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What the gap year looks like to Gen Z

Most often sandwiched between A-levels and the beginning of university, the gap year has traditionally been a formative time for young people to explore the wider world, learn about themselves and let off steam before continuing with their studies.

But Covid forced many secondary school and college leavers to consider a gap year for other reasons. 2020 and 2021 saw record numbers of young people deferring entry to university, and figures from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS) show that the popularity of the gap year increased again in 2023. There were 2,430 more 18-19-year-olds deferring their university places compared to the previous year. That’s an increase of 10.24%.

With the pandemic now behind us, what intrigues is what gap years look like to Gen Z. How do 18-27-year-olds view the traditional gap year? What are their attitudes and preferences? How do they approach their gap year travel planning?

Those are just some of the questions we wanted to answer. And so we commissioned a survey of 1,000 18-27-year-olds in the UK to shed light on what Gen Z gap year takers want from their time out, what concerns they have, and how new technologies and current crises are influencing their decisions.

The Gen Z Gap Year at a Glance

Purpose over Pleasure 

Gone are the days when a gap year was all about partying. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z prioritizes personal growth and cultural immersion over partying during their gap years. Only 6% are interested in partying, with a significant 64% considering a sober gap year. Stereotypes of young gap year takers drinking buckets of vodka Red Bull on a beach in Thailand are being replaced with a new image of health-conscious young travellers wanting to be clear-headed and able to enjoy the perks that come with going alcohol-free. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Perhaps one thing that hasn’t changed since the inception of the gap year is the chance to escape the stresses of daily life. And with a recent pandemic, a cost-of-living crises and the ever-present threat of climate change, it’s no wonder that Gen Z wants to use their gap year as a chance to improve their mental wellbeing. Travel is key to that, with 87% agreeing that travel positively impacts their wellbeing. Many are also considering reducing social media use to enhance their travel experience. 

Sustainability and Slow Travel 

Gen Z is conscious of the environmental impact of travel. They prefer slow travel, which allows for deeper cultural immersion and reduces stress. Sustainability is key, with many opting for eco-friendly travel practices. 

Financial Considerations 

The rising cost of living and travel has made financial planning crucial. 64% of 18-27-year-olds consider financial cost the number one concern when it comes to taking a gap year to travel. Many young people are choosing cheaper destinations, shorter trips, or incorporating paid work into their gap year plans to manage costs. 

Technology and Social Media 

While our parents might have relied on Lonely Planet to help plan their gap year abroad, Gen Z is turning to technology. AI tools like ChatGPT, and social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, play a significant role in travel planning and inspiration. These platforms help young travellers discover unique destinations and plan cost-effective trips. So much so that 80% of Gen Z turn to TikTok for travel inspiration.

 

If you would like to schedule a media interview about the study and its findings, please contact Hollie Youlden at [email protected]

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