A lot has been said about Gen Z, the youngest generation of working Indians born between 1997 and 2012. From how much time they spend on their phones to how they are changing workplaces, the discourse around this generation has elicited a flood of reactions online, both good and bad.
But, do they do anything special or different while travelling? Outlook Traveller gleaned through surveys from 2024 onwards to understand if—and how—Gen Z are shaping the travel industry. Here’s what we found.
According to the latest data by Abhibus, a part of travel operator ixigoʼs business, Gen Z is redefining bus travel in India. Young people are leading a 76 per cent year-on-year increase in bus travel, with the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 seeing surge in bookings by 20 times—in fact, 50 per cent of bus travellers to Prayagraj were under 30 years of age.
Furthermore, destinations that young people took a bus to included the coastal city of Visakhapatnam (150 per cent year-on-year growth), Hyderabad (a 123 per cent year-on-year increase) and the holy city of Tirupati (108 per cent year-on-year increase).
The data revealed that Puducherry, Ooty, and Goa were among Gen Z’s top leisure choices, while Ayodhya, Srisailam and Varanasi saw a surge in spiritually minded people.
Unsurprisingly, Gen Z travellers are turning to social media for travel inspiration, according to a 2025 report by travel platform Agoda, with Instagram emerging as their go-to source (28 per cent). For this generation, digital platforms and tools like Google searches (20 per cent), travel blogs or vlogs (13 per cent), and travel apps (eight per cent) play a crucial role in shaping their travel decisions. However, despite the dominance of these digital sources, nearly 15 per cent of Gen Z in India still rely on recommendations from friends and family.
This was backed up by a Booking.com survey from 2024, which found that Gen Z relies on family and friends as trusted advisors, and their social media pages for where to go. It also revealed that the cohort prioritises value for money (51 per cent) by travelling outside the peak season (71 per cent) and considers unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences (72 per cent), such as skydiving and hot air ballooning, during their trip. They also enjoy travelling much closer to home, as seen in the 62 per cent of respondents who said they were likely to make a short domestic trip of one to four nights in India this year.
Indian Gen Z travellers are also embracing new technology, whether it’s trusting artificial intelligence (AI) to plan their itinerary (73 per cent), looking for tech amenities and services in an accommodation during their stay (76 per cent), or using technology as a means to keep vacation memories alive after their trip (35 per cent), according to Booking.com. They are also conscious about not contributing to over-tourism, with 68 per cent trusting AI to recommend places that are less “touristy” and off the beaten track.
According to Agoda, Gen Z finds inspiration in the digital realm, embraces spontaneity and values shared experiences when it comes to travel. Surveying 18-27 year olds, the findings revealed that beach getaways and island retreats are the preferred choice for the younger generation. While the allure of the Himalayas remains, the ocean wins by a narrow margin, with 26 per cent of Gen Z respondents preferring beaches compared to 25 per cent who favour mountains for their adventures.
According to a Skyscanner report from 2024, almost 50 per cent of Gen Z in India are planning for their first independent international trip, with over 80 per cent of them choosing to embark only after cashing in their first paycheck. The survey said that while two in three young Indians are diligently saving, only one in five utilise buy-now-pay-later options to make their travel dreams a reality sooner.
The report added that 46 per cent were inspired to jet off overseas to experience concerts, sporting events and other big cultural events, with 51 per cent seeing travel as a chance to break free and immerse themselves in new cultures.
For Indian Gen Z tourists, travel is a shared experience, with 41 per cent preferring to explore the world with a partner, according to Agoda. Group trips with friends (23 per cent) and family vacations (11 per cent) also rank high, underscoring the importance of connection and companionship in their journeys. This marks a generational shift from millennials, who prioritise family trips over other travel styles.
The Booking.com survey found that Indian Gen Z vacationers are open to solo travel, with nearly 65 per cent having travelled on their own in the last six months. Out of the people surveyed, only 65 per cent travelled solo in the last six months. However, 85 per cent of the total people surveyed plan to travel solo in the coming year, while still also embracing group travels with friends and family. For group vacations, 69 per cent are open to travelling with family, of which 61 per cent are likely to vacation with their parents, the survey found.
With regards to accommodation, it can be argued that Indian Gen Z-ers are creatures of habit. According to Booking.com, nearly 70 per cent admitted to returning to an accommodation that they enjoyed, while 66 per cent looked to stay at reliable hotels.
This generation also prefers seamless and convenient travel booking experiences that allow for making multiple bookings simultaneously. Thirty-seven per cent of Indian Gen Z-ers are likely to book their attractions and activities at the same time as their accommodation, while 63 per cent are likely to book their flights before booking their stay. When it comes to ticketed events though, 39 per cent of Gen Z are most likely to book them before booking accommodation.
The 2025 Agoda report backed up this data, too. It found that Gen Z embraces the thrill of spontaneity, booking flights and accommodations at the last minute more than any other generation. Over 30 per cent of surveyed Gen Z travellers booked their flights less than a week in advance, and 44 per cent made last-minute hotel bookings, showcasing their flexible and adventurous approach to travel.
Budget-friendly travel is key for Gen Z, according to the Agoda survey, with 64 per cent aiming to keep their accommodation costs under INR 4,200 per person per night and 24 per cent willing to spend INR 4,200-8,400 per night. This approach reflects a preference for value-driven travel, where younger generations prioritise experiences over luxury.
Gen Z's preference for prioritising high-value experiences and cultural events over run-of-the-mill tourist spots is a clear indication that in today’s world, having once-in-a-lifetime experiences (like these) wins out over material necessities. This is also reflected in the cohort's preference for budget accommodation instead of splurging on luxury stays. However, that could also be because this generation is continuing to build up its savings pool and does what is best for its wallet.
Stay tuned for further insights on how Gen Z is shaping the travel industry as they get older and wealthier.
(With inputs from multiple reports)