Millennials are now the largest generation at 31.5% of the world’s population and most of their planning, booking and document happens via their smartphones. Affluent Millennials will pay for more premium experiences that result in quality, lasting memories that they can share with their networks for years to come.

Some Statistics

• Millennials and GenXers make-up 3/4 of all campers

• Millennials alone accounting for more than 40% and continuing to increase their # of trips / year (KOA)

• RV camping leads in consumer confidence and interest across all age groups, with the highest rate of interest among those 18-34 years old (RV Industry Assoc)

• Millennials were the leading buyers of RVs in 2018-19

• Millennials today view traveling as vital to the development of their personal narrative and identity. (FutureCast)

• Millennials in particular say that camping has a great deal of impact on reducing stress, contributing to their emotional well-being and fostering a healthier lifestyle. (KOA)

• According to a study conducted by Expedia and the Center for Generational Kinetics, 74% of Americans now prioritize experiences over products or things - and at the top of the list as being most important is travel

• And 65% of all Millennials are currently saving money specifically for upcoming travel

• They are the most lucrative segment for businesses in the travel and tourism market

• Millennials take 69% more weekend trips & and 65% book their travel with a smartphone

• 87% seek travel related inspiration from travel posts on Facebook

• 66% of Americans agree that travel is the activity that online research is most important for (Squarespace)

• Millennials prefer customized experiences that are inherently unique or specifically tailored to them (Forbes)

• 75% of Millennials have travel apps installed on their smartphones (Wandering RV)

• Millennials spent up to $6,802 on vacation in 2018 (AARP)

• 62% of Millennial parents are traveling with kids under the age of 5 (Resonance)

• 49% take last minute vacations and 58% prefer to travel with friends (Internet Marketing Inc.)

• Renting gives young people opportunities to “try before you buy” and there is a coolness factor to trying gear that photographs well. (“Camping is Back”, Resonance)

Pre-pandemic, many Millennials were taking more weekend trips in their region. That number continues to increase as car ownership decreases. They often reach-out to their parents for vehicle access and the gear needed for a good time.

REI offers specific types of trips that are labeled as “under 35 Adventure Camping” that targets Millennials (18-35 year olds). These trips focus their appeal to younger people in cost and by leveraging existing adventure trends - with an emphasis on Adventure (hiking, kayaking, backpacking and biking in unique locations), Freedom & Flexibility with trips offering solo exploration and optional adventures to help the customer do their own thing and lastly Authenticity via experiences with local businesses.

Below are the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. from 2009 to 2017, listed by number of participants (in millions).

These are the Top Instagram Picture locations in Michigan.

• Mackinac Bridge

• Tahquamenon Falls

• University of Michigan & Michigan State University (Tailgating)

• Sleeping Bear Dunes

• Point Betsie LightHouse

• Turnip Rock

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

• Van Riper State Park

• Silver Lake Sand Dunes

• Holland Beach