Research uncovers generational differences when preparing for a trip abroad

06 July 2023 , 12:32

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Over a third of millennials admit they would not feel confident going travelling without access to mobile data (Image: Nitat Termmee/Getty Images)

Research has revealed how travel has changed for the younger generations – as over a quarter of Gen Zs (28%) reveal they have never even sent a postcard from a trip away.

The same number of 18-24-year-olds have never visited a travel agent, or studied a physical map to help them get around a foreign place – and 39% of this age group have never captured their holiday moments using a camera that required film.

As a result, the poll of 2,000 adults, who have travelled abroad, found that 27% of Gen Z adults admit to poking fun at older generations, like their parents, for the way they prepare for an overseas trip.

Other things that have never factored into travel for younger adults include foreign language phrase books, a “Rough Guide” guide book, and traveller's cheques.

And 17% have never worried about using mobile data while away, according to the research, commissioned by SMARTY – which has also created this quiz, to discover how switched on you are when it comes to getting about on your travels.

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Elin McLean, general manager at the mobile phone operator, said: “Travel has changed a lot, even in the last decade or so.

“People of a certain generation will remember that it doesn’t feel all that long ago that the inflight entertainment was limited, while meals on board a flight were free.

“But there are lots of other subtle changes that have happened to the way we travel – many of which have come about due to the launch of the smartphone.

“Our phones are an all-in-one map, translation guide, wallet, weather forecast, currency calculator, guide-book, and more. It can be a real lifeline, but when we can’t use our phones, we are – sometimes quite literally – lost.”

The research also found over a third of millennials (37%) have done just that, and got lost on a trip abroad – which is more than any other generation.

And 29% of people admit they’d lack confidence in going on holiday if they weren’t able to access mobile data while they were there – with this going up to 38% for>

Andrew Young