Gen Z, millennial travelers shaping 2024 trends
Gen Zers and millennials are driving many of the travel trends forecast for 2024. FTLO Travel — which caters to solo travelers in their 20s and 30s with slow travel-style itineraries — has formed an understanding of how young travelers choose to explore the world.
FTLO shared with Travelpulse several 2024 trends that it’s seeing among younger generations.
Digital detox: Findings from Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report indicate a growing interest in “analog travel” among younger travelers, with 31% of 18- to 24-year-old Americans opting for non-digital cameras on their journeys. User searches for “digital detox” are also on the rise, up 80% on Pinterest.
Banishing loneliness: Loneliness has become a prevalent issue in the U.S., with the surgeon general even going as far as to label it an epidemic. This is particularly true among young adults under age 30, with about 25% reporting significant feelings of loneliness, according to a recent Gallup poll. Remote work setups have further exacerbated feelings of isolation, with 53% of Americans who work hybrid hours struggling to connect with co-workers, Pew Research Center found.
It’s unsurprising, then, that Skift’s Megatrends 2024 report predicts a surge in itineraries that facilitate more authentic and meaningful connections with both fellow travelers and destination locals this year.
FTLO has discovered that group travel serves as an effective remedy to loneliness, bringing genuine connections to participants.
Slow, responsible travel: Supporting Pinterest’s prediction of a rise in slow travel, Skift has also forecast the increased popularity of unique itineraries that encourage travelers to engage with locals. FTLO has found that its most sought-after trip activities include exploring local cuisines and participating in cultural experiences.