Gen Z isn’t waiting to take their next trip—they’re booking adventures as early as possible. As of 2025, Gen Z travelers are likely to take longer trips than their millennial counterparts, despite being younger and statistically earning less. This fall, Gen Z travel searches are up 26 percent, with many travelers booking international vacations across all continents.
As young travelers jet-set around the world, one destination has emerged as the most popular spot. According to Airbnb, Paris is the top destination for Gen Z travelers this fall.
Paris has always been an iconic European capital, and it’s a must-visit destination for many. For first-time visitors, the city offers classic, idyllic experiences such as having a picnic by the Eiffel Tower, touring the Louvre, or cruising down the Seine. Also, in line with the set-jetting trend, Gen Z favorites like Ratatouille, Emily in Paris, Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again, and The Summer I Turned Pretty have all used the City of Love as a backdrop.
By booking their trips during the shoulder season, Gen Z travelers are aiming to make travel more affordable and less crowded. According to a recent Focaldata survey, 80 percent of Gen Z travelers reported that affordability plays a large role in their fall travel decisions. That’s why fall 2025 presents a perfect opportunity to explore wish-list luxury destinations without peak-season crowds or prices.
As travel experts seek to understand the fastest-growing market in the industry, it’s important to note that Gen Z is the most diverse generation in history. This makes it difficult to fully categorize or homogenize their travel behaviors.
However, when it comes to travel, Gen Z tends to favor more sustainable, culturally rich experiences over traditional party-focused trips. In Paris, for example, they are more likely to local-driven activities like cooking classes, flea market visits, or museum days.
In the Airbnb study, Paris is followed by Osaka, Japan; Dubai; Miami; and Porto, Portugal. This list highlights a clear trend: affordable luxury. Gen Z isn’t settling for traditionally budget-friendly destinations—they’re choosing iconic, culture-rich cities during the off-season.
