Gen Z Are Ditching the Club 18–30 Era as 47% Choose Emerging Destinations in 2026

Dragonpass explains why cultural immersion and emerging destinations are replacing traditional under-30s package holidays.

• 47% of Gen Z actively seek emerging, lesser-known or trending destinations

• 50% seek cultural immersion holidays where they live like a local

• 53% increasingly choose hobby-focused or activity-based trips over traditional beach holidays

• 40% prefer or prioritise solo travel and feel confident planning trips alone

• 31% say travel is a higher financial priority than saving for a home

• 26% say they often book the next trip immediately after returning

From Package Holidays To Cultural Immersion

A decade ago, package holidays defined youth travel. In 2016, over 55% of 18–24-year-olds took a package holiday abroad. All-inclusive, wristband-style trips were central to under-30s travel culture.

New findings from Dragonpass, show under-25s are now moving decisively away from that model. Younger travellers are prioritising emerging destinations and culturally immersive stays over hotel-centric formats and predictable party hotspots.

Nearly half actively seek lesser-known locations, while half want to live like a local rather than stay in hotel bubbles. A majority are building trips around hobbies, food, culture or specific interests instead of default beach formats.

Five destinations that highlight this shift:

Montenegro

Interest centres on Kotor Bay and Durmitor National Park, combining coastline, hiking and historic towns over resort complexes.

Albania

The Albanian Riviera and historic cities such as Gjirokastër are attracting travellers looking for value, food culture and locally run stays rather than package strips.

Cape Verde

An Atlantic option built around music, water sports and island-hopping across São Vicente and Sal, aligning with flexible, experience-first itineraries.

South Korea

Trips are built around neighbourhood culture in Seoul such as Hongdae and Itaewon, alongside Busan’s coastal districts, reflecting immersion-led planning.

Taiwan

A discovery-driven long-haul choice centred on Taipei’s night markets, island rail travel and nature routes such as Taroko Gorge.

A Generational Reset In Travel Behaviour

The findings above reflect a generational reset rather than a short-term shift. Gen Z holidaymakers are building travel around culture, hobbies and independent exploration, treating destination and accommodation as integral parts of the experience itself rather than fixed-format inclusions.

The Great British Take-Off index will continue to track how Gen Z behaviour reshapes airport usage, lounge engagement and loyalty expectations throughout 2026.