The travel industry is experiencing a renaissance, and one trend is particularly striking: the resurgence of guided tours. Fueled by a desire for authentic experiences and local knowledge, younger generations, particularly Millennials, are embracing this travel style in droves. Travel Experiences Guided Tours

Younger generations are at the forefront of this revival. Two in five Millennial (42%) and Gen Z (40%) leisure travelers booked a guided tour in the past year, far outpacing Gen X and Boomers. This shift highlights a growing trend: today’s younger travelers value authentic experiences curated by knowledgeable locals.

“Each year, our research shows us how experiences have become more valuable for consumers. Younger generations are driving this trend and discovering that the best way to connect with and learn about the world is through authentic guided experiences,” said Madison Pietrowski, Director of Brand US at GetYourGuide. “Our mission is to offer these one-of-a-kind experiences, from exclusive access to legendary landmarks to intimate cooking classes, in a way that is easy to discover and book online, helping forward a new era of guided experiences worth traveling for.”

Why Guided Tours? A Deep Dive into the Appeal

But what exactly makes guided tours so appealing? Travelers cite several key reasons:

• Immersive Exploration: For over two-thirds of explorers, guided tours provide an in-depth understanding of a city or landmark’s history, breathing life into the past.
• Culinary Delights: Food is a universal language, and over 40% of travelers crave the opportunity to explore local cuisine through guided tours.
• Local Connections: Nearly a third of travelers seek the chance to connect with locals, and guided tours offer a gateway to authentic interactions.

Unveiling the Preference for Familiar Faces: Local Guides Rule

The human element is paramount when it comes to guided tours. Travelers prioritize knowledgeable (74%) and trustworthy (64%) guides. A friendly personality (52%) and a good sense of humor (31%) round out the ideal guide package.

Group Dynamics: Striking the Perfect Balance

Traveling with others enhances the experience for many. Almost half of travelers prefer tours with companions (49%) or in a group setting (48%). Interestingly, intimacy is key, with nearly half opting for small or private tours (49%).

Beyond the Sights: Guided Tours Offer Meaningful Connections

Guided tours transcend mere sightseeing. They offer a chance to delve deeper, fostering a richer connection with a destination. As Millennials champion this travel style, the future promises immersive, personalized, and enriching experiences.

Looking to Spice Up Your Summer? Explore Popular Tours!

For those looking to fill their summer travels with guided tours, GetYourGuide’s most popular tours for U.S. travelers this year feature a mix of landmark sightseeing, exploring national parks, as well as food and wine tastings.

• Page: Lower Antelope Canyon Guided Tour
• Boston Fenway Park: Guided Ballpark Tour
• Rome: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
• From Florence: Tuscany Wine & Food Tour with Guide

Dive Deeper: Unleash Your Passions with Unique Experiences

Craving something extraordinary? Explore GetYourGuide‘s “Originals” collection, catering to specific interests. Recently, they launched a search for the ultimate “Swiftie” to guide Taylor Swift-themed tours in major cities!

Book Your Next Adventure: Unleash the Power of Guided Tours

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? Visit getyourguide.com or download their app to discover a world of guided tours and experiences waiting to be explored. Travel Experiences Guided Tours

About the GetYourGuide Survey

This data stems from a survey commissioned by GetYourGuide among 1,000 American leisure travelers (April 10-15, 2024). “Leisure travelers” are defined as those who traveled for leisure at least once in the past year, with “travel” requiring an overnight stay.

About GetYourGuide Travel Experiences Guided Tours

GetYourGuide is a leading online platform for discovering and booking unique travel experiences. Connecting travelers with local experts and must-see attractions, GetYourGuide offers a plethora of options, from classic tours to immersive “Originals” experiences. With over 150 million tickets sold and 25,000 partners, GetYourGuide empowers travelers to create unforgettable memories.