Gen Z On The Go: Transforming Travel Through Connection and Authentic Experience

Michael Chmielewski
Predict
Published in
4 min readMay 29, 2023

Imagine this: A 22-year-old, let’s call her Zoe, is planning her next adventure. She’s part of Generation Z, the digital natives born into a world where information is always at their fingertips. She’s not just looking for a vacation; she’s seeking an experience, a chance to immerse herself in a new culture, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime. She’s not alone. This is how Gen Z travels.

Gen Z Travel Behavior: The New Normal

Unlike the generations before them, Gen Z doesn’t just pack a bag and go. They’re planners. They research, they compare, they curate. They use online communities to get insights from others who’ve been there and done that. They want to know the best places to eat, the hidden gems off the beaten path, the experiences that will give them a real taste of the local culture.

This meticulous planning is not just about making the most of their time. It’s about ensuring that their travel experiences align with their values and interests. They’re not just looking for beautiful sights; they’re looking for meaningful experiences. They want to learn, to grow, to be challenged. And they know that the best way to do that is by immersing themselves in the local culture.

And when they meet people on their travels? They stay connected. Thanks to social media and messaging apps, keeping in touch with people from around the world has never been easier. For Gen Z, these connections don’t end when the trip does. They’re just the beginning.

These digital connections allow them to continue learning and growing even after they’ve returned home. They can keep up with the lives of the people they’ve met, learn about their cultures, and even plan future trips together. It’s a way of keeping the spirit of travel alive, even when they’re not on the road.

Local Over Touristy: The Gen Z Way

But perhaps the most defining characteristic of Gen Z travel is their preference for local experiences over traditional tourist activities. They’re not interested in ticking off the top 10 sights listed in a guidebook. They want to know what it’s like to live in the places they visit. They want to meet the people, try the food, understand the customs. They want to be travelers, not tourists.

This desire for authentic experiences is transforming the way we travel. It’s no longer about seeing the most famous sights or doing what’s popular. It’s about finding the experiences that resonate with us, the ones that allow us to connect with a place on a deeper level.

For Gen Z, this means seeking out the hidden gems that only locals know about. It means trying the street food, attending local festivals, and learning about the local history and culture. It’s about seeing the world through the eyes of the people who live there.

Brane: A Tool for the Modern Traveler

This is where platforms like Brane come into play. Brane is more than just a social connection app. It’s a tool for the modern traveler. It helps Gen Z travelers like Zoe find like-minded people, both travelers and locals, wherever they go.

With Brane, Zoe can connect with people who share her interests and passions. She can find locals who can show her the real side of the city, away from the tourist traps. She can find fellow travelers to share experiences with. And when she returns home, she can stay connected with the people she’s met, keeping those bonds alive long after the trip is over.

Brane is not just a tool for connection; it’s a tool for discovery. It allows travelers to discover new places, new cultures, and new experiences through the eyes of the people who know them best. It’s about breaking down barriers, bridging cultural gaps, and fostering a sense of global community.

The Future of Travel is Here

As we look to the future of travel, it’s clear that the old ways won’t cut it. The new generation of travelers demands more. They want authenticity, connection, and shared experiences. And with tools like Brane, they can have it.

So, whether you’re part of Gen Z or just a traveler at heart, it’s time to embrace the new way of travel. It’s time to connect, to share, to experience. It’s time to find your people, wherever in the world they may be. Because travel is not just about seeing new places. It’s about experiencing them, with all their quirks, charms, and challenges. And most importantly, it’s about the people you meet along the way.

Go ahead. Plan that trip. Connect with locals. Make new friends. And remember, no matter where you go, with Brane, you’re never alone. You’re part of a global community of travelers, explorers, and dreamers. And together, we’re transforming travel one connection at a time.

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Michael Chmielewski
Michael Chmielewski

Written by Michael Chmielewski

Head of Growth @ https://day1x.io - Australia's lowest fee crypto exchange. Co-Founder @ https://brane.app - Connecting like-minded locals and fan group chats.