By Fathima Rukaiya,

Gen Z is traveling more in 2026, prioritizing experiences over luxury, short international escapes, pop-culture destinations, outdoor adventures, and places that are highly shareable on social media. Food, wellness, festivals, nature, and “learn-as-you-travel” experiences (like cooking classes or beauty workshops) are shaping where this generation goes next.

Below are the destinations Gen Z is expected to travel to the most in 2026.

1. Japan

Japan offers the perfect blend of ultra-modern cities and deep tradition. Anime culture, fashion districts, street food, temples, and efficient public transport make it ideal for young travelers to explore independently.

Things to do

• Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku Street fashion, thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa, digital art museums, themed cafes, latenight ramen spots
• Osaka: Dotonbori food streets, nightlife, Universal Studios Japan
• Day trips: Kyoto temples, Nara deer park, Mount Fuji viewpoints
• Cultural experiences: tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, hot springs (onsen)

Approximate rates per person

• Budget: per day can range from $45 to $80
• Midrange: $120–220 per day
• 7-day midrange trip: $900–1,500 (excluding international flights charges)

2. South Korea

K-pop, K-drama locations, beauty shopping, cafe culture, nightlife, and coastal escapes make South Korea a Gen Z favorite.

Things to do

• Activities: Hongdae street shows, Gwangjang Market, café hopping, K-beauty shopping, and nighttime views from N Seoul Tower in Seoul
• Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and seafood markets in Busan
• Experiences: skincare workshops, jjimjilbang (sauna), and Korean cooking classes

Estimatedrates

• Budget: $35–65 per day
• Midrange: $90–160 per day
• 5–7 day trip: $500–1,100 (excluding flights)

3. Portugal

Portugal has affordable European charm, beautiful scenery, an exciting nightlife, walkable cities, and a vibrant youth hostel lifestyle.

Things to do:

• Lisbon: tram rides, sunset views, pastel de nata tastings, Alfama district walks
• Porto: riverfront cafés, vibrant old town, wine cellars
• Day trips: Sintra palaces, neighboring surf beaches
• Nightlife: rooftop bars and reasonably priced partying

Estimated pricing:

Budget: $40 – 70 per day

Midrange: $100 – 170 per day

Five-day trip: $600 – 900 (not including flights)

4. Mexico

Mexico combines affordability, rich culture, incredible food, and beach escapes. It’s ideal for both city explorers and wellness travelers.

Things to do

• Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Museum, street taco tours, markets, rooftop dining, street art
• Tulum: cenote swimming, beach clubs, yoga retreats, ancient ruins
• Food experiences: taco crawls, local markets, cooking classes

Estimated rates:

• Visiting Mexico City: $35–100 per day
• Tulum: $80–160 per day
• 7-day city & beach trip together: $700–1,400

5. Bali, Indonesia

Bali remains a top destination due to low daily costs, wellness culture, beaches, and socialmediafriendly cafes and villas.

Things to do

• Canggu&Uluwatu: surf lessons, beach clubs, sunset cliffs
• Ubud: rice terrace hikes, yoga retreats, cookery workshops
• Wellness: spa days, meditation, sound healing
• Culture: temple tours, traditional dance performances

Estimated rates:

Budget: $20–50 per day

Midrange: $70–140 per day

Oneweek trip: $500–1,100 (long-haul flights excluded).

6. Greece

Gen Z is shifting away from chaotic islands and toward quieter, reasonably priced Greek locations with genuine local culture.

Things to do:

Sea caves, beaches, and trekking on islands including Samos, Kefalonia, and Halkidiki

Food: traditional tavernas, seafood, regional wines

Mainland Greece: ancient ruins, rural stays, seaside road trips

Approximate Rates:

Budget: $40 – 80 per day

Midrange: $90 – 170 per day

Meals in smaller towns: $7 – 14

7. Costa Rica & Panama

Travel with a focus on nature is rapidly expanding. Adventure seeking Gen Z tourists are drawn to rainforests, wildlife, surfing, volcanoes, and eco-lodges.

Things to do:

• Ziplining through rainforests
• Volcano climbs and hot springs
• Surfing lessons on Caribbean or Pacific coasts
• Wildlife viewing and eco-lodges

Estimated rates:

Budget: $45 – 80 per day

Midrange: $100 – 180 per day

Adventure tours: $40 – 120 each activity

How Gen Z Travels

• Most prefer short but frequent trips
• Mixes budget stays with a few “splurge” experiences
• Choosing destinations that offer culture + nightlife + nature
• Uses public transport, street food, and shared stays to keep costs low

*Rates mentioned above can tend to vary, do recheck before going.