Travelling has changed considerably in the past years since the pandemic when behaviors and trends suffered from restrictions. However, when people were able to travel freely across the world, we noticed an unprecedented change in the industry.
Exploring Gen Z Travelling Trends
Gen Z shaped the new era of travelling by fiercely exploring cities and countries at a young age and with few resources or demands. Statista called them the “most travel-hungry generation,” which prioritises the experience of seeing the world rather than investing in real estate or sacrificing their lives for work. What’s more interesting is that social media allowed Gen Z to travel earlier than their parents ever could due to becoming travel influencers or participating in work and travel programs. Therefore, teenagers and students are shaping the travelling industry, so let’s see how they like their world exploration game.
Travelling with technology
Technology integration is considerably important for Gen Z, which is why brands are investing in it to make the experience more enjoyable. They prefer tailor-made experiences that foster social interactions but also prioritise digital experiences. For Gen Z, it doesn’t really matter what they travel for as long as it’s linked to their past experiences. Those who loved Miffy when they were kids would absolutely love to take pictures with her or participate in special events. These brands become more attractive when they offer merch, allowing fans to collect objects dear to their hearts, so there’s no surprise if Gen Z would buy themselves a Miffy bunny lamp to make their room cozy and comfortable.
Travelling for mental wellbeing
While our parents believed travelling was a luxury and must be earned, Gen Z is using travelling as a form of improving their mental wellbeing. When they want to relax or escape from the city’s buzz, they will simply book a ticket, pack their bags, and go. At the same time, Gen Z is not thrilled about driving a car when they travel, so they rely on buses and trains to get from one place to another. That’s because they prefer convenience most of the time, and choosing to travel by train is far cheaper than another alternative. Plus, they’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience without having to worry about traffic or parking lots.
Travelling and sustainability
Of course, travelling by train or bus is more eco-friendly than air or car travel due to fewer toxins being released into the air. Since Gen Z is most worried about climate change, they want to make a difference by choosing low-carbon travel modes. For moving within the city, they prefer walking or using electric bikes or motorbikes. At the same time, even if they choose cars for travelling, they’re most likely to look into electric vehicles and drive more responsibly to preserve energy and not crowd the cities unnecessarily. This sense of eco-travelling has changed the industry, as companies must target them by focusing on ethical experiences rather than luxurious goods and services.
Travelling and local experiences
Although Gen Z is more likely to travel internationally than any other generation, they also value local experiences as part of supporting local businesses and preserving their cultural heritage. This is why more local brands are refining their marketing strategies, indoor design, and customer experiences. They want to be relevant to Gen Z, who also value aesthetics considerably. Companies collaborating with local collaborators, sourcing their food from local produce, and adopting a unique campaign to promote their products and services are most appreciated by the younger generations. An additional benefit these brands can leverage is if they engage with communities by establishing events, such as wine-tasting nights or photography classes, where Gen Z can discover more about their own culture and share it on social media.
Travelling as influencers
Air travel companies, agencies, and travel-related brands are currently seeking travelling influencers because they can effortlessly create content and promote products. Most travelling influencers use platforms like Instagram or YouTube to create engaging video clips and aesthetic pictures of the places they travel to, in which they can insert travel sponsors and offer discounts for subscribers. This is one of the best ways for companies to approach their target audiences without directly engaging with them and by using an organic strategy. Moreover, these opportunities allow Gen Z to travel the world and have fun while being rewarded and recognised online.
Travelling and unique accommodation
While the cost of accommodation matters for the younger generation, other factors are prioritised when they choose such a space. In many cases, they value the décor of the space, the view the room provides, and the placement of the accommodation, preferably somewhere near par and close to all necessities. Making the accommodation as experiential as possible is necessary to attract Gen Z customers. Interestingly enough, they might not be as tempted to choose extravagant spaces with luxurious decorations. Aesthetic spaces are well-lit, decorated with greenery and warm tones, and have interesting items, such as lamps in unique shapes.
Travelling is an experience
Gen Z prioritizes making connections, creating beautiful content, and eating special foods as they travel because these experiences matter the most since they actively record them digitally. Telling the story of an exciting trip somewhere is much more important than expensive meals and luxurious hotels. At the same time, they love to immerse themselves in unknown communities and blend in. While most are shy about talking to strangers, for example, they’re making friends in the places they travel by documenting these interactions and sharing them with others.
What Do You Think about Gen Z Travellers Shaping the Industry?
The travelling industry suffers significant changes as new generations rule over, but Gen Z is by far the most powerful one.
Students and youngsters from this generation are most likely to travel just because finances or impossibilities do not hinder them. Not when they can become travel influencers and share what they see with the world! (Image source: Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
Disqus Comment
Facebook Comment