Skyscanner Reveals Nearly Half of India's Gen Z Ready for First Independent Trips Abroad

The global travel marketplace, Skyscanner has revealed a strong desire for travel among India's Gen Z (aged 18-25) in its latest report, ‘First Trip with Skyscanner’. According to 2,000 respondents, nearly half (47%) of the population are eager for leisure trips abroad, without parents or guardians, fueled by their deep desire for exploration and new adventures (49%). Interestingly, financial independence is key to Gen Zs, with a whopping 81% choosing to plan their first overseas adventure after landing their first job or receiving their first paycheck.

The first overseas trip is a significant milestone for numerous young adults worldwide. While many travel overseas as a graduation celebration or to study abroad, for most Indians, it only becomes a reality after landing their first job. Reports reveal, 2 in 3 young Indians are diligently saving, while 1 in 5 utilize buy-now-pay-later options to attain their travel dreams sooner.

The results of this survey, conducted in March 2024 focuses on the travel behaviours and factors considered by Gen Z in India for their first independent trip without their parents or guardians. By understanding the preferences of students,  Skyscanner aims to assist young travellers by providing them with valuable resources to plan effectively ahead of their trips and find the best deals.

Mohit Joshi, Travel and Destinations Expert of Skyscanner stated, “Gen Zs in India are passionate about exploration! Whether they desire to seize the opportunity of semester breaks and long weekends to fuel their wanderlust (42%) or celebrate special milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations (39%), their passion for travel is undeniable. As their travel companion, Skyscanner wants to empower them to turn their travel dreams into reality by assisting them with the necessary resources and tools, ensuring their first trip goes without a hitch. Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or using the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool, can help save an average of 32% on flights for Indian travellers.”

First Trip with Skyscanner Report: Key Highlights

• Gen Z Thrives on Experiencing Life's Grand Spectacles: About 46% of GenZ are inspired to jet off overseas to experience concerts, sports events, and other big cultural events, to witness life's defining moments. A major drive for GenZ travellers is stepping outside their comfort zones and immersing themselves in cultural exploration. Over half (51%) of these travellers see travel as a chance to break free and immerse in new cultures, thus expanding their horizons.
• Not just in landscapes, Indians need their greens even on their plates: For most young travellers, food is an integral part of the travel experience. The excitement to explore extends well beyond destinations with Indians doing detailed research to find vegetarian-friendly options and restaurants (43%) that offer a top-tier culinary experience tailored to their dietary preferences.
• Meticulous planning is a hallmark of Gen Z: Gen Z travellers embarking on their first trip abroad, prefer planning everything. Almost 3 in 4 Gen Z prefer having their itineraries (76%) and return tickets (73%) booked when planning their first trip. This generation is budget-conscious, with over half (51%) prioritising finding affordable flights and accommodation for their first overseas travel.

Skyscanner’s Price Alert feature keeps the planners updated about any changes in flight prices through notifications ensuring they secure the best deals. Additionally, utilising Skyscanner’s Whole Month search will also be helpful in identifying the cheapest day of the month to travel with just a few clicks.

• Permission Slips & Travel Tips: Skyscanner found that young Indian travellers are turning to their trusted circle of friends (65%) and family (48%) for valuable travel advice, contrary to popular belief that Gen Z leans towards social media (34%) for travel advice. Seeking approval from parents & guardians to plan a trip might seem unusual to many, but it is a common practice for Indians. 58% of young travellers feel confident about securing their permission to go on a trip.
• Safe Travels, Happy Travels: About 63% of Gen Z tourists and travellers prioritise safety over budget when exploring the world without parental guidance. Interestingly enough, more than half (59%) of young Indians prefer popular destinations over off-beat locations for their first trip. They seek a balance between exploration and preference for these well-trodden paths and the comfort of familiar surroundings. In fact, this desire for familiarity may prompt 66% of these travellers to embark on their first trip without their guardians, either in a small group or with their romantic partners.
• Europe Captures the Hearts of Young Indian Travellers: Many Indian Gen Z travellers are drawn to Europe's vibrant cultures and historic landmarks. Over 40% list Europe as their top destination to travel and explore. The allure of iconic sights, charming, cobbled streets, and diverse experiences are particularly captivating with nearly half (21%) having their hearts set on the United Kingdom.

Top Preferences of GenZ for Travelling Abroad

Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature reveals the cheapest destinations for preferred travel dates for young travellers who are open to spontaneous exploration globally. In addition, ‘Multi-City Flight Search’ allows travellers to search for up to 6 routes simultaneously when planning their trips. This l enables them to find the best combination of flights and timings to suit their budget.

Monika Guwalani, a former investment banker turned travel content creator, highlights the important role of financial freedom when planning your travel. She says, "Embracing travel dreams needs smart money moves. Just a few months ago, I swapped my 9-to-5 job for a digital nomad lifestyle that I lead with financially savvy hacks. There are many ways in which you can embark on your path to wanderlust too, without breaking the bank. Start by building your travel fund like a treasure chest, setting aside a portion each month. As a traveller, I swear by Skyscanner’s tools that help me bag a bargain in many ways. The brand is always coming up with innovative ways to help with travel planning, it launched a ‘Saved’ feature recently on the mobile app, where you can curate your dream destinations with a simple tap of the ‘heart’ button and receive timely alerts on price changes. It's like having your personal travel assistant, ensuring you're always in the know. Opting for destinations during off seasons can also save you money on flights, accommodation, and even attractions. Plus, you'll often enjoy fewer crowds and a more authentic experience! Mixing and matching the airlines and airports you choose to fly with to and from can also seriously cut costs. Remember, flights don't always need to be booked as round-trip - embrace flexibility and strategic planning, to keep your budget grounded.”

For further information, please refer to the full report provided or access the First Trip content resource hub created for travellers here.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel, helping travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects with millions of travellers in 52 countries and 32 languages to more than 1200 trusted travel partners to assist them in finding the best flight, hotel, or car hire options.

Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching more than 80 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed, powered by data and insights. Skyscanner is committed to helping shape a more responsible future for travel in collaboration with our partners, so that every traveller can explore our world effortlessly for generations to come.

Click here to read more about planning your first Trip with Skyscanner