Gen Z, Millennials Skip Formal Time Off Amid Travel Anxiety
The term “quiet vacationing” has been used to describe this growing trend.
(Getty Images)
As peak travel season arrives, a growing trend among younger workers — dubbed “quiet vacationing”— sees many slipping away for a day or two without the usual out-of-office auto-replies. According to Fast Company, more than half of Gen Z and millennials engaged in this practice around the Fourth of July.
A significant factor driving this trend is anxiety surrounding traditional vacations. A survey by language-learning app Babbel, titled “The Rise of Travel Anxiety and How It’s Affecting American Travelers,” revealed that 69% of Gen Z travelers have canceled or changed their plans due to anxiety and lack of preparedness.
Several factors contribute to this anxiety. The report highlights that 40% of Gen Z travelers finalize their plans within a week of departure, leading to stress over language barriers (32%) and insufficient savings (30%). Additionally, 72% reported relationship tensions during trips, citing issues like getting lost, missing flights, or encountering trouble with authorities.
Social media exerts significant pressure on these travelers. With 40% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials taking travel cues from influencers, the desire to create perfect vacation content can lead to stress. The survey found that 41% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials felt this pressure, sometimes causing them to cancel trips.
Further, 24% of all respondents cited anxiety about not being in ideal physical shape for vacation photos. This fear of not meeting social media standards discourages some from traveling altogether.
Economic factors also play a role in the rise of quiet vacationing. Gen Z faces a precarious economy, recent layoffs, and a challenging housing market. Consequently, 38% of Gen Z respondents feel the need to stay connected to work even while on vacation, avoiding formal time-off requests.
Social media pressure, relationship stress, and economic concerns explain why many younger workers prefer quiet vacations. As travel anxiety continues to shape their behavior, the trend of quietly slipping away for short breaks is likely to grow.
Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Corona, CA who covers culture and entertainment.
Edited by Nykeya Woods