You may be wondering how to know if you are a xennial or what they even are. To start with, if you are wondering, there is a good chance you are one. Well, are that weird group of people born between 1977 & 1985. We don’t necessarily identify with our assignment of a gen x’er or a millennial.
If you’re like me, you fall somewhere in between. I was born in 1979 so, I technically fall into the generation x category. But I have always felt that I identified more with the qualities of the millennial generation.
So, What is a Xennial?
I love many of the old traditions of the gen x’ers but have the need for freedom and to control my life like those of the millennial generation. Because of this, I often find myself searching for things, in life, in my adventures and in travel that appeal to both sides of my identity.
I know I am not alone in this struggle. Yet, when searching for information on xennial travel and travel for women in the xennial generation, very little comes up in my search.
Xennial Travelers, What Makes Us Different.
What is the difference in our travel style? Well, for starters, we are older than the millennials. This means our bodies are older, and we require a little more pampering. As I write this, I am on a plane, in American Airline’s version of economy comfort and still my lower back hurts so bad that I am afraid to try standing up! Now, imagine me in economy on Spirit?
I admit that in the last few years I have become a bit of a travel snob and that I am willing to pay a little more for something slightly less uncomfortable. In fact, I will go out of my way now for comfort. But, I’m still somewhat of budget traveler in the sense that I also value affordable prices! I will book separate flights and hodge-podge them together in an effort to save money while still getting an option that is a little more suited to my situation.
Another glaring difference, risk! Many of the millennial travelers you see are all about pushing the limits and taking risks. It’s not to say that older generations don’t take risks, we just think way more about the pros, cons and possible outcomes. We still love an adventure unlike many of our Gen X counterparts, we just do so with more caution and a more well thought out plan that millennials and Gen Z travel adventures!
The Xennial Traveler defined – always looking for something
better and will not settle. We want caviar at sardine prices and won’t stop until we find it. This is how you know you are a xennial (well, one of the ways!).
