New Delhi: Gen Z are proving that the age-old proverb “the journey matters as much as the destination” is true. Today’s youth are not just travelling for the sake of it, they is doing so intentionally, consciously and mindfully.
A recent report by the homestay company Airbnb titled “Never the Same” reveals how India’s Gen Z are rewriting travel. The report found that seven in 10 young adults prefer three short trips over one long annual holiday. With almost 87 per cent preferring trips that last under a week.
The report on Gen Z’s new rules of travel in India surveyed 2,012 respondents aged 18-29 across 11 Indian cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Goa. The study was conducted by the market research and data analytics firm YouGov on behalf of Airbnb, with fieldwork taking place in April 2026.
Apart from the groundwork, the study also included Airbnb internal data searches made in 2025 and between 1 May and 31 June 2026.
The joy of nothing
The Airbnb report found that two in three said that they travel with the intention of doing nothing. However, doing nothing is not laziness or a lack of ideas or joy, but simply winding down and relaxing.
Gen Z’s latest “chilling” philosophy can be traced back to the Italian philosophy of “dolce far niente,” meaning the sweetness of doing nothing.
But for Gen Z, travel is no longer about seeing something new—it’s about feeling like themselves. The report found that as a result, a new travel culture had emerged, one that was centred on mood, memories, and meaning. A majority (87 per cent) of the youth also said that the way they travel reflects who they are.
Another 92 per cent said that they want their destination and stay to reflect personal taste and not just what’s popular. An overwhelming 95 per cent said they want the trip to feel personal and unique, not pre-planned.
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Travel the Gen Z way
For young wanderlusters, small moments matter, not tourist attractions. For 90 per cent of travellers, the joy is hidden in finding unknown places rather than ticking off top attractions.
Gen Z now travels with three clear aims: uninterrupted time together, creating everlasting memories, and trying something new.
However, it is not just memories that matter, but comfort as well. A whopping 82 per cent said that accommodation was very important while planning a trip, and another 63 per cent said that they often choose a location for the accommodation rather than the destination. Almost 78 per cent admitted that they spend at least half their trip time at their accommodation.
As the world gets more frantic and unpredictable, so does Gen Z’s travel style. With 66 per cent of the youth choose to book their trips days and weeks in advance rather than months ahead.