With travel habits continually being reshaped, new research reveals the top "travel icks" of Generation Z, making for some surprising revelations. On March 17, 2025, research commissioned by global hospitality brand GENERATOR highlighted what Gen Z finds most irritating during their travels.
Overwhelmingly, 26% of respondents noted travel influencers as their biggest travel pet peeve. Despite being the first generation to grow up entrenched in the social media world, their disdain for influencers filming TikTok and Instagram videos indicates a desire for genuine experiences over staged moments. This is not just about aesthetics; it's indicative of their broader approach to travel wherein authenticity holds significant value.
Gen Z's commitment to respectful and mindful travel choices is evident as another 26% indicated wearing culturally inappropriate clothing as another serious travel ick. This knowledge speaks volumes about the attitudes of young travelers who prefer to blend awkwardly with local culture rather than stand out with insensitive attire.
Other common grievances featured on the list include overly dramatic airport goodbyes, which 19% of Gen Z find to be excessive, wearing flip-flops (17%), and sporting tourist merchandise like ‘I heart Paris’ apparel (15%).
Interestingly, 12% of respondents expressed annoyance at those who document every aspect of their trip on social media. For these Gen Zers, the desire for authenticity translates to preference for sharing genuine moments rather than chronicling their travel for likes and validation.
The topic of travel icks has ignited conversations across social media platforms. TikTok user @nicoletravelandlife recently shared her top five travel irritations, which included men wearing Speedos and passengers queuing to board before gate announcements. Meanwhile, another user, @henneytravels, revealed on Instagram her pet peeves about travelers with backpacks on their fronts and needing to have water bottles on hand.
These exchanges highlight the vibrant but divided opinions on everyday travel habits. Comments sections have become lively arenas, demonstrating how much Generation Z values personal preferences and social etiquette. It seems we are not just talking about individual preferences but about the evolution of travel culture itself.
New memes and reels mocking behaviors deemed ‘ick-worthy’ have gone viral, echoing the notion for Gen Z prioritizing travel etiquette as much as the destinations themselves. According to the survey, some traditional travel habits have also landed on the "ick" list. For example, buying food or drinks from global chains and using the popular language-learning app Duolingo were both cited by 8%. 7% of respondents looked down on travelers who use passport covers, stating they feel unnecessary.
Other numerous travel behaviors people are growing weary of include checking luggage for short trips (6%), buying souvenirs (6%), and even queuing to board flights (6%). Even the act of getting to the airport earlier than necessary is seen by 5% of Gen Z as unnecessary fuss.
Annajane Güzel from GENERATOR emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, "This research shows Gen Z travellers are rewriting the rules of tourism, favouring authenticity over outdated travel cliches." She continued, "From skipping the dramatic airport send-offs to steering clear of head-to-toe tourist gear, it’s all about embracing the destination in a more thoughtful and effortless way. The message is clear: blend in, travel smart, and leave the obvious ‘tourist’ moves behind."
The results may suggest Gen Z is striving for practicality and mindfulness, bidding farewell to outdated travel habits inherited from previous generations. This evolution showcases how preferences can simultaneously shift, encouraging conscious living among individuals traveling the globe.
At the end of the day, the research prompts travelers of all ages to reflect on their own travel habits. Perhaps it is high time to ditch the cliches, embrace authenticity, and make the travel experience as enjoyable as possible—both for ourselves and for those we encounter along the way.
