The stereotypical image of American millennials is someone constantly glued to a smartphone, but a recent survey suggests millennials are actually more willing to unplug while on vacation than their Generation X counterparts. A study by Intel Security found that 49 percent of U.S. millennials would disconnect on vacation, compared with just 37 percent of Generation X respondents (aged roughly 40 to 50).
The survey also explored what “unplugged” means to travelers. Sixty‑five percent of respondents defined being unplugged as having no internet access at all, while half said it meant not making phone calls during their trip. Despite these definitions, many people still struggle to fully disconnect: 55 percent reported they were unable to completely disconnect while away from home.
When travelers did manage to unplug, most found it worthwhile. About 65 percent said they enjoyed their vacation more when they stayed offline, reporting lower stress levels and a greater ability to take in their surroundings. Importantly, unplugging itself generally did not cause anxiety for most people—88 percent said it did not stress them out.
At the same time, staying partially connected remains common: 68 percent of respondents admitted they checked personal work or email at least once a day while on vacation. This suggests many travelers strive for a balance, enjoying the benefits of disconnecting while keeping a light tether to daily responsibilities.