Gen Z’s Adventure Boom, By the Numbers

Recent research highlights just how enthusiastically Gen Z is embracing adventure travel and the outdoors:

• Outdoors over ordinary: Nearly 73% of Gen Z travelers cite sports and outdoor activities as their preferred way to vacation  – by far the highest of any generation. Adventure isn’t a niche for them; it’s the norm.

• Travel plans on the rise: A whopping 84% of Gen Z Americans say they will travel in the next 12 months, outpacing older generations (77% of Millennials)  . In short, virtually all of Gen Z is gearing up to go somewhere soon.

• More trips, bigger budgets: 65% of Gen Z plan to spend more on leisure travel in 2024 than they did last year , and 76% report greater interest in travel now than ever before . Their appetite for exploration is only growing.

• Joining the outdoor crowd: In North America, Gen Z’s presence in outdoor recreation is surging – their share of campers doubled in the past year, now making up over one-quarter of all campers . Youthful adventurers are flooding into parks, trails, and campgrounds at unprecedented rates.

In short, Gen Z is emerging as the “adventure generation.” They’re taking more trips, seeking wilder experiences, and prioritizing travel in their lives. This isn’t a passing fad – it’s a generational shift in how people choose to vacation and unwind.

Purpose-Driven, Transformational Travel

What’s fueling this boom? It’s not just adrenaline for adrenaline’s sake. Gen Z travelers are driven by values and personal growth as much as thrill. This generation views travel as a way to improve themselves and the world around them. An overwhelming majority of young adults (93%) agree that travel experiences positively impact their mental health and leave them feeling less anxious and more optimistic . For Gen Z, a mountain trek or a river rafting trip isn’t just fun – it’s restorative and transformational.

Crucially, these young explorers crave authentic, meaningful adventures. Half of Gen Z travelers say that immersing themselves in local culture is a top motivator when they choose a destination . They aren’t content with cookie-cutter tours; they want to connect with real people and places. This might mean learning traditional crafts from an indigenous guide, sharing stories around a campfire with local residents, or exploring hidden gems far from the typical tourist path. In fact, 84% of Gen Z are even open to visiting off-the-beaten-path alternatives to popular tourist hotspots  – opting for the unknown over the overdone. They seek transformational travel: experiences that change their perspective and foster personal growth.

Equally important is Gen Z’s commitment to sustainability. This eco-conscious cohort is acutely aware of their environmental footprint and social impact. An astonishing 91% of Gen Z prioritize eco-friendly travel options, and 43% specifically look for experiences that support local communities and cultures . They want their adventures to give back – whether that means choosing a tour that funds wildlife conservation or a trek guided by community members so tourism revenue stays in the village. Gen Z travelers align their adventures with their values, insisting that travel be a force for good.

Calling All Thrillmasters: Opportunity for Local Guides

For local adventure guides – the hikers, divers, storytellers, and explorers rooted in their communities – Gen Z’s travel revolution is a rallying call. This surge in young, eager adventurers presents an unprecedented opportunity, both emotional and economic, for those we call Thrillmasters. Emotionally, guiding Gen Z travelers can be deeply rewarding: you’re not just showing off a landscape, you’re changing lives. Each hike to a sacred waterfall or night under desert stars can become a transformative memory for your guests (and for you). Gen Z craves the kind of genuine connection and insight that only a local guide can provide. As one survey noted, Gen Z travelers are far more likely than the average tourist to seek out camping, outdoor activities, and other adventurous trips  – exactly the experiences local guides are passionate about sharing.

But it’s not just about inspiration and connection – there’s a real business case here too. Adventure travel and outdoor tourism are booming economically, and Gen Z’s involvement is turbocharging that growth. Consider the impact in local communities: campers (increasingly young) spent $52 billion in local areas across the U.S. last year, up $8 billion from the year before . Every surfing lesson, guided climb, or cultural tour that a Thrillmaster leads means money flowing directly into local businesses and families. By stepping up to guide this generation, you’re not only fostering understanding – you’re also earning income and boosting your hometown economy. Gen Z’s enthusiasm can translate into full tour groups and thriving guide businesses.

Xploreum is here to help guides seize this moment. Xploreum’s platform – built on the principles of transformational travel, local empowerment, and sustainability – connects passionate local guides (Thrillmasters) with the new wave of Gen Z explorers seeking authentic adventures. It’s a bridge between demand and supply: on one side, millions of young travelers hungry for meaningful, thrill-packed trips; on the other, skilled locals ready to share their expertise and heritage. Xploreum empowers you to reach these travelers, tell your story, and offer experiences that resonate with what Gen Z values. Whether you’re a mountain guide in the Rockies, a rafting expert in Oregon, or a cultural tour host in a First Nations community, Xploreum helps you meet Gen Z’s demand on your terms – emphasizing sustainable practices and genuine cultural exchange.

Embrace the Adventure

Gen Z’s love affair with adventure travel isn’t just a trend – it’s the future of tourism unfolding now. They are energized, idealistic, and ready to explore every corner of our planet in search of excitement and enlightenment. If you’re a local guide with a passion for the outdoors, now is the time to become a Thrillmaster. Share that secret hiking trail, teach that traditional survival skill, host that community trek – the audience is waiting and more eager than ever. By joining platforms like Xploreum and championing the travel experiences you believe in, you can ride this rising tide to new heights.

Gen Z travelers are knocking at the door, seeking thrills and transformation. Open the door – lead them on an adventure that will ignite their spirit (and yours). In doing so, you’ll not only make a living, but make a difference. The Generation Thrill era is here, and it’s calling on local heroes to guide the way. Will you answer the call?

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