ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

Exploring the World with TikTok, Gen Z's Innovative Travel Planning Tool

Platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube have transformed how people plan and experience their trips.
PUBLISHED MAR 11, 2024
Cover Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Annie Spratt
Cover Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Annie Spratt

With over one billion active users, TikTok offers a variety of content, with one of its most intriguing topics being traveling. For Generation Z, in particular, the platform has become an indispensable tool for discovering unique destinations, hidden gems, and insider tips, revolutionizing the traditional approach to holiday planning.

Create Content With Friends. Pexels | By Askar Abayev
Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Askar Abayev

Over the past decade, social media has become a dominant force in shaping travel trends. Platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube have transformed how people plan and experience their trips. While Reddit has been a longstanding source for practical travel advice, TikTok has emerged as a powerful influencer, offering quick and engaging travel tips.

YouTube travel influencers now embark on trips with their followers, while Instagram has become synonymous with visually stunning destinations, sparking the trend of "Instagram travel" where users seek out picturesque spots for their feeds.

Airplane Window while Travelling | Unsplash | Photo by Eva Darron
Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Eva Darron

Gone are the days of sifting through extensive guidebooks or scouring travel articles for recommendations. Instead, young travelers now turn to social media, where a few simple searches can yield a wealth of personalized suggestions and itineraries in minutes.

Gilleesa Gillen, a 24-year-old social media manager, describes TikTok as her "travel best friend," citing its effectiveness in uncovering authentic recommendations beyond sponsored ads. Her experiences reflect a growing trend among young travelers who rely on TikTok to discover unique dining spots, hidden bars, local events, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Getty Images | Matt Cardy
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Matt Cardy

A survey conducted by Adobe revealed that a significant portion of TikTok users treat the platform as a search engine, particularly for travel-related inquiries. "You can use it as a search engine with all your criteria and narrow down your destinations. It's given me two-day itineraries and niche content that's been tried and tested. On the other hand, if you search for these things on Google, it'll give you a web page of like 25 results," said Serena, a travel enthusiast.

Stuart Flint, Head of Global Business Solutions for Europe at TikTok, emphasizes the platform's role in inspiring travel and driving engagement. "With a majority of European TikTok users actively seeking travel content, the platform has become a catalyst for exploration and discovery," he said.

Unlike traditional travel platforms, TikTok offers a more authentic and unfiltered perspective, showcasing both the highlights and challenges of travel experiences. This transparency resonates with users and enhances their confidence in exploring new destinations.

A man with his bag during Travel | Unsplash | Photo by Mantas Hesthaven
Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Mantas Hesthaven

So, how exactly can TikTok be used to plan a holiday? According to Gillen, the process is simple yet effective. By combining keywords like "travel" or "itinerary" with specific destinations or activities, users can uncover a treasure trove of relevant content.

Whether it's searching for thrift shops in New York or exploring the countryside in Turkey, the platform offers many videos curated by fellow travelers. For budget-conscious travelers, searching for "free things to do" in a particular destination can provide valuable insights without breaking the bank.

"Consider the number of times a video has been saved as an indicator of its popularity and relevance. Conduct supplementary research through Google reviews or other reliable sources to ensure the quality and credibility of recommended activities or establishments," Gillen advises.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
All of the other sharks said no due to the risks, but Cuban seemed eager to take the gamble.
5 hours ago
The contestant started the game strong but had to wait until the end for the big win.
6 hours ago
The contestant faced a tough puzzle and she was not prepared for that at all.
8 hours ago
Cuban had seen enough of Mr. Wonderful's greedy tactics, and he decided to take a stand.
1 day ago
Fans were also left as confused as the contestant after seeing the puzzle.
1 day ago
The iconic "Jeopardy!" champion has been hosting the show for many years now.
2 days ago
The host remembered the times he was bullied as a young kid after hearing the chant.
2 days ago
The greeting caught Steve Harvey by surprise, and he took several seconds to regain his composure.
2 days ago
The nascent nature of the company prevented the sharks from investing in it.
4 days ago
Harvey seemed quite annoyed after the guest revealed her surprise and rightfully so.
4 days ago
Both Rick and his son Corey had a lot of luaghs while talking about this item for obvious reasons.
4 days ago
She was just happe to be with Drew Carey on stage, and perhaps did not expect such a big win.
5 days ago
The segment started with a couple of people entering the stage wearing cakes over their heads.
5 days ago
The valuation he asked for was as crazy as the outfit he wore, and the sharks said no.
5 days ago
The contestant's answer had no lewd intention but Steve Harvey made sure it did.
5 days ago
Fans of the gameshow are known to be vocal about their needs and this was just an example of that.
5 days ago
The guest stood firm at what he wanted and Harrison was forced to raise his low-ball offer.
5 days ago
The contestant was confident in his abilities and he steered his team to an impressive win.
6 days ago
The sharks could not believe what they had just witnessed but it sure was entertaining.
7 days ago
The guest said that she wanted $15,000 but had to settle for just a couple grand.
7 days ago