Gen Z travellers reveal their top destinations for 2026
Travellers in their 18-30s are choosing adventure over relaxation in 2025, according to new data which also reveals emerging trends for travel in destinations like Morocco and China.
The findings highlight a preference for shorter, experience-packed trips, and a surge in post-university travellers delaying their gap year until their mid- to late-20s.
Youth travel company Gap 360 has shared its booking trends and top destinations for 2025, plus its predictions for 2026.
Emerging destinations
Two of the fastest growing destinations for youth travellers are Morocco and China, showing a rise in interest to visit less traditional backpacking locations. Throughout 2025, Morocco saw a 79% spike while demand for China rose 54%.
Top destinations in 2025
Overall demand remains strongest for these top five iconic destinations, with young travellers choosing trips focusing on culture, bucket-list backpacking routes, and social travel experiences:
1. Australia
2. Thailand
3. Indonesia
4. Vietnam
5. Philippines
How Gen Z travels
Travelling preferences and trends seen in the 18-30’s throughout 2025 include an average trip length of 12 days, and an average spend of £1,850. Over 75% of all travellers are travelling solo - showing how this age group have the confidence to seek these adventures without waiting for a friend or partner to go with them.
2026 travel predictions
Looking ahead to 2026, the regions expected to grow steeply in visits from 18-30s are Southeast Asia and South/Central America. Gap 360 reports an increase in new itineraries being added in these regions, due to demand from the sector.
Early indicators also show an emerging trend of the ‘post-uni adventurers’ - an increase in travellers booking longer trips in their late 20s, rather than taking a traditional pre-university gap year. Shorter working holidays of one to three months are also now more common than year-long commitments.
Jane McLellan-Green, co-founder of Gap 360, said: “Young people aren’t waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ to travel anymore — they’re choosing experiences that fit around real life. We’re seeing a huge rise in shorter adventure trips; post-university travellers who want to see the world before settling into long-term careers; and the culturally curious choosing exciting and adventurous new destinations. This generation of travellers are joining tours solo, they’re choosing authentic experiences over resorts, and they’re embracing challenge, culture and community when they travel.”
For more information visit gap360.com