Gen Z gap years are just as likely to be mid-career as they are pre-university, according to new research from leading youth travel experts KILROY as part of its Gap Year Travel Report 2024.
A survey of 1,000 Gen Z considering a gap year revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of trips are planned as a break from working – just as many as before beginning university – with men most tempted to jet set later in life (23%). It comes as KILROY’s new report reveals how Gen Z are travelling in the wake of a global pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
Travel intentions have solidly turned towards health and wellbeing. Nearly a fifth (17%) of travellers opt to do so due to loneliness or mental health struggles, while a further half (50%) wish to grow as a person while doing so. Given that travel has a positive impact on mental health for nearly 9 in 10 (87%), it’s no surprise.
A focus on the self is a key driver in gap year plans; personal growth and self-development (37%) is behind only exploring the world (48%) when it comes to the appeal of travel.
As such, partying has slipped down the priority list (18%). Nearly three-quarters (70%) either won’t drink alcohol, or see little value in doing so, contradicting stereotypes. For the sober-curious traveller, read of the Sober Travel Guide created by KILROY.
While gap years typically see Gen Z heading for Asia, two-thirds (66%) are more interested in staying closer to home in Europe – perhaps understandable given that being homesick is a concern for a quarter (24%).
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.
Top 10 gap year destinations for 2024:
Europe
Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands
North America
Far East Asia
Southeast Asia
Africa
Latin America
India and the Subcontinent
Middle East
UK
Outdoor pursuits – like surfing, trekking and diving – are activities that appeal most (43%) followed by sampling local cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%) and learning a new language (24%).
Despite this desire to adventure, nearly 1 in 10 fear they won’t find authentic experiences (8%). Four in 10 (40%) have safety concerns – women (44%) more so than men (27%).
There’s a risk to social health, too. While isolation spurs Gen Z to explore, potential loneliness (25%) and not making friends (18%) sparks travel anxiety for some.
The main concern – for ALL potential gap year travellers – remains the lasting impact of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. Financial cost tops the list and is a worry for nearly two-thirds (64%), while around half (52%) will have to travel to cheaper destinations or for a shorter period (45%) as a result. A further two-fifths (39%) will have to work, wherever they end up; the crisis will have no impact for just 3%. Nearly half will even turn to AI tools for cost-saving tips (48%) and budget planning (45%).
It comes as KILROY has released its annual Gap Year Travel Report – examining the seismic shifts in gap year travel trends since the pandemic grounded flights and the cost-of-living crisis has seen many unable to save for holidaying.
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