Have you ever wondered why your grandchildren always seem on the go?

In an age where experiences often trump material possessions, it's no surprise that the allure of travel is stronger than ever, especially among the younger generation.

According to a recent report by Skyscanner, about 53 per cent of younger Australians choose to travel over other life experiences, signalling a shift in their priorities and spending habits.

The report, which surveyed 1,000 Australians aged 18 to 25, offered a fascinating glimpse into this age group's travel habits and preferences.

The wanderlust bug appears to bite early, with many young adults viewing their first independent trip as a rite of passage.

More than half have embarked on such an adventure before turning 21, and at least one in three plan to do so soon.

Australians between 18 and 25 prioritise travelling to explore and experience new things. Image Credits: Pexels/Malte Luk, Tranmautritam

For many of these young explorers, their first solo voyage is more than just a holiday; it's a defining moment.

Skyscanner Travel Expert Jarrod Kris noted that inaugural trips often coincide with significant life events and a time of independence and self-discovery.

Skyscanner's report aimed to understand and support these young travellers by providing them with the tools and resources to plan effectively and snag the best travel deals.

The report also sheds light on the gender dynamics of travel within this demographic.

Young Aussie women are leading the charge, with 62 per cent of them have travelled or planning to travel overseas, compared to 56 per cent of their male counterparts.

Interestingly, 35 per cent of these young women took their first independent trip before they were 18. In comparison, only 27 per cent of males under 18 have travelled without a parent or guardian.

Surprisingly, only 20 per cent of young Aussies were influenced by movies and social media when it came to travel decisions.

Instead, they turn to more traditional sources of advice—about 60 per cent of these young travellers consult their parents or guardians for travel tips.

Looking to the future, about 58 per cent of the surveyed group considered travelling as a way to work interstate or overseas for a period.

This trend reflects a broader desire among young people to explore the world as tourists, potential residents, and employees.

Nearly 40 per cent of these travellers use their first trip abroad to scout future living and working destinations.

When funding these adventures, younger Aussies showed a strong sense of financial independence.

Almost 70 per cent of travellers use their savings to finance their first trip overseas, while the remaining 26 per cent rely on their parents' money.

This Skyscanner report highlighted young Australians' priorities and the importance of travelling to gain experience.

The opportunity to explore new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life is an invaluable investment in one's personal growth.

For seasoned travellers, this trend may inspire plans to travel with your grandchildren and share the joy of discovery across generations.

For those young at heart and eager to embark on new journeys, remember that it's never too late to explore the world.

Key Takeaways

• A Skyscanner report indicated that 53 per cent of Gen Z Aussies made travelling a priority.
• The report surveyed 1,000 young Australians aged between 18 and 25, many of whom made their first independent trips before age 21.
• The report allowed Skyscanner to provide resources to help young travellers make their travel plans more affordable.
• The survey revealed that young Australian women are more likely to travel. Most young Aussies relied on personal savings to fund their trips. At the same time, a significant portion travelled to explore opportunities for living and working interstate or overseas.

What do you think of this trend among younger Aussies? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.

 

[marni]

If they have lived and saved at mum and dads. Who is actually financing the trip? Then come back and complain they cannot afford this or that. We went bush and bought a small house to set up our future. Still managed to have adventures overseas when our family became independent. But to each their own as there is so much more welfare out there

 

[MariaG]

I can see the desire to travel being a drawcard for young people, but gee whiz, at some stage on needs to decide on the pathway their life will take.
Footloose and fancy free is nice, but it is fleeting. When the fledgelings come home to roost, how many of them actually get their ducks in a row instead of relying on mum and dad to foot the bill while they decide who they are and where they are going.
There comes a time when the bank of mummy and daddy goes out of business, then what?
I'm not saying all of the X gen are the same, however the stats are there.
Mind you, I think the prospect of venturing out to find a chosen career interstate, or overseas, is a worthy character building venture. More kids might benefit by going that way.

 

[Johan van Zalen]

I did my first trip around Australia in 1983 when I was 25 it took 4 1/2 years and my first overseas trip in 1996 and then a few others after mostly on my own

 

[Suzanne rose]

My kids love to travel but they work and save hard.

My eldest son who is 42 next week. Worked hard paid off his house and now goes to Greece every July

My 24 year old son workd hard and is in a very pressured job. He works some days 8am to 7pm .
He lives at home, he has a large deposit for a house , he pays my electricity and water bill . And is heading to Greek islands next Saturday for a well deserved holiday with his girlfriend.

Nothing wrong with holidaying as long as you can afford it.

I'm glad my kids are not into the club scene.
My 24 year old son and my 23 year old daughter prefer going out with their partners for a nice dinner or week end away.

My 19 year old and 21 year olds when not studying or working are homebodies

 

[Penny4]

I see nothing wrong with young people travelling if they can afford it.

 

[Aurore]

Organisations such as Rotary provide opportunities to travel overseas and immerse teenagers in another culture.
Rotary Youth Exchange Australia provides an opportunity of a lifetime for Australian high school students to live & study abroad.

You'll spend up to 12 months living and studying in a foreign country, learning a lot about yourself and the culture of your adopted host families. Applications are now open for travel in 2025.

Home - Rotary Youth Exchange Australia