Skyscanner Finds That Gen Z is Carving a Bold New Era of Travel

Skyscanner, a leading global travel booking site, has released its 2026 Travel Trends report, highlighting the cultural forces and emerging behaviors that will define how Gen Z travels in 2026.

Gen Z Travel Mindset
- Personalization first:
They prioritize experiences aligned with passions (beauty, art, food, outdoor adventure, self-care) over traditional tourist milestones.

- Social media influence:
Viral trends like BookTok, GRWMs, and “girl dinner” inspire destinations and trip planning.

- Tech-forward approach:
Nearly 72% of Gen Z are confident using AI for destination inspiration, itinerary building, and booking.

Seven Key Trends for 2026
1. Glowmads
- 40% plan to seek beauty treatments or skincare stores abroad.
- TikTok beauty content is a major catalyst for travel choices.

2. Catch Flights and Feelings
- 74% use travel to meet new people outside their local dating pools.
- One-third feel freer to connect and be themselves while traveling.

3. Shelf Discovery
- 33% plan supermarket tourism to explore everyday cultural experiences.
- Example: TikTok trend of visiting 7-Eleven in Japan for egg salad sandwiches.

4. Family Miles
- Multigenerational travel is rising:
- 52% travel with parents
- 28% with grandparents
- 37% with multiple generations together.

5. Altitude Shift
- 58% prefer mountain destinations year-round for peace and restorative nature.
- Hotspots: Dolomites, Annapurna, Canadian Rockies.

6. Beach 2.0
- 51% interested in beach vacations.
- Trending destinations: Madeira, Zadar, Olbia, Mykonos.
- Popular activities: wild swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, surfing.

7. Tech-Forward Travelers
- AI tools help Gen Z craft highly personalized itineraries.
- They use smart tools and social media to find deals and discover destinations.

Cultural Impact
Gen Z is rewriting the travel playbook:
- Travel is expressive, intentional, and identity-driven.
- They blend digital fluency with curiosity for authentic, everyday cultural experiences.
- Their choices are setting the tone for what global travel will look like in 2026 and beyond.