They prefer alcohol-free vacations and care for nature: TikTok inspires students to travel more

By TravelWiseFeb 21, 2024 18:55 PMNews
Share:
They prefer alcohol-free vacations and care for nature: TikTok inspires students to travel more
Tourists aged 18-25 account for a quarter of international tourist arrivals. Source: Freepik

StudentUniverse, a Flight Centre Travel Group company, has released its annual State of Student & Youth Travel Report, which showcases travel trends among Generation Z travelers. In particular, it includes how TikTok can influence travel decisions.

"This is the second year in a row that we've produced this report, and it's exciting to see how the year-to-year difference in this generation's travel sentiment shows a significant shift in how they find inspiration for travel and what they care about most," says Will Jones, Brand Manager at StudentUniverse. "Travelers aged 18-25 account for a quarter of international tourist arrivals and are a major contributor to the travel industry, so our goal with these reports is to help provide valuable insights into the trends and sentiments that drive Generation Z travelers," Hotel Business writes.

People arelooking for travel ideason TikTok

Of all those surveyed, 88% said they were active on TikTok, and 60% said they turn to the platform primarily for travel inspiration. In addition, 88% follow at least one influencer, and 40% reported having booked a vacation directly influenced by content they saw on TikTok. This is a significant impact when you consider that the student and youth travel market numbers 370 million worldwide and has a purchasing power of over USD 400 billion.

Viewing travel as a career investment

One of the most talked-about travel trends that has emerged as a result of flexible working policies implemented during the pandemic is that of leisure travel. While those who are already working may be looking for opportunities to combine travel with work and leisure, the younger generation, who have not yet entered the workforce or have recently started working, have instead begun to see travel not only as an opportunity to relax, but also to lay the foundation for their careers by taking advantage of professional opportunities. Of those surveyed, 78% expressed interest in professional travel, and 87% believe that travel will improve their chances of finding a job. In addition, 86% said they would work or volunteer in a field related to their future career. Respondents provided feedback by noting that traveling helps to improve abilities such as interpersonal communication and provides a broader understanding of how to connect with people from different cultures. These are the values that Generation Z believes make them more competitive in the labor market.

Alcohol-free vacations are popular

To this day, young travelers are still associated with images of rowdy spring breakers crammed into cheap bars. However, as with the trend of traveling for mental well-being, today's young travelers are more focused on overall wellness. As Generation Z strives to make healthier choices, it's no surprise that 80% of respondents said they would like to take an alcohol-free vacation. In addition to improved health, survey respondents noted that abstaining from alcohol has a number of benefits, including saving money and preventing potentially dangerous situations.

Concerns about environmental issues

A notable development in this year's report is the discovery that Generation Z's concern for the environment continues to grow. This year's survey found that a small minority of students and youth travelers (13%) said they would not travel by air because of harmful emissions, and another 21% already know someone who refuses to travel by air. Another 23% said they would be willing to pay an additional fee to offset carbon emissions when booking, and 50% said they would prefer to book through a platform with a high sustainability score.

Interaction with new technologies

The generation that grew up with the constant presence of computers and personal electronic devices demonstrates a willingness to test and implement new technologies. This is especially true of perhaps the hottest technology trend - artificial intelligence (AI). Of those surveyed, 51% said they trusted travel itineraries generated by artificial intelligence, and 21% said they had used chatbots to build an itinerary. However, Generation Z continues to place a high value on the human element, noting that 92% would prefer to speak to a human if they had a problem, and 87% said they would be disappointed if they were unable to reach a real person.

Where students are headed in 2024

In addition to the survey results, the report also reveals the most popular destinations based on booking data from StudentUniverse transactions.

The most popular countries for American Generation Z

Italy, Japan, Greece, Great Britain, France, Spain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil.

The most popular countries for Canadian Generation Z

Italy, Japan, UK, Greece, France, Australia, Spain, USA, Germany, New Zealand.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
TransPennine Express train at a platform

Late-night trains added after Sam Fender gigs in Newcastle

Jun 14, 2025 22:36 PM
Crowded transit hub with travellers and departure boards

Traffic Warning for Edinburgh Flyers During Highland Show

Jun 14, 2025 20:49 PM

Cathay Group Expands to 100 Destinations, Opening New Travel Opportunities for Passengers

Jun 14, 2025 18:33 PM

Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns

Jun 14, 2025 16:54 PM
Renovated hotel room with king-size bed and modern lighting

San Juan’s La Concha Returns with Major Changes After Long Closure

Jun 14, 2025 14:47 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land under cloudy sky

Scandinavian and Vietnam Airlines to Link Northern Europe with Southeast Asia via New Codeshare

Jun 14, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane in flight against a clear sky

SAS Expands Aalborg-Winter Routes, Opening Easier Access to Nordic Ski Destinations

Jun 13, 2025 23:23 PM
Railway signal showing red light on quiet train tracks near Verona

Verona Train Routes Suspended 15 June Amid WWII Bomb Removal

Jun 13, 2025 21:49 PM
Construction workers repairing railway tracks on a city street

Norfolk Rail Disruption: Buses Replace Trains Between Norwich and Ely This July

Jun 13, 2025 19:37 PM

New direct route from Amsterdam brings Cairo closer for travellers

Jun 13, 2025 17:51 PM

Krabi’s Natural Sites Gain Quiet Spotlight After Jurassic World Filming

Jun 13, 2025 15:44 PM
Air India aircraft parked on the ground with boarding platform nearby

Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead Shortly After Takeoff

Jun 13, 2025 13:39 PM
Modern hotel room interior with wooden accents and cozy bed

New Resort in Crete Blends Comfort with Nature and Local Traditions

Jun 12, 2025 23:28 PM
View of an SAS aircraft wing during flight above the clouds

SAS and WestJet to Launch Easier Canada–Scandinavia Connections from Summer 2025

Jun 12, 2025 21:42 PM
Rail workers using heavy machinery to install large pipe sections on train tracks

Train Disruptions Near Naples Affect Summer Travel Plans

Jun 12, 2025 19:34 PM

Virgin Australia Opens New Travel Opportunities to Europe and Africa via Doha

Jun 12, 2025 17:29 PM

One-Month Train Halt in Northern Italy Alters Summer Travel Routes

Jun 12, 2025 12:43 PM
Lufthansa plane taking off from runway

New Flight Links via Rome Simplify Travel Between Europe and Distant Cities

Jun 12, 2025 02:35 AM
Train showing "Caerdydd C" arrives at quiet station

Concert Crowds Prompt Rail Changes Across Cardiff This Summer

Jun 11, 2025 23:24 PM
Emirates aircraft approaching landing with cityscape below

Emirates and Bahamasair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes to The Bahamas Through Florida

Jun 11, 2025 21:49 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway surrounded by trees

Finnair Resumes Direct Flights from Helsinki to Toronto Starting in 2026 Expanding Travel Options

Jun 11, 2025 19:32 PM
Construction worker in safety gear at a railway maintenance site

Summer Train Closures in Northern Italy to Disrupt Access to Regional Destinations

Jun 11, 2025 17:26 PM

Air New Zealand Starts Domestic WiFi Trial on Selected Flights

Jun 11, 2025 16:48 PM

InterContinental Hotel to Open in Manchester Bringing New Options for Travellers

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM
Modern hotel room with large bed and warm lighting

Familiar Hotels in Unfamiliar Places: voco Reaches 100 Locations Worldwide

Jun 10, 2025 23:22 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off into cloudy sky

Free Emirates Coach Now Available Between Manila and Clark

Jun 10, 2025 21:44 PM