2019 looks set to be a year for ‘living in the moment’ for Generation Z. More than a third (36%) of 18-24 year olds are planning to take more short breaks in the UK and Europe in 2019 than last year new research has revealed*, with more than one in 10 (11%) planning to take a full ‘micro gap’ year – a travel trend focused on having regular new experiences and adventures close to home.
The YouGov survey involved more than 2,000 members of the British public in December and found that nearly a quarter of 18-24 year olds (24%) had a list of things to achieve or experience in the next year, compared to the 18% of respondents of all ages that had a ‘bucket list’ of travel or experience related goals to achieve within their lifetime.
The research, commissioned by Super Break, suggests It’s not just Generation Z that are seizing the day. Almost a third (30%) of Brits of all ages are also planning to take more short breaks in UK and Europe in 2019. In contrast, just 4 % were planning to reduce the number of short breaks taken and only 3% were planning to take a traditional gap year travelling to long-haul destinations.
The micro gap trend was unveiled recently by Visit England and VICE, as an affordable and flexible alternative to a long holiday. By taking regular breaks it provides opportunity to feel inspired, refreshed and experience adventure without the big budgets associated with gap years or difficult to negotiate extended periods of annual leave.
The most important factors when planning holiday and experience based travel according to 18–24 year olds are:
- Seeing new destinations that they have not visited before (60%)
- The opportunity to relax and slow down (54%)
- Sightseeing and ticking off seeing a cultural landmark (49%)
- Experiencing good value (40%)
- Eating local delicacies or at a particular restaurant (37%)
- The weather (33%)
- Having an adventure or experiencing a physical activity while away such as skiing, hiking or surfing (32%)
- Being able to post frequent traveler photos on social media (16%)
- Experiencing luxury (16%)
- Attending a cultural performance or event (15%)
Another important factor for respondents of all ages planning their leisure time is the opportunity to meet new people via group trips and excursions. This was the most important factor for 12% of 18-24 year olds and those aged 55 plus equally, suggesting universal appeal for adding in-destination experiences to travel bookings.
To inspire those planning their series of short breaks for the year ahead, the survey also asked respondents of all ages to share the travel experiences they would like to have for the first time in 2019:
- See a natural phenomenon, such as the Northern Lights (41%)
- Eat at a Michelin star restaurant (18%)
- See an opera performance (12%)
- Visit a top attraction such as Disney World (12%)
- Attend a major sporting event such as Wimbledon (11%)
- See a ballet performance (10%)
- Attend a music festival (10%)
- Go to a comedy show (10%)
- Attend a major music concert (6%)
- Attend a football match (6%)
Katherine Scott at Super Break commented: “January is the perfect time to plan the year’s travel experiences, and it’s interesting to see young people are looking closer to home than the backpackers that went before them when it comes to choosing their ultimate break. The UK and Europe offers a treasure trove of incredible destinations to discover, sights to see and experiences to get involved in –we hope everyone planning their first micro gap adventure has a memorable trip away.”
For more inspiration and to book, simply visit the Super Break website or call 0800 042 0288.
