Is Gen Z ditching booze-fuelled vacations for sober explorations? Recent findings from Flight Centre Travel Group's (FCTG) State of Student and Youth Travel Report suggest so, with 83% of Gen Z open to alcohol-free vacations—a refreshing trend shaping travel.

Gone are the days of wild nights and hazy mornings. Today's young travellers are more interested in culture, adventure, and self-discovery. Contrary to the party-centric vacations of previous generations, only 21% of Gen Z prefer clubbing while vacationing. Instead, 70% prioritize sightseeing and city activities, with another 68% emphasizing cultural exploration.

These preferences indicate a broader trend among this demographic, who seek diverse, well-rounded trips that avoid hangovers.

So, what's fuelling this shift? Key reasons include:

• avoiding unsafe situations (66%)
• preferring to spend money on other experiences (55%)
• fear of spoiling the next day (53%)
• an increased risk of being a victim of crime (45%)

Moreover, a quarter (28%) are deterred by the fear of something embarrassing being posted on social media.

But it's not just about avoiding alcohol. A separate study by FCTG and YouGov highlights that community connection (33%) and meeting like-minded travellers (24%) are top priorities for Gen Z, further underscoring an inclination towards building meaningful relationships and engaging in socially enriching activities while travelling.

"Gen Z is transforming travel," shares Chadd Andre, Executive Vice President of Flight Centre. "This generation's shift towards alcohol-free vacations is not just a trend, but a profound change in how they experience the world. It's not just about where they go, but how they engage with local cultures, prioritize personal well-being, and build meaningful connections along the way."

As Gen Z continues to redefine what it means to travel, Flight Centre is dedicated to offering personalized journeys. Our expert travel agents are ready to guide young Canadians on trips that resonate with their values and aspirations.

• Cultural: Tailored packages focused on historical sites, museums, and local art scenes.
• Nature: Thrilling experiences like hiking, kayaking, and the great outdoors.
• Foodie: Tours exploring flavours from around the world.
• Solo: Safe destinations that foster self discovery.
• Wellness: A perfect combination of wanderlust and wellness.

For more information, visit flightcentre.ca.  

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About Flight Centre Travel Group  
The Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is one of the world's largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers. The company has been in the Canadian market since 1995 and is headquartered in Brisbane. The company employs about 15,000 people globally and has company-owned leisure and/or corporate travel business in 25 countries. Flagship leisure travel brands in Canada include Flight Centre, Envoyage, Student Universe and Laurier DuVallon. The company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1995. Today, it has a market capitalization in the order of CAD4.1 billion.   
 

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Flight Centre Travel Group's State of Student & Youth Report conducted through Attest Consumer Research, reaching a total sample size of 6,000 young adults (1,500 from Canada, Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. each). Respondents were aged 18-25 and in full-time education. 

**Figures from YouGov Plc reached a total sample size of 4,050 adults (803 from Canada, 822 from Australia, 801 from New Zealand, 801 from the U.K., and 823 from South Africa.). Fieldwork was undertaken between December 12–20, 2023. The survey was carried out online and commissioned by FCTG. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Gen Z and Millennials (aged 18-42).