A Look into the Top Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Travel for younger Generations
What's driving the travel revolution in 2024? As we fly towards the end of the year, Gen-Z and Millennial travelers are shaking up the industry with new trends. From increased spending to spontaneous trips, these younger generations prioritise unique experiences and leverage technology to enhance their journeys. Here are 10 travel trends turning heads and shaping the travel landscape in 2024.
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Table Of Contents:
Travel Spending Surge: One of the 10 Travel Trends in 2024 [Skip to Section]
Experience Over Cost [Skip to Section]
Mastering Travel Hacks [Skip to Section]
Cutting Daily Expenses For Travel [Skip to Section]
Leisure For Longer [Skip to Section]
Embracing Solo Travel [Skip to Section]
Tech-Savvy Travels [Skip to Section]
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travels [Skip to Section]
Workcations and Digital Nomadism [Skip to Section]
Cultural Immersion and Local Connections [Skip to Section]
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1. Travel Spending Surge: One of the 10 Travel Trends in 2024
A whopping 84% of Gen-Z and Millennials plan to spend more or the same on travel in 20224. Yes, they’re all in, prioritising their adventures like never before. This spending spree is a sign of a booming global economy and the rise in popularity of new destinations.
In fact, globally, nine out of the last 10 all-time record spending days in both cruise and airlines have happened in 2024[1]. They come as a result of bigger and more frequent events, such as the 2024 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, which saw restaurants, bars, and stores experience a 156% increase in tourism!
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2. Experience Over Cost
Forget cheap thrills; it’s all about incredible experiences. A solid 77% of travellers are putting experiences ahead of the price tag, and Gen-Z & Millennials are leading the charge with 79% of them opting to spend more for those unforgettable moments. Dive into the unique and the immersive – some experiences can’t be missed!
Tourists globally continue to prioritise experiences, spending more on nightlife and special opportunities, totalling 12% of tourism sales – the highest point in the last five years.
Need inspiration for activities in your next trip? Why not check what your destination has to offer and plan according to your budget and your preferences? We got you!
3. Mastering Travel Hacks
Travel hacks are a big deal, with 89% of travellers* using strategies like off-peak travel and credit card points to save money. This savvy approach is slightly more prevalent among younger travellers, ensuring they get the best value for their money.
Credit card points are increasingly popular, with 67% of Millennials and Gen-Z using them to pay for travel expenses. This clever financial strategy helps them stretch their travel budgets further.
Money-saving tactics such as utilising Skyscanner can help keep your wallet safe. However, a lesser-known hack is booking group trips, which can significantly lower the cost! By booking a group trip, you not only save some money, you also get to discover the world with your friends … or make new ones along the way. How fun!
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4. Cutting Daily Expenses for Travel
To save for travel, 71% of Millennials and Gen-Z are cutting back on daily expenses like coffee and food delivery. This sacrifice shows great commitment to prioritising travel over everyday luxuries!
Greece in in the Top 10 most popular destinations for UK tourists in 2024, and for many tourists in a foreign country, dining and food culture is a huge factor! This explains why Greece has experienced a 67.6% increase in casual dining spend in the last 12 months.
Tourists are leaning more towards local eateries and hearty meals, rather than fast food and high-end restaurants. Seems like grandma’s family recipe is better than a 10-course tasting menu!
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5. Leisure for Longer
Globally, leisure travellers are enjoying longer trips – by about an extra day and a half. For the 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was just about four days. As of March 2024, the length of a leisure trip globally is close to five days.
This is largely due to the younger generations’ love for spontaneity. 77% of Millennials and Gen-Z travellers have shown to book last-minute trips, with websites like lastminute.com gaining popularity in recent years.
This trend towards spontaneous travel shows their flexibility and desire for impromptu adventures. For tourists travelling to Portugal, a very popular destination, length of stay has seen a massive increase, from an average of 3.5 days per trip in 2020, to a wonderful 6.3 days per trip in 2024. Talk about making the most of your time!
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6. Embracing Solo Travel
Solo travel is on the rise, and rapidly. 76% of Millennials and Gen-Z are planning solo trips in 2024! Whether for relaxation, new interests, or meeting new people, solo adventures are a significant trend among young travellers. How brave!
According to 2024 travel statistics, around 84% of solo travellers are women, showing that solo travel is not only very fun, but also safe! In terms of female solo travellers, 59% would travel alone again in the next 12 months. So adventurous!
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7. Tech-Savvy Travels
Digital integration in travel planning is a must for these tech-savvy generations. High-street travel agents are fading into the background, while online booking giants like booking.com and skyscanner take charge.
From mobile booking platforms to personalised travel recommendations, technology enhances their travel experience, which is why 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen-Z travellers opt to book their trips entirely online.
Online booking won’t go away anytime soon either, as 76% of travellers said they look for travel apps that reduce the friction and stress of travel, as per a 2024 survey.
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8. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel
As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability has become a major priority for young travellers. In 2024, 72% of Gen-Z and Millennials are actively seeking eco-friendly travel options.
They choose destinations and accommodations that emphasise green practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing plastic waste, and supporting local conservation efforts.
This could also mean staying in a country for longer than normal, or reducing the amount of shorts flights taken.
Choose the walking tour, not the tour bus! It will allow you to see the city more in-depth, and the Earth will thank you!
Why not look for a great flight deals now for your next trip ?
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9. Workcation and Digital Nomadism
The concept of blending work and travel is gaining traction in 2024, with 68% of Millennials and Gen-Z embracing the “workcation” lifestyle. This trend is fuelled by the rise in remote work opportunities, with digital nomads on the rise!
Popular workcation destinations in 2024 include Bali, Lisbon, and Mexico City, where the combination of vibrant local culture and buzzing work environments make for an appealing work-life balance.
Need inspiration for activities in your next trip? Why not check what your destination has to offer and plan according to your budget and your preferences? We got you!
10. Cultural immersion and Local Connections
In 2024, young travellers are increasingly interested in deeply connecting with the local culture of their destinations. This trend comes from a desire for authentic experiences rather than touristy attractions, with 80% of Millennials and Gen-Z are prioritising cultural immersion activities such as local editable over traditional sightseeing.
Platforms like Airbnb and group booking websites are seeing a surge in activity as young travellers seek to live authentic experiences and show greater appreciation for world cultures.
As we navigate through 2024, it’s clear that Gen-Z and Millennial travellers are redefining the landscape of the travel industry with their unique preferences and innovative approaches.
From prioritising unforgettable experiences over cost to embracing sustainable travel and digital nomadism, the younger generations are pushing for significant changes in how we explore the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or looking for your first adventure, there’s never been a better time to cash in on these emerging trends and discover new ways to make the most of your travel adventures!
Source [*] Mastercard Economics Institute analysis of aggregated & anonymised switched consumer volumes (nominal US dollars unadjusted for FX) through March 2024, https://www.mastercardservices.com/en/industries/travel/insights/travel-trends-2024-breaking-boundaries
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