Dear Ageless Traveler,
I’ve been thinking about how every generation has had its travel breakthrough—a significant moment that changed how we explore the world.
I took my first trips in the 1960s, clutching my copy of Europe on $5 a Day. Independent Travel was the thing then—backpacks, youth hostels, rail passes, and meeting other wanderers in cafés from Amsterdam to Kathmandu. The big innovation? Traveler’s Checks—thank you, American Express!
My mother’s travel story couldn’t have been more different. When she was in her twenties, flying was exotic, something only movie stars did. Air travel was a miracle.
So, this Travel Tuesday, I invite you to think about your personal travel revolution—the one that made you say, “Now the world is open to me.”
Here’s my take on the great Generational Breakthroughs in Travel:
The Greatest Generation (born 1901–1927)–Crossing continents became possible for ordinary folks—no longer just for explorers or elites. Travel as aspiration began here.
The Silent Generation (born 1928–1945)—The birth of leisure travel! Thomas Cook tours, cruise lines, and guided holidays opened the world to middle-class adventure.
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964)–The world became a playground. From “Europe on $5 a Day” to peace marches and yoga in Nepal, Boomers defined wanderlust with purpose.
Generation X (born 1965–1980)–We became savvy travelers—loyalty programs, Expedia, and the DIY trip planner were born. Adventure met convenience.
Millennials / Gen Y (born 1981–1996)–Travel went global and shareable. The selfie, the blog, the “digital nomad” lifestyle—wanderlust became a brand.
Generation Z (born 1997–2012)–Every journey is personalized. From eco-conscious choices to custom AI itineraries, Gen Z travels smarter, lighter, and greener.
Generation Alpha (born 2013– )–The line between imagination and geography blurs. Kids today “visit” the pyramids before they even board a plane.
I’d love to hear from you. What was your first big travel breakthrough? Was it your first flight, your first Eurail pass, or the moment Google Maps replaced your paper one? Please share your story with me. Text or leave a voicemail here. And tell your story in our Facebook Salon. Join our Salon here.
In this week’s podcast, I interview Derek Banks, Founder of European Waterways, for a very personal and detailed look at what barging through the canals of Europe, Scotland, and Britain is genuinely like, so you get a vivid taste of the experience.
In our usual sections, I cover:
- Ask Adriane-Can I Avoid the Single Supplement on Cruise Ships?
- News You Can Use-Latest Travel Scams and How To Escape Them
- Culture Vulture-Happy Halloween at USA’s Best Horror Book Stores and the Noir Film Festival, Palm Springs
- Luxury Travel for Less-Travel Savings That Really Keep You Traveling
