(Photo by Prostock-studio on Shutterstock)
NEW YORK — Many of us vow to never let it happen. We make a conscious effort to ensure we are different. And yet no matter how hard we try, it turns out many Americans are realizing they’re becoming their parents. A new survey of 2,000 adults reveals that more than a quarter of Americans (27%) worry they’re the second coming of their parents, with this transformation particularly evident in their approach to travel.
The survey, evenly split across generations, found that the average person first noticed they were acting like their parents at age 30, though they began picking up these habits as early as age 20. While 38% of respondents actively try to avoid adopting their parents’ traits, a quarter don’t mind picking up certain characteristics.
One of the most striking findings is the emergence of the “airport dad” persona. A whopping 41% of respondents admit to taking on this role during their travels, characterized by arriving at the airport early, coming prepared, and meticulously tracking luggage. This behavior seems to transcend generations, with even younger travelers embracing these once-dreaded parental habits.
The survey, commissioned by Progressive and conducted by Talker Research, also sheds light on generational differences in travel behaviors. Gen Z (17%) and millennials (16%) tend to grab food right before or during flight boarding, while Gen X (15%) and baby boomers (19%) are more likely to make a last-minute dash to the bathroom.
Interestingly, 38% of respondents believe they have better travel habits than their parents, with baby boomers feeling most strongly about this (43%). However, the survey reveals some amusing self-awareness among different generations. Baby boomers are most confident in their ability to nail luggage weight limits (49%), while Gen Z acknowledges they’re most likely to get lost in airport crowds and have the worst sense of direction (41% each).
When it comes to their parents’ travel quirks, respondents said their folks would win awards for acting like tourists (33%), being the biggest complainers (30%), and falling for tourist traps (23%).
The survey also explored attitudes towards visiting Paris, a timely topic considering the Summer Olympics. Nearly a quarter of respondents (22%) recall their parents wanting to visit the City of Light, with 35% sharing that desire themselves. Americans predict their parents would say “bonjour” to locals (27%) and take cliché photos with the Eiffel Tower (27%) if they visited Paris. Amusingly, about a third of respondents admit they’d do the same (31% and 36% respectively).
Despite these similarities, 62% of Americans said it would be a priority for them to have different travel habits than their parents when visiting Paris.
Dr. Rick, parent-life coach at Progressive, offers hope for those battling against inherited behaviors: “While the data shows ‘Parentamorphosis’ — a condition that describes the moment individuals start mirroring their parents’ outdated behaviors — is prominent when traveling, there’s still hope to un-become your parents. I will be here for you every step of the way, providing you with useful guidance and easy tips on how to un-become your parents when traveling. And don’t forget, you really don’t need to clap when the plane lands.”
As Americans pack their bags for their final summer adventures, this survey serves as a humorous reminder that while we may try to escape our parents’ influence, their travel habits might just be along for the ride.
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans evenly split by generation; the survey was commissioned by Progressive and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 25 and July 1, 2024.
