Travel & Living

Gen Z Travel Destinations For Every Young Jet-setter

Gen Z is ready to jet-set across the world, and here's where they want to go.

Overlooking the city of Lisbon, Portugal
Photo via Getty Images.

When it comes to traveling, Gen Z has become quite the young worldwide connoisseurs. Whether reclining on a beach or reclining across cliffs on a zip line, this generation's vacation habits are quickly becoming significant for the tourism and travel industries. Rather than visiting the same hotspots, Gen Z travel destinations opt for hidden gems, seeking out authentic experiences to be had outside the scope of social media-crazed tourist traps. That means once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, the perfect blend of cultural and exciting while also relaxing and meaningful. 

As Gen Z grows older and begins traveling outside of redundant family vacations, many unique destinations are sure to excite a new generation. So pack your luggage, book those flights, and keep scrolling for our pick of Gen Z travel destinations for every young jet-setter.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Gen Z travel destinations amalfi coast
Photo: Getty Images

The Amalfi Coast has become the influencer destination for young travelers looking for relaxation and bliss on the gorgeous cliffsides of Italy. Young travelers are looking for a combination of meaningful and popular destinations with unique, undercover opportunities to explore, which makes the Amalfi Coast the perfect Gen Z travel destination. With wonderful off-the-beaten-path gems, the Amalfi Coast isn't only utterly Instagramable, but also a great place to get away. Go sailing on the coast, visit the Blue Grotto in Capri, or check out the delicious food that makes Italy so yummy: wine, olive oil, pizza, and pasta. Many celebrities and influencers alike have traveled to the Amalfi Coast, using their social media platforms to advertise the spot as a gorgeous and special place to visit.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Photos: Getty Images

With its colorful buildings and cool streetcars, it's easy to see why some call Lisbon, Portugal, the San Francisco of Europe. The city is incredibly accessible, and many ex-pats live in Lisbon, making it an ideal destination for young travelers looking to get a lot of bang for their buck. Beyond the easy access and location, Gen Zers also like plenty of excitement, and Lisbon is happy to provide. From urban street art to natural landscapes to artsy bars, Lisbon is more than just cobblestones and terracotta rooftops. Check out the coast of Costa da Caparica or go to the Monsanto Forest Park to get out in nature. The weather is also some of the most temperate in Europe, with the temperature remaining one of the highest in Europe into the winter. 

Bangkok, Thailand

Gen Z travel destinations Bangkok Thailand
Photo: Getty Images

Bangkok, Thailand has also become a popular Gen Z-approved travel destination. As a bustling city, Bangkok is popular for its own unique spots and also because many use the city as a great gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia, jet-setting to other countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. The huge city, complemented by rugged mountains and beaches, boasts delicious food and stunning architecture. When someone from Gen Z travels, they want to be fully immersed in the culture, and what better way to do so than trying a scorpion from a street food vendor or exploring the ancient temples. With floating markets like Khlong Lad Mayom and Taling Chan, it's easy to explore Bangkok in so many ways, from boats to the buzzing steet.

Barcelona, Spain

view of park guell Barcelona, Spain
Photo: Getty Images

A must-see travel spot for any age, Barcelona has emerged as a widely popular Gen Z travel destination. The gorgeous scenery makes the city so picturesque, like the Sagrada Família, an architectural feat of towers. Also, be sure to check out the street of La Rambla and Palau de la Música Catalana. Walking down the city, stained glass and tiled floral motifs surround Barcelona in color. Relax by the beach, get some great food, and end the night by going to one of the many renowned clubs and bars that make Barcelona's nightlife so exciting. From terraces overlooking the coast to that infamous stuffy feeling that makes clubs feel so alive, there are many ways to enjoy a night out in Barcelona. Count up all the fun ways to spend the day, too, and it's clear Barcelona is a perfect destination for Gen Z. 

Marrakech, Morocco

Gen Z travel destinations Marrakech Morocco
Gen Z travel destinations Marrakech Morocco
Photos: Getty Images

When Gen Z travels, they know how to seek out places with immense culture and buzzing with life. So, it makes sense that Marrakech, Morocco is so popular. Rich in history with so much to do, Marrakech is also easily accessible from parts of Europe. Because of the city's location, European and African influences both permeate the culture through its food, music, and architecture. Marrakech is known for its sprawling and colorful markets, like Jemaa El-Fna Square in the Medina. It's easy to get lost in the stalls filled with the inviting scent of spices. Not in the mood to shop? Explore the streets and take a look at the iconic mosaics, filling the city with vibrance. 

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia
Photo: Getty Images

Gen Z likes adventure, not satisfied with sitting still too long and doing nothing. Bali, Indonesia, presents the perfect opportunity to take a risk and try new things while also enjoying some time to relax when needed. Adventure tours make Bali exciting, from snorkeling to diving to rafting. When in need of a break, the waves crashing at Nyang Nyang Beach or the sound of falling water at waterfall sites create the perfect idyllic spots. Also be sure to check out the cliff tops of Nusa Penida, explore the rice terraces surrounding Ubud, and visit cultural sites like temples. No matter where you go, there are so many opportunities for photos and unique memories, filled with fun and culture.

Lima, Peru

Lima Peru
Photo: Getty Images

Looking for a spot in the Western hemisphere? Check out Lima, Peru as a great Gen Z travel destination. So many parts of the city make Lima an exciting place to visit, from the beautiful beaches to the great weather and yummy food. Its proximity to both the Andes Mountains and the rainforest means that there's food to try from all over the country, like seafood. Lima has developed an emerging art and fashion scene, like the MATE Museo, founded by Mario Testino to bring Peruvian artists to a worldwide audience. The museum even includes a permanent exhibit of the renowned fashion and portrait photographer's work. According to the World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation, Lima ranks third on a list of top cities favored by Gen Z in a study published this August. With its culture and arts, it's clear Lima deserves the hype.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Photos: Getty Images

When Gen Z travels, it's all about slowing things down by speeding things up to get the most out of their adventure. By spending time in the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan, young travelers can get so much from even a short stay. Visit the techy and exciting exhibits and the busy centers of the city, like TeamLab Planets, a collection of digital art installations. For a more cultural experience, Tokyo boasts the gorgeous gardens of oriental greenery that make Japan so special, or check out the Sakurai tea experience. With so much to do during the day, it might be too exhausting to even think about nightlife in Tokyo, but the late-night wards like Shibuya make the city very accessible for young people and travelers.

London, England

London, England
Photo: Getty Images

For Gen Z travelers just looking to go across the pond, London is a great travel destination full of history. Who wouldn't want the royal treatment in London, a city fit for a queen and king. Cultural sites like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle give young travelers a taste of the history of London, while the iconic West End theater district and various teatime shops make the arts and culture scene so much fun. The city is also a great place for students, whether looking to attend university or spend a semester abroad, thanks to plenty of highly ranked schools. English students, especially, can expect plenty of joy thanks to London's literary hub, from Charles Dickens to Virginia Wolfe and Oscar Wilde. Great shopping and fun places to walk around puts London high on the list of Gen Z travel destinations.

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