Discover why Japan and Europe are topping Gen Z’s travel lists, featuring insights from influencers like @oyehaug and @wheretofindme.
In recent years, Gen Z travelers have been redefining global tourism, seeking destinations that offer unique experiences, cultural richness, and Instagram-worthy moments. Among their top choices are Japan and various European countries, celebrated for their blend of tradition, modernity, and vibrant street cultures.
Japan: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Japan’s appeal to Gen Z is multifaceted, combining ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. The country’s diverse offerings cater to various interests:
- Culinary Delights: From sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market to street food in Osaka’s Dotonbori district, Japan offers a gastronomic adventure.
@brunabear still drooling over everything #tsukijioutermarket #tsukijifishmarket #streetfood #tokyo ♬ original sound – Bruna Bear
- Cultural Festivals: Events like Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri provide immersive cultural experiences that resonate with young travelers.
@reo_film 京都の美しい場所🚶The next station is …Kyoto⛩️🚃 京都で行ってみたい場所はどこですか？ Where would you like to visit in Kyoto? Would you like to walk through the beautiful cityscape of Kyoto at night? 📍京都/ 🇯🇵Kyoto Prefecture #祇園 #京都 #kyoto ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – ウツセミ
- Urban Exploration: Cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer vibrant street fashion scenes, aligning with Gen Z’s affinity for unique styles.
The Japan National Tourism Organization reports that Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly drawn to Japan’s blend of modernity and tradition, with 28% favoring adventure holidays and 16% opting for backpacking styles.
Europe: A Tapestry of Cultures and Experiences
Europe’s diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes make it a playground for Gen Z explorers. Countries like Italy, Spain, and France offer:
- Historical Sites: Landmarks such as Rome’s Colosseum, Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, and Paris’s Eiffel Tower attract history enthusiasts.
@juliatraveltips Colosseum secret viewpoint perfect for taking pictures😍 Location in the video🤍 #rome #colosseum #viewpoint #secretlocation #crowded #summer #traveltiktok #travel ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra
- Art and Architecture: Cities like Florence and Amsterdam are hubs for art lovers, showcasing Renaissance masterpieces and unique architectural styles.
- Festivals and Events: From Spain’s La Tomatina to France’s Cannes Film Festival, Europe’s events calendar is packed with activities that appeal to young travelers.
Influencers Shaping Gen Z’s Travel Choices
Social media influencers play a significant role in shaping travel trends among Gen Z. Their authentic content and relatable experiences inspire followers to explore new destinations. Notable travel influencers include:
- @oyehaug: With 199.4K followers, this account showcases breathtaking Norwegian landscapes, inspiring outdoor adventures.
@oyehaug Early morning in Norway🧊
♬ Bjorn Returns Home – Trevor Morris
- @wheretofindme: Boasting 248.3K followers, this profile offers glimpses into luxurious and unique hotel stays worldwide, fueling wanderlust.
- @jacob: Known for stunning visuals from destinations like Bali and the Maldives, this influencer’s content appeals to luxury travel enthusiasts.
- @mgtenazas: With 1.5M followers, Mikki Tenazas shares high-end travel experiences, making luxury destinations accessible to a broad audience.
@mgtenazas Is this the most awesome villa in the world? Can’t get enough of this slide! #fyp #foryou #sonevajani #maldives #tiktoktravel #travel #luxury ♬ original sound – Mikki Tenazas
Here are some notable travel influencers based in Japan and Europe who offer unique perspectives and inspiring content for travelers:
Japanese Travel Influencers:
- Bilingirl Chika (@bilingirlchika): Chika, fluent in both English and Japanese, shares her travel experiences with her family, providing insights into destinations worldwide. Her content often includes English travel tips, catering to both Japanese and international audiences.
- Solo Solo Travel (@solo_solo_travel): This YouTube channel focuses on solo travel adventures across Japan, featuring various transportation modes and accommodations, from luxury sleeper trains to capsule hotels.
- EXIT JACK (@exitjack): Known for exploring both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations, EXIT JACK offers thrilling travel experiences, including visits to unconventional and sometimes risky locations.
- La Carmina (@lacarmina): A blogger and TV host, La Carmina delves into alternative and Gothic fashion, travel, and subcultures in Japan and around the world, providing a distinctive cultural perspective.
- Kubotabi (@kubotabi): With a significant following, Kubotabi shares captivating travel content, offering followers a glimpse into diverse destinations and experiences.
European Travel Influencers:
- Ryan Losasso and Jade Beaty (@live_thedash): This duo left their corporate jobs to pursue full-time travel content creation. Their TikTok account, @live_thedash, has amassed a substantial following, where they share travel reviews, budget tips, and engaging challenges.
- Ashley Swallow (@ashleyswallow): Based in South Australia, Ashley Swallow utilizes Instagram to document her travel adventures, collaborating with brands and providing followers with inspiration for both international and local explorations.
- Omar Nok (@omarnok): An adventurer who completed a 46,239 km journey across Asia without flying, documenting his experiences on Instagram, where he gained a significant following.
These influencers offer diverse travel content, from solo journeys and cultural explorations to adventurous expeditions, providing valuable insights and inspiration for travelers worldwide.
Conclusion
Japan and Europe offer Gen Z travelers a blend of cultural richness, modern attractions, and unique experiences. Influencers on platforms like TikTok amplify these destinations’ appeal, providing authentic insights and inspiring content. As Gen Z continues to seek meaningful and shareable travel experiences, these regions are likely to remain at the top of their ‘Fk It List’.
FAQs
- What makes Japan appealing to Gen Z travelers? Japan’s mix of traditional culture, modern attractions, and vibrant street scenes resonates with Gen Z’s desire for unique and shareable experiences.
- Which European countries are popular among young travelers? Countries like Italy, Spain, and France are favored for their rich histories, diverse cultures, and lively festivals.
- How do travel influencers impact Gen Z’s travel decisions? Influencers provide authentic content and relatable experiences, inspiring their followers to explore new destinations.
- Can you recommend some travel influencers to follow? Influencers like @oyehaug, @wheretofindme, @jacob, and @mgtenazas offer inspiring travel content that appeals to Gen Z audiences.
- What types of content do Gen Z travelers prefer? Gen Z gravitates towards content that showcases unique experiences, cultural insights, and visually appealing destinations.
