With the recent news that millennials are turning their back on booze-filled holidays like Club 18-30, we spoke to group tour operator Topdeck Travel to find out exactly what this generation are looking for from their next trip abroad.
The death of the party holiday
The rise of multi-destination trips
Why visit one destination when you can visit two? With the rise of low-cost airlines and improved travel connections between destinations, travel savvy millennials can now work through their bucket lists in half the time. A recent survey from Topdeck uncovered that multi-destination trips are the most popular type of holiday for 84 per cent of young Britons.
Death of the party holiday
Historically, a week of sun, sea and drunken debauchery has been a rite of passage for students after finishing their exams. However, with the rise of social media, young adults are now acutely aware of the image they need to project to family members and prospective employers. Only 36 per cent of 18-35 year olds stated that they enjoy party holidays, compared to 71 per cent who prefer city breaks – highlighting the shift in the travel choices of this generation.
Preference towards activities
The social currency among friends of boasting about their latest escapades in unknown, hard to reach areas of the world has overtaken the conventional ‘fly and flop’ holidays. With just over two-thirds of 18-35 year olds (67 per cent) stating that they spend most of their money when travelling on activities and experiences, millennials are looking to show off where they’ve been and portray themselves as being well-travelled and cultural. Yoga retreats and cooking holidays are just some of the activities that young Britons are choosing to immerse themselves in.
The power of social media and networks
Thanks to the rise of social media platforms and high-quality phone cameras, we now look to our peers and favourite travel influencers to discover our next trip abroad. Research from Topdeck has also revealed that millennials receive inspiration for their next holiday from the recommendations of friends (62 per cent) followed by what they see on Instagram (56 per cent) and Facebook (54 per cent).
Hostels and quirky accommodation are leading the way
Hostels provide millennials with the benefit of cheaper accommodation costs and increased opportunities to meet like-minded travellers. Young Britons are most likely to stay in hostels during their travels – choosing accommodation that’s pocket-friendly but also full of quirky designs and stunning aesthetics. These über cool surroundings mean that millennials can instantly snap and show off their experience with their friends and family on social media – and the more unique the stay, the more likes and engagement they will receive.
Alternative destinations
While Spain and Italy remain firm favourites for young Britons wishing to unwind and relax, alternative destinations such as Japan and Iceland are gaining popularity among young adults in the UK. Booking data from Topdeck has also identified Iceland and Japan as some of the most booked destinations for 2018 as millennials look to swap partying for more authentic experiences.
For more information on Topdeck, visit: https://www.topdeck.travel/