Holidays used to be about making memories. But for younger generations they seem to be about making their peers jealous – whatever the cost.
Nearly three quarters of Gen Z and millennials admit that capturing social media content is the most important factor in planning a trip, which they will go on even if they cannot afford it.
On average Gen Z go over budget on holiday by £2,200, but that would appear to be the price to pay if you think documenting every aspect of your lives is a generational expectation – as 90 per cent do.
Almost six in 10 admit to going into the red to pay for a trip. And seven in 10 say they feel obliged to go on holidays they can’t afford.
‘Cocktail at golden hour’ is the top post, according to younger Britons (30 per cent), followed by ‘the airport tipple’ (27 per cent) and ‘the holiday dinner table’ (23 per cent).
Other moments Brits are breaking the bank to post are ‘the classic mirror selfie in hotel lift’, ‘the gelato close up’ and ‘showing off your #booktok by the pool’.
Funds are also spent by a quarter of the youngsters on exclusive beach clubs (25 per cent), and they have bought holiday outfits that have left them short of cash (23 per cent).
Gen Z have even gone as far as to use their student loan to pay for a holiday (18 per cent) or take out a loan to cover the expense (14 per cent).
Nearly three quarters of Gen Z and millennials admit that capturing social media content is the most important factor in planning a trip, which they will go on even if they cannot afford it
And the holidays come in thick and fast – with Gen Z and Millennials claiming they’re expected to fork out for an average of seven trips a year, research by holiday company First Choice found.
Yet nearly four in 10 (39 percent) say there is a definite wealth gap between them and richer pals, while 71 percent feel obliged to go on trips they don’t have the cash for.
And as many as 57 percent feel embarrassed if they can’t afford it, while 38 percent feel upset seeing holiday plans unfold on a group WhatsApp chat knowing they will struggle to go.
But breaking the bank may be worth it for some, as 27 per cent said that regular holidays are the key to a happy life.
Kevin Nelson, MD of First Choice, says: ‘Our research highlights a real struggle young Brits face in trying to balance their social aspirations with financial realities.
‘First Choice is here to redefine the group holiday experience, demonstrating that you absolutely can have that incredible, shared adventure – full of fun and amazing memories – without compromising your bank balance.’
