Nearly a fifth (17%) of Gen Z’s desire to travel is linked loneliness or mental health struggles
In a surprising shift, new research into Gen Z’s travel plans reveals a growing trend towards mid-career breaks and a notable departure from the traditional party-centric student travel of previous generations. And forget South-East Asia, Europe is the place to go.
According to youth specialist travel agency, KILROY, “Quarter-Life Quests”, defined as mid-career gap years taken in your early to mid 20’s, have become just as common as gap years. The survey of 1,000 Gen Z considering extended travel revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of extended trips are planned as a break from working – the same number as before beginning university highlighting a profound change in how the younger generation views and plans their early career.
Whilst the previous millennial generation typically headed for Southeast Asia, two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) are more interested in staying closer to home in Europe. Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (54%) and North America (45%) follow Europe as desirable destinations, while India and the Subcontinent (20%), the Middle East (19%) and the UK (9%) are least desirable.
Travel intentions are solidly focussed on health and wellbeing with nearly a fifth (17%) citing feelings of loneliness or mental health struggles as a key motivator to travel. What’s more, one in two (50%) wish to grow as a person so it’s no surprise that outdoor pursuits – like surfing, trekking, and diving – are high on the list of priorities for almost half (43%) followed by sampling local cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%) and learning a new language (24%). Conversely, almost three-quarters (70%) will stay sober, seeing little value in drinking, contradicting precious stereotypes.
It comes as KILROY has announced a collection of Quarter-Life Quests, perfect for those looking for transformative travel experiences with likeminded travellers. From hiking across the lesser visited parts of the Greek and Canary Islands to learning to surf in Portugal, the Quarter-Life Quests are designed to offer twenty-somethings an escape from day-to-day life. Bursting with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, thrilling adventures, and unique opportunities to meet like-minded travellers they’ll never forget.
