Going it alone? 74 percent of young Aussies would join a group trip solo

Contiki, the complete travel experience for 18–35s, has released the findings of its annual Voice of a Generation survey, offering insight into what motivates, inspires and challenges young travellers today.

The mission? To better understand a generation that’s often misunderstood and misrepresented.

Read the latest edition of AccomNews HERE

The survey explored a wide range of themes, from nostalgic travel and sustainability to celebrity travel companions and digital detoxing. More than 2000 Australians aged 18 to 35 took part — and the results paint a clear picture of a generation redefining how and why they travel.

Solo travel on the rise

The overwhelming majority of respondents expressed confidence in travelling alone. An impressive 74 percent said they had already joined a group trip solo, or would consider doing so in the future.

Travel over money (and even phones)

Are young people placing greater value on travel than ever before? The data suggests yes:

• 59 percent said they would give up a pay rise for more annual leave

• 89 percent said they would give up their phone in exchange for a free week-long trip

Where inspiration comes from

When it comes to travel inspiration, social media reigns supreme:

• Instagram – 68 percent

• Friends – 57 percent

• TikTok – 56 percent

Nostalgia also plays a powerful role, with 82 percent saying they have already taken — or would seriously consider taking — a trip to a destination they visited as a child.

Conscious travel and overtourism

Gen Z and Millennial respondents showed strong alignment in their values around sustainable travel, though financial pressures continue to influence decision-making.

• Nearly 60 percent said sustainability is important, as long as it doesn’t break the bank

• 23 percent would skip a bucket-list destination to help combat overtourism

• Over two thirds said they would strongly consider missing a dream trip to reduce pressure on overcrowded destinations

“This generation cares about travelling consciously, but cost still plays a big role,” said Toni Ambler, Chief Customer Officer at Contiki. “They’re looking for ways to make sustainability work within real-life travel habits, and that’s where we can help take the pressure off planning and add to the adventure.”

Read more about Gen Z in AccomNews HERE: The Gen Z stare: why this summer’s blank look might not mean what you think

Pop culture and personal wellbeing

Taylor Swift emerged as the top choice for celebrity travel companion across both age brackets.

Wellness also remains important on the road:

• 65 percent of 29–35-year-olds

• 59 percent of 18–28-year-olds

said maintaining their wellness routine while travelling was either very or somewhat important.

The humorous out-of-office trend

When it came to playful out-of-office messages:

• 22 percent of Millennials and 18 percent of Gen Zs said they’ve left one before

• 24 percent of Millennials and 22 percent of Gen Zs said they could never do it

Read the full report here: https://www.contiki.com/six-two/article/voice-of-a-generation-australia-2025/