Young people prefer trips authentic but safe, says Expedia

The survey of 21,000 people in 21 markets covered motivations and aspirations driving demand among Generation Y.
The study uncovered the impact of social media on travellers of this age group, with 44 per cent agreeing that holiday photos they see on social networks influence their choices in destinations.
Known for their distinctive attitudes towards spending, millennials – born between 1982 and 1999 – tend to place higher value on investing in experiences such as travelling than on owning high-value possessions.
According to the study, seven in 10 millennials expect to go on a dream holiday in the future, while a smaller proportion, six in 10, expect to buy a new car in the foreseeable future.
Thai millennials are more likely to invest in travel experiences compared to the older generations, with 84 per cent of those surveyed saying they travel at least once a year, compared to 82 per cent of Generation X and 73 per cent of Baby Boomers.
With a stronger desire to enrich their lives through travel, millennials also expect a higher level of personalisation from their travel brands of choice. As “digital natives”, they’re extremely mobile and active on social media, even when on holiday.
Fifty-five per cent have posted photos or videos of their holidays on social networks, and four in 10 use social media to record the most important moments of their lives.
“Millennial travellers are a dynamic bunch – they simply love to travel and enjoy experiencing destinations in their unique way,” says Simon Fiquet, Expedia’s general manager for Southeast Asia and India. 
“While authenticity of experiences and social share-ability are key components of their travels, personalisation is also getting increasingly important as technology plays a crucial role in how they book their holidays.
“As the travel industry continues to evolve to meet the demands of the millennial generation, we also want to be ahead of the curve to anticipate their needs, and roll out new products and services that cater better to their dynamic needs.”
Authentic travel experiences range from cultural appreciation and “living like a local” to independence and finding “hidden gems”.
The study found that 76 per cent of millennials in Thailand believe experiencing the authentic culture of a destination is the most important aspect of travelling. 
But they’re are also risk-adverse. Activities or itineraries that are untested are not particularly attractive. Instead, millennials seek authentic experiences that are verified by others and rely on peer-led reviews for such verification.
They’re more likely to reach out to a wide variety of sources and consult fellow consumers and close contacts for information. More than half find such information on review sites, blogs and travel forums while researching a planned trip.
Find out more at https://Expedia.co.th.