A recent survey by Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) has revealed a significant shift in travel behavior, with nearly 70 per cent of young travelers preferring spontaneous trips over meticulously planned itineraries.
This trend is particularly noticeable in the Middle East, where a growing number of young residents are embracing the thrill of last-minute getaways.
The Rise of Unplanned Adventures
Traditionally, travel required months or even years of planning. However, the survey found that 69 per cent of respondents intend to travel at least twice in the coming year, while 22 per cent plan to embark on three or more trips annually. This shift highlights a newfound flexibility, enabled by technology, affordable flights, and a dynamic social culture.
Lebanese national Jad Azar reflected on this change, comparing his experiences with those of older generations.
“I often wonder if my father’s generation had the same freedom to just pick up and go. My friends and I can plan trips to Oman, Egypt, or Turkey in just a week—it’s thrilling every time.”
He credited technology and cheaper flights for making such spontaneous travel feasible.
Travel Concerns Take a Backseat
Despite the excitement, young travelers remain aware of potential travel disruptions. The study found that 71 per cent of respondents cited flight delays or cancellations as their biggest concern, while about 50 per cent worried about lost or damaged luggage. However, these risks have not deterred them from embracing unplanned adventures.
Kashish Sachdeva, a 26-year-old Dubai resident, shared her perspective:
“The pandemic changed how we view life—many of us now take three to four short trips a year. We’ve visited Goa, Sri Lanka, and even India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) on impulse. The ease of booking and last-minute deals make travel incredibly accessible.”
However, she admitted that travel insurance is often an afterthought.
“We just go with the flow. It’s different from how our parents planned trips. Maybe our generation needs to exercise a bit more caution.”
Experience Over Possessions
Industry experts confirm that Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this shift. Rashida Zahid, VP of operations at Musafir.com, noted a 10-12 per cent increase in bookings among younger travelers in the past six months.
“This group typically plans just a few weeks in advance and prioritizes experiences over material possessions,”
she explained.
Bonnie Tse, CEO of Blue Cross, emphasized that young travelers are fearless and driven by a sense of adventure. However, he pointed out that their lack of awareness about travel protection is concerning.
“Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It mitigates risks such as flight delays, lost luggage, and even medical emergencies.”
A New Era of Travel
The growing preference for spontaneous travel marks a new era in tourism, driven by technology and a changing mindset. While excitement and freedom are key motivators, experts urge young travelers to balance spontaneity with caution, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience.
News Source: Khaleej Times
