Gen Z isn’t asking for permission to travel differently.
Travel used to be about seeing famous landmarks, ticking off checklists, and snapping postcard-perfect photos. But Gen Z is throwing all of that out the window and embracing a bold, creative approach to exploring the world. Their style of travel isn’t about impressing anyone—it’s about meaning, connection, and freedom. And while some older generations may roll their eyes at TikTok itineraries and hostel-hopping influencers, there’s a lot that boomers could learn from the way Gen Z moves.
This younger generation doesn’t just travel lighter—they travel smarter. They’re leveraging technology, questioning traditional tourism norms, and pushing for experiences that leave a smaller footprint and a bigger impact. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a rut with your vacation plans, taking a cue from Gen Z might be the refresh you didn’t know you needed. These 11 trends aren’t just fads—they’re reshaping what travel can feel like for every age.
1. Prioritizing experiences over luxury stays.
Gen Z is far more interested in the how and why of a trip than in the thread count of their hotel sheets, as mentioned by writers at BlueprintPF. Instead of booking five-star resorts, they lean toward affordable places that put them closer to local culture—think home rentals, eco-lodges, and quirky hostels with shared kitchens. They’re after real conversations, homemade meals, and mornings that start with a street vendor’s coffee instead of room service. It’s not that comfort doesn’t matter—it just doesn’t top the list.
Boomers who’ve always opted for polished hotels might find that trading elegance for authenticity can spark a whole new love of travel. Sleeping in a guesthouse near a local market or in a converted barn on a farm can lead to stories you’d never get at a high-end chain. The shift is about living the moment, not preserving a pristine bubble. Embracing this mindset doesn’t just save money—it makes the journey feel personal again.
2. Choosing slow travel over rushed itineraries.
Gen Z isn’t packing their calendars with whirlwind tours or trying to cross off five cities in ten days. Instead, they linger. They stay longer in fewer places, giving themselves time to find the hidden alleys, meet the locals, and figure out where the best cheap lunch is after a few tries. They’re in no hurry, and that slowness is part of the charm.
Older travelers, especially boomers, could benefit hugely from this relaxed approach. After all, isn’t retirement supposed to be about escaping the rush? Slow travel isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing it better, as stated by writers at Tatler. You get to actually soak in the feeling of a place instead of skimming its surface. That lingering pace makes everything richer: conversations, meals, even the photos you snap. It’s less about collecting destinations and more about collecting memories you actually lived through.
3. Leaning on social media to discover hidden gems.
Gen Z doesn’t flip through glossy brochures or book based on traditional guides—they follow real people with real experiences, according to Geraldine Denzon at Ticketing Hub. TikTok, Instagram, Reddit threads, and YouTube vlogs shape their travel paths. A 30-second video of a sunset hike or a tiny ramen shop with ten seats is often more persuasive than a travel agent’s pitch. They chase places that feel alive and slightly off the beaten path.
Boomers who are willing to explore these digital tools might discover an entire layer of travel they didn’t know existed. Social media can be overwhelming, but it also offers a window into secret spots, unfiltered reviews, and fresh ideas that traditional sources miss. You don’t have to be glued to your phone—but being curious about what others are finding online could lead you to your new favorite place that never made it into a guidebook.
4. Traveling more sustainably and mindfully.
Gen Z is deeply tuned into the environmental impact of their choices. They book with carbon offsets, avoid single-use plastics, and choose rail or bus over flights whenever possible. They’re not just trying to see the world—they want to see it without destroying it. It’s less about being perfect and more about being conscious, asking “how can I leave this place better?”
Boomers who want to align their travel with their values might find this refreshing. Sustainable travel isn’t all about roughing it—it’s about making thoughtful choices. That might mean supporting local businesses, carrying reusable water bottles, or skipping the animal attraction that’s more exploitative than educational. Copying Gen Z here doesn’t just help the planet—it adds a layer of care and purpose that makes a trip feel more worthwhile.
5. Making flexible, last-minute plans.
Rigid travel schedules are going out of style, and Gen Z is fine with that. They book flights on a whim, use apps to snag same-day stays, and rarely plan more than a few days ahead. The spontaneity gives them room to explore unexpected paths, and they’re comfortable with the idea that not every detail needs to be locked in weeks in advance.
This freeform style might be a stretch for boomers used to locking down every reservation. But adopting even a bit of flexibility could make travel feel more alive. You don’t have to give up structure entirely—just leave space for surprises. That open day in your itinerary could turn into the best part of your trip. And when things don’t go perfectly, you might find yourself laughing about it later rather than stressing in the moment.
