Favourite Gen Z Travel Destinations
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are significantly shaping the travel industry with their unique preferences and values. A recent survey highlights that guided tours are experiencing a revival among these younger travelers who appreciate local expertise when exploring new places. In fact, 81% of Millennials and 80% of Gen Z are likely to book a guided tour in the coming year.
Here are some of the guided tours gaining popularity with Gen Z and other travellers:
New Zealand Guided Hiking:
Adventure Life offers a 15-day small-group tour exploring both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. This includes opportunities to see glow worms in Waitomo's caves, experience Māori culture and geothermal wonders in Rotorua, trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, enjoy the beaches and native forests of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and take in the glacial landscapes and marine wildlife of Milford Sound.
Girona Road and Gravel Riding, Spain:
The Cycling House provides a seven-day tour around Girona, Spain, known as a cycling mecca. Guests can explore world-class roads or gravel paths, including routes along the Costa Brava, through farmlands and vineyards, and into the foothills of the Pyrenees. The tour includes accommodations in a large villa and chef-prepared meals.
Cruising Ancient Turkey:
Peter Sommer Travels offers an eight-day "Cruising to Ephesus" tour along the coast of ancient Caria and Ionia on a traditional gulet. Led by an expert guide, the tour visits archaeological sites such as Iasos, the sanctuary of Zeus at Labraunda, Miletus, the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, and Priene. A highlight is Ephesus, with its monumental squares, marble roads, a 25,000-seat theater, the Library of Celsus, and Terrace Houses.
Historic Arizona Ranch Stay:
The Kay El Bar Guest Ranch, located north of Phoenix and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been hosting travelers for over a century. Activities include guided horseback rides or UTV tours through the Sonoran Desert and Hassayampa River, cattle work, sport shooting, archery, and hiking. Guests can also relax with a swim or a drink in the adobe lodge.
Guided Big Sky Wonders, Montana:
The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky, Montana, serves as a basecamp for adventures near Yellowstone National Park. Guests can arrange guided tours of Yellowstone's natural wonders and wildlife, go fly fishing or rafting on the Gallatin River, or enjoy dog sledding and snowmobiling.
Alaska Northern Lights Adventure:
Gondwana Ecotours offers an eight-day tour focused on local culture by day and aurora borealis photography at night. Highlights include dogsledding, curling lessons, meals with homesteaders, soaking in hot springs, snowshoeing, and having tea with reindeer herders.
Luxury RV and Bicycle Tours, Utah:
Escape Adventures, in partnership with Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals, provides multi-day guided cycling tours by luxury RV. These tours offer a blend of home comforts and active travel thrills. Initial itineraries are six-day multi-sport trips in Canyonlands and Arches national parks and Moab, Utah, for road or mountain biking.
Play Cowboy in Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming: Ranchlands has opened the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch, allowing guests to immerse themselves in ranch life. Activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking. Accommodations are safari-style tents with comfortable furnishings, and meals are prepared by a private chef using local ingredients.
Amazon and Galapagos Getaway, Ecuador:
This 11-day journey combines the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands from Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel, with yacht trips to other nearby islands. The Amazon portion includes guided jungle tours from Sacha Lodge to discover diverse wildlife.
In addition to guided tours, the influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha is also shaping broader travel trends, with a focus on sustainable travel and seamless technological integration. These younger generations are eager for new experiences while also prioritizing environmental protection and community support. They are also increasingly engaged in "quiet vacationing," where they secretly work from holiday destinations, highlighting the demand for connectivity and flexible work-travel arrangements. Businesses are also seeing benefits from work-related travel, with Gen Z employees particularly inclined to take less annual leave if they can travel for work.
