A new study has revealed what young people approaching 30 consider their top priority—and surprisingly, it’s not climbing the property ladder or walking down the aisle.
As they near this milestone birthday, Gen Z’s primary focus is on checking off a long-haul bucket-list trip.
Research from holiday company First Choice indicates that traditional life goals are losing their appeal among the social media generation.
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A significant portion, one in four young Brits, reported feeling “anxious” about turning 30 (27%), while a third (31%) admitted they should have accumulated more exciting life experiences by now.
Among those surveyed—aged 25 to 29—a quarter expressed a strong desire to step outside their comfort zone. The findings reveal that nearly half (44%) of young Brits are committed to taking a significant trip before reaching their 30th birthday.
Gen Z is placing bucket-list travel ahead of buying a home or getting married before 30, with Thailand, Barbados, and Mexico emerging as the most sought-after destinations, according to the First Choice study.
For this age group, jetting off on a major trip ranks higher (40%) than purchasing a house or getting engaged or married (36%) as a priority before they turn 30.
Over half of the respondents (58%) have only visited five countries or fewer.
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It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that many view turning 30 as a deadline for new travel adventures.
The top long-haul destinations on the wish lists of Gen Z and millennials include Thailand, Barbados, and Mexico—locations celebrated for their vibrant cultures, natural beauty, and lively nightlife.
However, despite their strong desire to explore these distant locales, high costs are a significant barrier, with half (53%) of participants citing finances as a hindrance.
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In response to these findings, First Choice is making an effort to help people in their twenties turn their travel dreams into reality.
The company is offering a £250 discount on long-haul trips to the top 10 destinations.
“We completely understand the pressure that comes with approaching 30,” said Bart Quinton Smith, managing director of First Choice.
“In fact, like many of our customers, First Choice is a 90s baby, and in September 2024, we’ll be celebrating our own milestone birthday.
“Many of our customers grew up with us—taking family resort holidays at Splashworld in the 00s and going on their first boozy trips to Kos or Malaga in their late teens.
Gen Z is placing bucket-list travel ahead of buying a home or getting married before 30, with Thailand, Barbados, and Mexico emerging as the most sought-after destinations, according to the First Choice study.
“Now, as we all approach a new chapter, we want to be there with them as they pursue the next phase of their travel ambitions.”
First Choice currently offers flight and hotel packages to Thailand starting from £951, with trips to Mexico at £1,134 and Barbados at £1,309*.
These offers apply to trips departing between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025, with a minimum spend of £2,000.
Top 10 Destinations:
- Thailand
- Barbados
- Mexico
- Singapore
- Jamaica
- Mauritius
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Sri Lanka
- Goa, India
Read terms and conditions here:
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