• Nearly a fifth (17%) of Gen Z’s desire to travel is linked loneliness or mental health struggles

• Outdoor pursuits – surfing, trekking, diving – appeal most (43%) whilst partying has slipped down the agenda (18%)

• Nearly three-quarters (70%) won’t drink alcohol, or see little value in doing so

• Youth travel agency KILROY have launched a collection of “Quarter-Life Quests” transformative travel experiences for twenty-somethings

In a surprising shift, new research into Gen Z's travel plans(1) reveals a growing trend towards mid-career breaks and a notable departure from traditional party-centric student travel of previous generations. And forget South-East Asia(2), Europe is the place to go.

According to youth specialist travel agency, KILROY(3), “Quarter-Life Quests”, defined as mid-career gap years(4) taken in your early to mid 20’s, have become just as common as gap years. The survey of 1,000 Gen Z considering extended travel revealed that almost a quarter (24%) of extended trips are planned as a break from working – the same number as before beginning university highlighting a profound change in how the younger generation views and plans their early career.

Whilst the previous millennial generation typically headed for Southeast Asia, two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) are more interested in staying closer to home in Europe(5). Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (54%) and North America (45%) follow Europe as desirable destinations, while India and the Subcontinent (20%), the Middle East (19%) and the UK (9%) are least desirable.

Travel intentions are solidly focussed on health and wellbeing with nearly a fifth (17%) citing feelings of loneliness or mental health struggles as a key motivator to travel. What’s more, one in two (50%) wish to grow as a person so it’s no surprise that outdoor pursuits – like surfing, trekking, and diving – are high on the list of priorities for almost half (43%) followed by sampling local cuisine (41%), exploring architecture (28%) and learning a new language (24%). Conversely, almost three-quarters (70%) will stay sober(6), seeing little value in drinking, contradicting precious stereotypes.

It comes as KILROY has announced a collection of Quarter-Life Quests, perfect for those looking for transformative travel experiences with likeminded travellers.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information contact: emma.smalley@wearebottle.com / 07809230449

(1) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk/about-us/press/gap-year-travel-report)

(2) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk/destinations/asia)

(3) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk)

(4) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk/planning-and-inspiration/travel-guides/gap-year-travel/gap-year-planner)

(5) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk/destinations/europe)

(6) (https://www.kilroy.co.uk/planning-and-inspiration/travel-guides/gap-year-travel/sober-travel-guide)

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