6. Working while exploring new places.
The rise of remote work has blurred the lines between office and adventure for Gen Z. They travel with laptops, find Wi-Fi in unexpected places, and stay longer because they don’t need to burn vacation days. Their trips aren’t just breaks—they’re a backdrop for life. Work and travel coexist without the guilt or pressure to disconnect completely.
Boomers who freelance, consult, or run businesses might find this hybrid model freeing. You don’t have to be fully retired to start stretching your trips. Doing a bit of work from a beach bungalow or mountain Airbnb can make travel more feasible and financially smart. Even those who are retired might find joy in passion projects or part-time gigs while abroad. Gen Z isn’t escaping work—they’re just refusing to be chained by it.
7. Building community through travel.
Gen Z doesn’t just go to see places—they go to meet people. Whether it’s making friends in a hostel lounge or joining a group hike found on Meetup, they turn solo travel into social travel. There’s a strong emphasis on shared experiences, even among strangers. It’s not unusual to see them form fast friendships over dinner or dive into volunteer work while abroad.
Boomers who’ve been traveling in pairs or alone for decades might find this openness a welcome change. Group travel doesn’t have to mean a bus tour with 40 strangers. It could be a cooking class, a walking tour, or a night spent storytelling with locals. These spontaneous social moments breathe life into a trip in a way that even the best views can’t. Gen Z understands that connection is a kind of souvenir—and it’s one you actually get to keep.
8. Embracing minimalism and packing light.
Gen Z travelers aren’t lugging around four suitcases or carefully planned outfits for every occasion. They’ve embraced the art of capsule wardrobes, carry-ons only, and smart travel gear. They know the freedom of breezing through airports, hopping between trains, and never waiting at baggage claim. Less weight means more movement and less stress.
Boomers might discover a whole new ease by downsizing their travel load. Packing light isn’t about sacrificing comfort—it’s about choosing wisely. You don’t need ten pairs of shoes or a formal outfit for every night. With the right pieces, you can mix and match, wash on the go, and travel with your hands (and mind) free. Minimalist travel forces you to focus on the trip, not your stuff—and once you try it, you might never go back.
9. Exploring destinations that aren’t on the usual lists.
Forget Paris and Rome—Gen Z is heading to lesser-known spots like Tbilisi, Oaxaca, or Ljubljana. They’re drawn to places that haven’t been “done to death,” where tourism hasn’t swallowed local charm. They pick destinations that are affordable, vibrant, and a little off-center. It’s about discovering somewhere you’ve never heard of, not bragging about somewhere everyone’s already been.
Boomers who feel like they’ve “seen it all” could be re-inspired by this shift. The world is full of incredible places that aren’t in the top ten lists. A small city in Eastern Europe, a coastal town in South America, or a remote island in Southeast Asia might hold the kind of magic you didn’t know you missed. Going where fewer tourists go isn’t just trendy—it’s freeing. And often, it’s a better value too.
10. Traveling for personal growth, not just sightseeing.
Gen Z often sees travel as an emotional investment, not just a vacation. They journal, they reflect, they choose destinations based on what they’re going through in life. A breakup might lead them to the mountains. Burnout might send them to a retreat center. Travel becomes a kind of therapy—an intentional reset, not an escape.
Boomers in a season of change—retirement, downsizing, or rediscovering old passions—might connect with this approach more than they expect. Taking a trip to reflect, recharge, or reimagine your future isn’t indulgent. It’s wise. You don’t need a spiritual retreat to benefit from this style—you just need to choose places that give you room to think and feel. Gen Z isn’t afraid to travel with emotion in the suitcase, and that’s something worth imitating.
11. Letting go of travel perfectionism.
Gen Z knows that not everything will go according to plan—and they’re okay with that. They expect missed buses, wrong turns, and occasional travel fails. Instead of freaking out, they roll with it, often turning mishaps into stories. Their trips aren’t polished—they’re real. And that realism makes everything feel more human and alive.
Boomers who’ve spent years trying to make every vacation seamless could feel a real release in loosening the reins. Imperfections don’t have to ruin your trip—they can give it flavor. That unexpected rainstorm might lead to a cozy cafe you would’ve missed. The lost luggage might spark conversations you never planned. Gen Z isn’t chasing flawless memories—they’re just living them as they come. Copying that attitude can turn travel from a checklist into an adventure again.