Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z brings a fresh perspective and boundless curiosity to the world of travel. They explore the world in ways that set them apart from previous generations.
A study by digital travel platform Agoda in January 2025 revealed that Gen Z finds travel inspiration online, embraces spontaneity, and prioritizes shared experiences.
Rather than relying on conventional recommendations, Gen Z often turns to social media, travel blogs, and vlogs to plan their adventures. The survey involved 15,000 respondents from various Asian countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, India, and Thailand.
The results revealed several unique travel trends that define this generation. What are these trends? Read on for the full breakdown!
Social Media: The Go-To Travel Guide
Unlike Millennials, who tend to rely on recommendations from friends and family, Gen Z prefers digital platforms like TikTok (20%) and Instagram (14%) as their travel guides.
However, personal recommendations still hold significance, ranking second at 17%. This shows that even though digital sources dominate, word-of-mouth advice remains relevant among Gen Z.
Spontaneity: The Thrill of Unplanned Travel
Gen Z is known for embracing spontaneity, including when it comes to travel. As many as 20% of them book flight tickets less than a week before departure—a significantly higher rate than other generations.
Indeed, one in four Gen Z travelers reserves accommodations at the very last minute. This habit reflects their flexible lifestyle and love for the thrill of adventure without extensive planning.
Traveling Together: Creating Meaningful Experiences
For Gen Z, travel is not just about personal exploration; it’s a chance to strengthen relationships. The survey shows that 38% prefer traveling with their partner, while group trips with friends or family vacations are also popular choices.
Meanwhile, Millennials tend to focus more on family trips, highlighting the difference in priorities between the two generations. For Gen Z, travel is a way to celebrate social connections and create lasting memories.
Budget-Friendly Yet Stylish
When it comes to travel budgets, Gen Z and Millennials share a similar approach in choosing affordable accommodations. About 56% of Gen Z limit their accommodation spending to under USD 50 per night, a higher percentage than Millennials at 44%.
Meanwhile, 32% of Gen Z are willing to spend between USD 51-100 per night, slightly lower than Millennials at 41%. This trend highlights that both generations aim to enjoy their travels without overspending.
Boundless Adventures: A Shared Passion for Exploration
Despite differences in how they seek inspiration, book trips, or choose travel companions, one thing unites all generations—the love for exploring the world. Nearly half of both Gen Z and Millennials plan to take 1-3 trips this year, while a third aim for 4-6 adventures. This proves that the spirit of travel is a universal language that transcends generations.
