The Gen XY Lifestyle
Travel Therapy: Millennials and Gen Z Fight for Their Wanderlust
For Millennials and Gen Z, travel isn’t just a hobby—it’s their ultimate self-care ritual, a chance to rejuvenate and rediscover themselves.
Yet, despite being hungry for exploration, an overwhelming 9 in 10 young travellers feel stymied by the practicalities of life, according to the latest Klook Travel Pulse report in partnership with GWI.
Time, work, and money are their biggest nemeses. For some, the dream of basking on a tropical beach or meandering through cobblestone streets is just out of reach—blocked by time-strapped schedules or tight wallets. Yet, this doesn’t stop their wanderlust from flourishing.
The Future of Travel: 2025’s Roadmap
Travellers are eagerly planning their adventures for 2025, with 84 percent plotting an international trip, up from 71 percent in 2024. Japan still reigns as the dream destination, while Mainland China is making waves with a staggering 7x demand increase.
Social Media: The Millennial and Gen Z Travel Guru
Instagram-worthy cafes, TikTok’s hidden gems, and Pinterest travel boards are the holy grails of travel inspiration. Social media dominates the vacation planning playbook for 79 percent of young travelers, shaping their every decision—from boutique hotels to five-star foodie havens. In Southeast Asia, it’s the ultimate travel influencer, while other markets, like Australia and Japan, march to a different beat.
And here’s a surprise—some travellers are splurging on travel’s most Instagrammable scenes. A whopping 27 percent are willing to pay up to 20 percent more for trendy, photo-worthy destinations.
Experience Over Expense
When it comes to spending, Millennials and Gen Z know where to splurge. They allocate up to half of their travel budgets on experiences rather than flights or flashy accommodations. Their mantra? Authentic adventures like savouring local street food or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations are priceless—and worth every penny.
Travel: The Reset Button for a Better You
As the world speeds up, young travellers are leaning on travel as their “reset” button. Whether escaping a 9-to-5 grind or just seeking clarity, the journey itself becomes a powerful therapy session. For many, travel offers more than just a breather—it’s an essential step to self-discovery, confidence, and creativity.
Klook’s President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah sums it up best: “Travel isn’t just a break—it’s a force for renewal.”
Graphics credit to Klook.
