Daydreaming of your next getaway? While traditional travel brochures and local agents are tried and true (as well as certainly having their charm), as a modern explorer, why not dive into a world of digital discovery? According to a new Advantage Travel Partnership report, 38% of Gen Z travellers rely on social media as their main source of holiday inspo, piecing together the dream destination based on travel influencers, hashtag trends, and reels of people living their best life.
Gary Clark, Academy Director at SIA, says: “Social media can be your ultimate tool for planning your next epic getaway. By harnessing TikTok, Instagram, and the communities around them, you can be travelling smarter, cheaper, and more authentically.”
Here, we’ll look at how to holiday like a Gen Z pro, using social media to scope out the top spots, insta-worthy moments, and even the hidden gems. Let’s get into it.
Get Lost in the TikTok Travel Rabbit Hole
TikTok can be your perfect go-to source for travel ideas. Open the app, type in keywords like #TravelGoals, #BucketList, or #HiddenGems, and let the algorithm do its thing. You’ll get hit with videos ranging from off-the-beaten-path recommendations to viral trends. Want to know where the most Instagrammable spots in Bali are? Or how about affordable Euro trip hacks? And the more you interact, the better TikTok picks content for you, showing only the hottest and most relevant trends.
Leverage Instagram’s Explore Page
Instagram isn’t just for brunch pics and selfies. The Explore page is a goldmine for travel content. Influencers, lifestyle bloggers, and even everyday travellers are constantly posting their latest trips, and all you have to do is tap through the endless scroll of beautifully edited photos.
Search for travel accounts with vibes that match your energy. Want a low-key, budget-friendly getaway? Follow creators who are experts in travel hacks. Feeling boujee? There’s no shortage of influencers jet-setting to exotic, luxe destinations. Don’t forget to save your favourite posts in a travel-specific collection, so when the time comes, you’ve got a list of places to hit up.
Hashtags are Your Best Friend
If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on a whole world of travel content. Simple ones like #TravelTips, #WinterTravel, or #Wanderlust are great, but the real gems are in location-specific hashtags. Type in #ParisHiddenGems or #TokyoTravelHacks, and you’ll find user-generated content that shows the city’s authentic, non-touristy side.
For Gen Z travellers, it’s all about that balance between hitting the hotspots and finding unique experiences no one’s heard of yet. Hashtags will take you there.
Look for Dupes
Gen Zs aren’t just about following trends—they’re all about finding dupes, whether it’s for fashion, tech, or travel. The concept of travel dupes is simple: find alternative destinations that give you the same vibe as those high-key, expensive ones. Can’t afford a Santorini vacay? Look up #GreekIslandDupe for cheaper, equally beautiful alternatives.
Creators are always sharing budget-friendly destinations that give you the same experience as those viral spots but without the crazy price tag. And many of these places end up being less crowded and more authentic.
Get Travel Tips
Some of the best travel tips come directly from people who are on the ground, living the experiences they post about, offering real-time advice on navigating everything from public transport in Japan to finding the best slopes in Canada.
Search for influencers who match your vibe – whether you’re into backpacking, luxury travel, or even thinking of taking gap year ski courses — their content is your inside scoop on everything, from travel hacks to hidden gems.
Last but not least, it’s always a great idea to engage with their comment sections. You’ll find that fellow Gen Z travellers are more than happy to share advice, itineraries, and personal stories.
From immersive vlogs to vibrant feeds, social media is a great tool for planning your next trip, whether it’s a quick getaway or a big adventure. You can find tons of inspiration from people sharing their travel stories, experiences, and tips. Plus, you might even inspire others with your own holiday content.
