From Boomers to Gen Z: How Generations Differ in Travel Decisions

Exploring international travel behavior provides valuable insights into the factors that influence travelers’ decision-making processes and motivations across generational cohorts. This paper examines differences among Slovak residents from four generations—Generation Z, Generation Y, Generation X, and the Baby Boomer generation—in their travel motivations, perceived constraints, and factors influencing travel-related decisions. The study investigates generational differences in three key areas: (1) the perceived influence of various aspects on decision-making when traveling abroad, (2) the perceived restrictiveness of potential constraining factors, and (3) the perceived importance of factors when choosing a vacation. Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 265 Slovak respondents between November and December 2025. The hypotheses were tested using Kruskal–Wallis tests. The results indicate that while some factors, such as price and destination safety, are important across all generations, others—such as social media influence, entertainment, and social activities—show statistically significant generational differences. These findings contribute to a better understanding of generational travel behavior and provide practical insights for tourism professionals seeking to tailor marketing strategies, products, and services to the specific preferences of different age cohorts.