7 Unexpected Travel Destinations Gen Z Is Obsessed with for 2025

Generation Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—are shaking up the travel landscape this year, favoring unconventional destinations over traditional tourist hotspots. From hidden gems in the United States to remote islands abroad, these spots offer the perfect mix of culture and adventure. Adam Armstrong, the former CEO of Contiki, a travel company geared towards those aged from 18 to 35, told Newsweek that “younger travelers are diving into spontaneous and unconventional trips with a serious ‘if not now, when?’ vibe.” According to Contiki’s 2025 Voice of a Generation survey of over 1,000 Americans within the company’s target age group, 70 percent of travelers are considering booking last-minute trips that depart in less than 10 days. “Instead of sticking to the usual spots, they’re choosing under-the-radar destinations—think the Philippines instead of the Maldives or Albania over Croatia,” Armstrong said. “In fact, more than half of these travelers crave off-the-beaten-path experiences, valuing unique adventures over typical tourist attractions.” Here, Newsweek unpacks some of the destinations that Gen Z travelers are keen to explore in 2025.

To read what Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skylux Travel, notes, click here.