Gen Z Travel Habits: Bougie on a Budget or Just Broke?
It’s best to clear this up at the start. Gen Z’s travel habits are nothing like their generational predecessors. They aren’t splitting the year between two cities like Boomers, or planning Yacht days in Croatia like Millennials. The days of jet-setting across Europe on your parents’ dime post-graduation are gone, just like the ability to spend in general.
Gen Z was born around the financial crisis and is coming of age in another (possible) one. And their glamorous dreams have faded into a stark reality. Gen Z is now here with a suitcase of dreams, a backpack of protein bars and ramen with nothing but a budget and a goal to see the world. And they do want to see the world. This generation appreciates other cultures in a way that past generations haven’t, but now they’re doing it their way…meaning being financially cautious, looking for emotional fulfillment, and ways to create plenty of memories.
The State of Gen Z Travel Habits: Affordable, Authentic, and Just a Little Aspirational
When it comes to Gen Z’s travel habits, budget and an aesthetic vacation play a constant tug-of-war with each other. According to our Youthtellers (ages 15-27), 67% of them prefer experiential trips–think road trips, cabin getaways, and anything that can be a cute post online without breaking the bank. When it comes to post-grad trips this year, only 33% are planning international trips, while most are keeping it domestic. Sorry, Caribbean, we’ll wait to see you on an influencer’s story.
As one 26 Y/O from Remington, IN, told us, “I wish they (trips) were more affordable. It’s good to travel and explore the world, but our generation can barely afford groceries and clothes.” It’s the devastating truth about how the economy is impacting young adults. Because the glamorized, jet-lagged aesthetic sounds desirable, but the main thing on many moodboards is simply not living paycheck to paycheck.
Grad Trip Dreams, and Spring Break Realities
As graduation nears, airports won’t be as busy as they once were. Only 31% of Gen Z grads can swing a grad trip between $1,000-$2,000. Another 21% told us they can only spend $500-$1,000. And the rest? They admit their parents subsidize them, but the majority are choosing a staycation until they can be financially independent.
Spring Break painted an even bleaker picture of the financial constraints on Gen Z’s travel habits. This year, a whopping 41% didn’t even think about it, and another 21% decided to skip it entirely. Of the 35% who did consider it, their budget were tight. We’re talking only able to spend $200 tight. That’s less than a checked bag on some airlines. And for those not going, their reasons ranged from “I have work/school commitments” to “none of my friends are going anywhere,” and as one 23 Y/O from Portland put it, “travel feels like too much effort.”
A New Kind of Wanderlust: Micro-Trips & Group Escapes
Out of this chaos comes an emerging trend of Gen Z travel habits; mini-adventures. Think roadtrips within a three-hour radius or even a local hotel booked with loyalty points or group discounts. As one Youthteller explained, “even if you go somewhere a few hours away, it’s worth it if you can get some friends along and it doesn’t cost too much money.
No matter the trip taken, it’s clear that Gen Z is redefining what it means to get away or travel in general. It’s no longer about the distance, but more about the memories made along the way.
The Digital Influence: How Social Media Shapes Gen Z Travel Habits
Millennials’ FOMO has now met Gen Z’s frugality. This younger generation might be hyper-aware of travel trends thanks to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, but they’re equally aware of their bank accounts. Their travel habits aren’t influenced just by what looks good, but also by what feels worth it.
And the rise of the ‘that girl’ aesthetic has only caused a transition into the travel sphere. Think ‘that girl’ travel budget breakdowns and solo journey storytelling that has given them the tools to create realistic but exciting plans.
This is the generation that does their research before hopping on a plane. Which airports have better sleep pods? Where is the nearest gas station? Does this route have good bathrooms? They aren’t winging it because if they’re spending the money, the whole plan has to be solid, and typed into a Google Doc.
So Where Is Gen Z Going?
Gen Z travel habits are all about balance. Glam meets grounded. Bougie meets basic. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure era, and the currency is connection. According to our YouthTeller’s these are the most popular spots:
National Parks & Nature Escapes
Local Road Trips
Luxury on Layaway
Staycations & Day Trips
Final Boarding Call for Brands
If you’re looking into getting in on Gen Z’s travel habits, stop selling them the idea of escapism and start offering them affordable access to memories. They don’t care about how far they go, they care about the authenticity of the trip. And whatever you do, don’t make it feel exclusive. Gen Z wants in, and they want to travel, but only if it makes sense for them emotionally, financially, and socially.
This generation might not be booking first-class trips, but they are leading a new kind of travel experience. Curious what they’re asking themselves before booking? They gave us a little list below:
Affordability + Aesthetic: Can it be posted? Can it be split five ways? Is there a student discount?
Experience over Excess: Is this a unique experience? How can we share it?
Flexibility is King: Does this work with my schedule? School schedules, part-time jobs, and mental health breaks mean rigid bookings won’t fly. Literally.
Inclusivity: Are there group travel deals? Rewards for referrals?