GENERATION ADVENTURE
Last year, as the UK cautiously contemplated the end of lockdown, Student Beans wrote about pent-up demand. We observed how students’ appetite for fashion, food and fitness had only increased during the various COVID restrictions. At that pivotal moment in Spring 2021, young people did have the opportunity to socialise once more – but two key sectors were notably left out.
Only now, as 2022 progresses, are events and travel able to regain their footing. 79% of Gen Zs plan to take at least one holiday this summer – and a brave 5% want to go on 5-10 holidays. This is a time for students to put their long summer break to good use – perhaps by joining onto the family holiday – but it’s also their chance to step out into the world alone.
What are you looking forward to doing during the 2022 summer holiday period?
Source: Student Beans user survey, December 2021
“My friends and I are quite big on festivals. I really set aside a fair whack of money just for tickets, and various things. Other than that, I’m planning on going to Berlin, so occasionally holidays are quite a big thing as well. Other than that, I really enjoy camping and walking, those sorts of things.”
Ed, 18
History and Politics student, Sheffield
Are you planning to go to a festival in 2022?
So, what does a Gen Z’s holiday plan look like? “I tend to check Youtube videos because there’s some travel vloggers that review places”, explains Fathiat, an 18-year-old future medical student from Essex. “I also do research on the country, the place, what type of environment it is, and how much money I would need to bring”.
Fathiat’s approach reflects a wider trend among Gen Z adventurers – they may be up for a holiday, but they like to plan ahead. Our research shows that i. They are also financially-savvy when it comes to holidays – 77% look for discounts when planning their travel and accommodation, and 1 in 3 do this every time.
When it comes to planting the seeds for Gen Z travel opportunities, remember to think outside of the box. There are of course traditional European getaways, but many young people will be freshly acquainted with uni friends, and looking to travel further afield. Adventure-style holidays will be hugely popular in 2022.
