Travel is no longer just about getting away from it all. For Gen Z, it has become a means of self-expression. A study conducted by Skyscanner in July 2025 reveals that 85% of this generation believe that travel directly influences their personal style, compared with 74% across all generations.

This influence even shapes their choices: 71% of 18-24-year-olds would consider choosing a destination on the strength of its fashion culture. More than just a leisure activity, travel has become a genuine source of inspiration. Discovering local style, visiting fashion exhibitions, and hunting for vintage pieces are integral to their trips.

Nearly 43% explore vintage boutiques and 47% visit fashion-related museums or exhibitions abroad. To find the best spots, young travellers rely mainly on social media (71%) and influencers (45%).

Sita Abellán, a stylist and DJ, illustrates this trend well: “I often travel to find new inspiration, discover designers or unearth hard-to-find vintage pieces.” An approach that reflects this generation’s quest for authenticity, favouring experiences over mass consumption.

But fashion is not the only driver of travel. Beauty and wellbeing are also priorities. The “Glow-trotter” phenomenon describes young people who want to look after themselves while exploring the world.

According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report, 55% of Gen Z plan to seek out beauty treatments or products when they travel. Nearly 43% have already travelled for a beauty service, and 45% have tried treatments abroad, whether manicures or facials.

Motivations vary: self-care (44%), a desire to try new things (34%), lower prices (28%), and discovering local beauty cultures (28%). TikTok and social media play a key role, directly shaping these travellers’ desires.

Finally, artificial intelligence is becoming part of this new way of travelling. With tools such as ExplorIA, Skyscanner now makes it possible to plan a trip according to one’s passions: fashion, beauty or skincare.

57% of French 18-24-year-olds already trust AI to organise their trips. Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, underlines this trend: “Travel is becoming an expression of self. Integrating AI into travel is a response to this need, enabling everyone to find their next ‘glow-up’ destination with ease.”

For Gen Z, travel is much more than a journey; it’s a complete experience, combining exploration, inspiration and self-affirmation.