Unlike previous generations who sought luxury resorts and comprehensive packaging, Gen Z Travellers is increasingly prioritizing travel rules over luxury and rewriting. This new wave of travelers is craving authenticity, flexibility and affordability with sustainability in mind. The strict travel structure and costly last minute booking ideas aren't merely appealing to them, but modern vacation clubs do.
A recent report from Skift highlights that Gen Z is drawn to a vacation ownership model that matches the desire for flexibility and affordability, highlighting that 68% of young travelers prefer travel membership and subscription-based stays over traditional hotel bookings. It also emphasizes the ability to exchange destinations and customize the experience, without committing to a single location.
A quiet reimagining of a vacation club
Plus, while many travelers have found their outdated perception of vacation clubs to be flexible and plagued by hidden costs, the vacation club has undergone a quiet revolution and is perfect for the Gen Z Traveler. Modern travelers enjoy numerous perks, including adaptability, cost savings, and access to huge destinations. These benefits provide a seamless travel experience and eliminate the stress of price fluctuations and the fear of missing out on the best places.
“Gen Z's approach travels in a completely different way than its predecessor,” says Nick Dickson, Group Custodian (CEO) at Dream Hotels & Resorts. “They are just not looking for another vacation. They want an immersive experience that feels personal, flexible and sustainable. Today's vacation clubs have evolved to meet those expectations, offering young travelers an affordable, stress-free way to explore the world.”
Digital Native
For generations raised in the digital age, booking trips have always been about immediate access and personalization. They rely on platforms like Tiktok and Instagram to inspire and attract destinations that offer cultural depth. This hopes that their reservations will be as seamless as ordering food on a selected app, including properties that will give back to the environment they work with. Vacation clubs recognize this shift and move towards a digital first platform where members can easily exchange places, manage their stays and plan their adventures without restricted contracts or outdated processes.
Another important factor that affects your travel choices on Gen Z is its affordability. Due to rising costs of living and the economic uncertainty that weighs heavily on young professionals, travel often takes the back seat at a more immediate cost. However, the desire to explore remains strong. Vacation clubs fill this gap by allowing members to lock in today's prices for future trips, eliminating seasonal surges and last-minute price hikes. Rather than stepping on expensive hotels, Gen Z Travellers can maximize your budget and spend more money on meaningful experiences such as guided cultural tours, food adventures, and environmentally friendly activities.
Flexibility is also at the heart of the appeal of vacation clubs. Gen Z is not the generation that you plan years ago. They are spontaneous and adaptable, and often make travel decisions based on trending destinations and last-minute deals. Traditional timeshare models have failed to link owners to a single location and resonate with this dynamic approach. In contrast, today's vacation clubs offer a network of different destinations, allowing you to trade timeshares for new locations, sell them, and enjoy the benefits. From the calm beaches of Kwazulu-natal to the pristine beauty of Mpumalanga, South African offerings allow members to tailor their trips to their ever-changing interests.
“Beyond costs and convenience, Gen Z is deeply invested in sustainability, knowing that they are proactively seeking a green stay and always keeping the footprint of the environment in mind while traveling,” says Dickson. Recognizing this, modern vacation clubs are embracing green initiatives, ranging from energy-efficient accommodation to community-driven conservation efforts, ensuring travel is still about responsibility and regeneration rather than extraction. In landscapes where flexibility, affordability and sustainability are of paramount importance, once envisioned travel models are stepping in on their own, offering new generations of explorers the tools to turn travel dreams into reality. Whether you're taking part in a surfing retreat in a remote coastal village, experiencing the vibrant nightlife of a bustling metropolis, or embarking on a wellness escape in the mountains, vacation clubs can offer you a gateway to experiences that go beyond standard holiday packages.
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