Bobby Longlegs
10 Oct 2024
Generation Z is redefining post-COVID travel. As digital nomads or homebound creators, we embrace new trends like slow travel, AI-driven personalization, and sustainability. With social media guiding and shaping our experiences, we seek genuine connections over mere snapshots. Packing light and thinking consciously, we are exploring the world with a sense of responsibility and curiosity that’s reshaping the future of travel.
The world as we knew it turned upside down in 2020, but if there’s one thing we, Generation Z, have learned, it’s how to adapt. We’ve grown up in a digital revolution, matured through economic uncertainties, climate crises, and now, survived a global pandemic. Travel is our escape, our education, and our identity, but post-COVID, it looks a little different. We see new trends, and we’re reshaping how and where we travel, influenced by tech, AI, and social media. So, who are we really? The nomads chasing sunsets or the homebodies crafting virtual worlds? Let’s dive into what travel means for us today.
The World at Our Fingertips: New Travel Trends
Post-COVID travel isn’t just about hopping on a plane anymore. We’ve learned to appreciate slow travel, sustainable choices, and meaningful experiences. The days of ticking off “bucket-list” tourist spots are giving way to immersive adventures—learning, working, and living as part of a global, interconnected tribe. Remote work has made us wanderers in the truest sense.
The rise of digital nomad visas from countries like Estonia, Barbados, and Croatia means we don’t just travel—we set up camp wherever the Wi-Fi is strongest. But we also crave genuine cultural connections. It’s less about Instagrammable moments (though that’s still part of it) and more about staying in places long enough to understand their heartbeat. Local food, local people, local vibes. That’s where we find the real treasure.
And yes, we’re hyper-conscious of our impact. The flight-shaming movement may have started with millennials, but we’ve taken it to heart. More of us are seeking eco-friendly alternatives, like rail travel across Europe or road trips in electric vehicles. Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s our duty.
Influenced by the State of the World
The pandemic has made us hyper-aware of global inequalities and climate issues. We don’t want to be passive tourists anymore. We want to be part of the solution. Social responsibility is at the core of how we travel—whether it's volunteering, supporting local economies, or staying at eco-friendly accommodations.
The climate crisis has turned many of us into mindful adventurers. A 20-hour flight to Bali might not be as appealing when we can take a train to a lesser-known European town or go hiking in the Swiss Alps. The shift from long-haul flights to more localized, environmentally friendly travel options is happening fast. We’re not looking for excess; we’re looking for connection.
The Influence of AI and Technology
We grew up alongside the rapid rise of tech, and AI is the new frontier that’s changing the way we explore the world. From personalized travel apps that create bespoke itineraries to virtual reality (VR) that lets us “visit” far-flung destinations from home, AI is a game-changer. ChatGPT and other AI tools are helping us plan, while Google Flights and Skyscanner’s algorithms ensure we find the cheapest, most sustainable routes.
And AI doesn’t just stop at logistics. It’s seeping into our travel experiences themselves. We’re using augmented reality (AR) on our phones to enhance walking tours, translating street signs in real time with apps, and even curating AI-driven travel journals to document every step of our journey. But at the core, we’re still craving authentic human experiences, which AI, for now, can only assist us in finding, not replacing.
New Destinations: Discovering the World Anew
Post-COVID, travel has also opened up hidden gems that were previously overshadowed by the usual hot spots. Gen Z isn’t flocking to over-touristed places like Paris or New York anymore. Instead, we’re heading to places like Georgia (the country, not the state), Albania, and Uzbekistan. Off-the-beaten-path destinations feel more like undiscovered lands.
Whether it’s exploring the pristine landscapes of Patagonia or wandering through the remote villages of Kyrgyzstan, we’re all about places that still feel untouched by mass tourism. We want to experience the world in its rawest, most authentic form. And as new digital nomad hubs pop up in surprising locations like the Portuguese Azores or the Canary Islands, we’re getting more options to call these places our “office.”
Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword
We are the generation of TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and our travel habits reflect that. While social media has opened the door to more accessible travel inspiration, it also creates a pressure cooker of comparison. Everyone wants to visit the trendiest locations, and sometimes it feels like a competition to capture the perfect shot.
But many of us are starting to rebel against the superficiality. Yes, social media will always play a role in how we share our experiences, but we’re learning to balance it with deeper storytelling. Our captions are shifting from “Look where I am!” to “Here’s what I’ve learned.” Social media, for us, is less about showing off and more about sharing insights and connecting with like-minded people.
Who Are We? Nomads or Hermits?
This is where it gets interesting. COVID has split our generation into two distinct camps: the nomads and the hermits. On one hand, you have the digital nomads—those who packed up and never looked back, working remotely from a different country every few months.
On the other hand, you’ve got the hermits—the ones who discovered that staying home wasn’t so bad after all. The rise of “hometels,” where people rent homes specifically designed for long-term stays, is proof that some of us prefer the stability of home while still craving a change of scenery. We’re either setting out to explore the world—or creating our own worlds at home.
How We Pack: Minimalism Meets Functionality
When it comes to packing, less is more. Gone are the days of stuffing suitcases with everything we own. We pack light, and we pack smart. Versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, compact tech gadgets, and eco-friendly toiletries are essentials. Reusable water bottles, collapsible cups, and sustainably made backpacks are also must-haves. Minimalism isn’t just a trend; it’s a mindset that we apply to every aspect of our travel.
Our packing lists reflect our values. We don’t just think about what we’ll need—we think about how what we bring will affect the environment. Fast fashion is a no-go; we opt for sustainable brands. Travel-sized everything has been swapped for reusable containers and products that last.