A recent study has unveiled a significant shift in the travel habits of Generation Z, highlighting a departure from the party-centric trips of previous generations. The research, conducted by youth travel agency KILROY, indicates that a growing number of young people are prioritising mental health and personal growth over traditional travel experiences.
According to the survey, which included responses from 1,000 Gen Z individuals contemplating extended travel, nearly a fifth (17%) cited loneliness or mental health struggles as a key motivator for their desire to travel. This statistic underscores a changing mindset among young travellers, who are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences that promote wellbeing.
In this new landscape of travel, outdoor pursuits are at the forefront, with 43% of respondents expressing a preference for activities such as surfing, trekking, and diving. This shift contrasts sharply with the previous millennial generation’s focus on partying, which now ranks significantly lower on the agenda, with only 18% of Gen Z indicating interest in nightlife. Additionally, a remarkable 70% of those surveyed stated they would either abstain from alcohol entirely or see little value in drinking while travelling.
KILROY’s new initiative, dubbed “Quarter-Life Quests,” aims to cater to this emerging trend by offering transformative travel experiences tailored specifically for those in their twenties. Defined as mid-career gap years, these journeys have become increasingly popular, with nearly a quarter (24%) of planned extended trips intended as a break from working. This figure mirrors the number of respondents who are planning trips before starting university, reflecting a notable shift in how this generation views and prepares for their early careers.
The survey also revealed that Gen Z is less inclined to travel to Southeast Asia, a hotspot for millennials. Instead, two-thirds (66%) of respondents expressed a preference for exploring destinations closer to home in Europe. Other popular regions include Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands (54%) and North America (45%). Conversely, destinations such as India and the Subcontinent (20%), the Middle East (19%), and the UK (9%) ranked as the least desirable locations.
This trend aligns with a broader emphasis on health and personal development, as nearly half (50%) of respondents reported a desire to grow as individuals through their travel experiences. Activities centred around local culture—such as sampling cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%), and learning new languages (24%)—ranked high on their priority lists.
As KILROY launches its “Quarter-Life Quests,” the agency aims to support young travellers in their quest for transformative experiences. With a focus on connecting like-minded individuals and facilitating personal growth, these trips mark a departure from the hedonistic travel patterns of the past. Instead, they offer a promising glimpse into the future of travel for a generation that values health, wellbeing, and authentic experiences over traditional partying.