Gen Z Are Already Planning Their Dream Retirement Trip

Generation Zers, born between 1997 and 2012, are already planning to go on special trips when they retire, research has suggested.

Talker Research asked 1,000 employed Americans from different generations multiple questions about their views and plans for retirement, including whether or not they were planning a big vacation when they reach that age.

Gen Z had the most respondents say they were planning to do this, at 63 percent, according to the study. That is compared with 56 percent of millennials (born 1981-1996), 42 percent of Generation X (1965-1980), 25 percent of baby boomers (1946-1964) and 22 percent of the Silent Generation (1928-1945).

Across all generations, 46 percent of respondents planned to take a big trip upon retirement, the research found.

Retirement Strategist Scott Heitkemper told Newsweek: “This emerging trend of Gen Z planning big trips for retirement signals a profound evolution in how retirement is envisioned. For past generations, retirement was often viewed as a period of rest and minimal activity. However, Gen Z seems to be embracing it as a time for fulfillment, adventure and the pursuit of lifelong dreams.”

He pointed to a number of contributing factors, such as a change in perceptions on retirement, planning earlier and valuing experiences over material wealth.

“Compared to Gen X and millennials, Gen Z benefits from a wealth of digital tools and resources for financial education,” Heitkemper added. “However, there’s also the challenge of ensuring these resources translate into actionable strategies, which is where financial professionals play an essential role.”

A number of U.S. destinations were mentioned by survey respondents for retirement trips, including California, Alaska, Florida, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Colorado and Arizona.

European countries also featured in the research, such as Italy, Ireland and England, as well as destinations including Japan, the Caribbean, Paris, Vietnam, Greece and Australia. One respondent even told the study that they would like to go to the International Space Station to experience space and observe Earth, as well as the Mariana Trench to explore the depths of the western Pacific ocean.

Americans can retire at different ages but can start claiming Social Security benefits as early as 62 years old, the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) says. In 2024, the average retirement age nationwide in the U.S. was 64.

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