Travel Trends of Generation Y and Z
Gen Y (commonly known as millennials, born between 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) shaping the future of the travelling industry with their unique travel trends. These generations are driven by connection, self- discovery, and social responsibility- seeking meaningful experience rather than material things.
What is the tourism trend of young generations?
Unlike the previous generations, generation Y and Z tend to choose spontaneous tourism experiences with adventure vibes that add personal growth. Below are a few new generation Z trends for travelling in 2025 that you may want to join.
City Hopping
Countries with good public transportation systems, especially rail connections, are probably the main destinations for generation Y and Z who enjoy City Hopping. Gen Y or Z don’t just move from one big city to another, they also travel to lesser-known cities such as Porto, Bologna, and Lyon which serve as appealing secondary destinations. Not only does this combat overtourism, but it also shares economic benefits with local people in the related cities.
It’s also a win for the planet- skipping long-haul flights between major cities can lower carbon emissions. Combined with remote working, it allows people to take long vacations making many travel trips for young adults sustainable.
Going Local Inspired by TikTok FYP Contents
Tiktok’s FYP (For You Page) is where many Gen Y and Gen Z users discover the latest travel inspiration. If someone frequently views content on sustainable tourism, the app’s algorithm recommends more eco-conscious destinations.
However, you may need to be selective as not all travel trends are truly sustainable. Always check if the places you’re visiting follow sustainability guidelines.
For example, Ingka Group in San Francisco runs a minority-owned food hall and a community-based cooking school. . They teach cooking using seasonal produce harvested locally- making it a great example of responsible tourism driven by social media.
Tribe Travel
Tribe travel satisfies the social needs of Gen Y and Z. It’s not necessarily about visiting an indigenous culture, but about finding a connection and a sense of belonging in the places you explore.
Travelers may seek out lesser-known destinations, looking for shared experiences through ridesharing, group meals or co-living spaces. Even if they start solo, generation Z trends mean that travelers often find community through apps, hostels and local meetups.
This approach doesn’t just build relationships- it also reduces the carbon footprint per traveler, making the trip more sustainable.
Night Life
Known for valuing freedom and exploration, Gen Y and Z often embrace nightlife exploration as a way to experience cities in a different light. This habit helps reduce congestion at popular sights during peak hours.
Late-night urban walks or visits to quiet cafes support local businesses and help create sustainable communities.
Self-guided waking tours at night only cut down on fuel-based transport but also offer peaceful, mindful travel experiences. Slowing down to reflect under the city lights adds a new layer of meaning to your journey. If you skip nightlife, you might miss out on hidden gems that cities only reveal after dark.
The travel trends of gen Y and Z are moving away from materialism and toward values like connection, personal growth, and reflection. With platforms like TikTok offering endless travel inspiration, the next adventure is only a scroll away.
If you are interested in travel trips for young adults, you might want to try city hopping, tribe travel or even a night tour on your next trip- and don’t forget to share your experience.
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