5 star hotels don’t cut it for young travellers

A girl jumps into the sea in The Corn Islands June 16,2010. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas (NICARAGUA - Tags: SOCIETY TRAVEL IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Those young hooligans gallivanting around the world aren’t as frivolous as some might have you believe.

According to the latest survey from Topdeck, it’s life experiences and cultural enrichment that float their boat, not #selfies with the Eiffel Tower.

The 2015 Global Youth Travel Survey, which saw more than 31,000 people from 134 countries respond to a bunch of travel-related questions, has shown that young people are chasing more when they jump on that plane overseas.

The survey highlighted that only 2% of the Gen Y & Z crew would be happy to pay extra to sleep in a five star hotel, compared to 46% who prefer the social community found in hostels and shared spaces.

Experiencing new culture and eating the locals foods are what inspires travel in 86% and 69% of young people respectively, despite partying still ranking at a solid 44%.

Topdeck Travel’s general manager Sarah Clark said travellers aged 18 to 24 have higher expectations than those travelling back in the 70s, but this doesn’t necessarily translate to being spoilt.

“Connectivity, comfort, accessibility and a social atmosphere are what they look for,” Clark said.

“Travel is so much more accessible these days, youth travellers have grown up in a globally connected community where anything is possible or attainable.”

Clark added that now more than ever, properties around the world, especially Europe, were shaking things up to cater for this trend, opening modern base-line hotels and hostels in accessible locations.

But community isn’t the only driver for youth travel, with Clark saying food pulls serious rank in reasons to head abroad.

“There has also been a shift in young travellers seeking out local cuisines when they’re overseas, forgoing fast food for more authentic street eats.”

The results reflected this strong new trend, with more than 98% of young people ranking ‘eating local cuisine’ as something that was important when they travelled.

In terms of bucket list destinations, Europe still wears the crown for Aussie young guns, with 39% of travellers planning to head there next, but USA and Canada are close behind at a solid 21%.

More rustic Eastern European experiences are catching up to the traditional hotspots in the continent as well.

“They don’t just want to travel to see places; they travel to grow as individuals, experience new cultures and return home with a better understanding of the world,” Clark said.

“This year, our ‘Camping’ range has seen a 22% growth, indicating that travellers are still looking for quality budget style trips to ensure their dollars goes further.”

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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