect travel booking decision

Travellers who book with providers outside of Ontario may not receive the same level of protection or support. To verify if your travel booking company is located in Ontario, and offers added consumer protection, visit tico.ca/search.

Whether you are a young explorer or a seasoned traveller, 2025 is a year to plan wisely. The world may be unpredictable, but with the right information and protections in place, Ontarians can travel with greater peace of mind.