2026 Travel Boom: Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Spending More on Epic Adventures Than Ever Before!

Published on February 11, 2026

In a time of economic uncertainty, Millennials and Gen Z are defying the odds and prioritizing travel more than ever. According to the latest findings from Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026, a staggering 88% of global travelers plan to either maintain or increase their travel budgets in 2026. This study not only sheds light on the resilience of these younger generations but also reveals a growing trend toward experience-led travel and multi-destination journeys, especially in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, which is setting the pace for global travel growth.

Travel Remains a Priority Despite Economic Challenges

Despite the rising cost of living and global economic uncertainty, the desire to travel remains unshaken, especially among younger generations. Marcus Yong, Vice President of Global Marketing at Klook, notes that “Travel has remained resilient despite the rising cost of living. What we are witnessing is a fundamental shift in how travelers evaluate value. Instead of cutting back, they are spending smarter, prioritizing richer experiences, flexible itineraries, and deeper discovery.”

This trend is particularly noticeable in APAC, where travelers are showing a 50% higher intention to increase travel spending compared to their counterparts in Europe and the United States. The findings highlight APAC’s dominance as the world’s growth engine for travel, with an increasing number of travelers seeking both international and local experiences.

Rising Interest in International Travel and Multi-Destination Journeys

Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026 also reveals that nine in 10 global travelers are planning an international trip in 2026, with many opting for multi-destination journeys. Asia Pacific travelers are leading the way in this trend, with two-thirds of travelers planning to visit multiple destinations per trip, signaling a significant shift away from the traditional one-stop itineraries.

This change in travel behavior reflects a broader preference for exploration and discovery rather than sticking to the usual tourist hotspots. Major cities are no longer the sole destinations of choice; they have become gateways to a broader range of experiences in lesser-known locales.

APAC Gen Z Leads the Way in Experience-First Travel

When it comes to prioritizing spending, APAC Gen Z travelers are at the forefront of the experience-first mindset. These travelers are much more likely to increase spending on experiences compared to their counterparts in other regions. They value authenticity and seek deeper cultural and personal connections, actively looking to explore destinations off the beaten path.

For example, while Japan remains one of the most sought-after destinations globally, travelers are increasingly choosing to explore not just Tokyo but also secondary locations like Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Nagoya. These destinations offer less crowded spaces, cultural depth, and more distinctive local experiences—perfect for those looking for a more meaningful travel experience.

Affordable Adventures: Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Spots Gaining Popularity

The desire to explore new destinations is not just about novelty but also about value and affordability. Travelers are increasingly drawn to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations. In fact, 42% of travelers cite authentic local experiences as the primary driver for exploring new locations, with 39% seeking to discover hidden gems.

This growing interest in lesser-known destinations extends beyond Asia to other parts of the world. Cities such as Cairns and Hobart in Australia, Baix Llobregat in Europe, and Sharjah and Hurghada in the Middle East are seeing a rise in popularity, as travelers prioritize distinctiveness and local culture over repetitive mainstream spots.

Social Media and AI: Driving Travel Inspiration and Action

The travel planning process has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of social media and artificial intelligence (AI). According to Klook’s findings, 80% of global travelers say social media directly influences the destinations or experiences they book. Social platforms have become a major source of inspiration, providing travelers with real-time access to recommendations, photos, and reviews that help shape their travel decisions.

Simultaneously, AI has emerged as an indispensable tool in the travel planning process. A remarkable 91% of global travelers now use AI for tasks like trip research, translation, itinerary organization, and budget management. This combination of social media influence and AI practicality is reshaping how travelers discover new places and organize their trips.

Social media serves as the spark for inspiration, while AI provides the practical tools to filter destinations, plan itineraries, and manage travel budgets. This dynamic duo is enabling travelers to move from viral inspiration to validated discovery, making the planning process smoother and more efficient.

A Year of Intentional and Distributed Travel

The trends highlighted in Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026 signal a shift toward more intentional and distributed travel, with travelers focusing on experiences over material purchases. As Millennials and Gen Z prioritize richer, more immersive experiences, they are willing to spend on activities and adventures while cutting back on shopping and material goods.

This year, travel is being reshaped by these younger generations’ preferences for flexible, experience-driven journeys. From multi-destination trips to a preference for local cultural immersion, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of deeper exploration, with travelers opting for vacations that offer both value and meaning.

Conclusion: The Future of Travel is Experience-Driven

The travel industry in 2026 is being redefined by a new generation of travelers who are spending smarter and opting for experiential value over traditional tourism. As Millennials and Gen Z continue to shape the future of travel, destinations that offer authenticity, affordability, and meaningful experiences will thrive. Social media and AI are also playing pivotal roles in inspiring travel and making the planning process easier, allowing for more intentional and distributed travel.

For the travel industry, the message is clear: to capture the interest of these travelers, destinations must evolve to offer experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions and offer opportunities for genuine cultural exchange and discovery.