Half of young travellers book online
The proportion of young travellers who book online has surged from 10% to 50% in five years.
And 80% use the internet to search for information before departing on their trip.
The figures are to be released as part of a global study of young independent travellers published by the World Youth & Student Educational Travel Confederation to be released next month.
The survey of more than 8,500 young independent travellers found that the average spend per trip has increased by 40% since 2002 to 1,915 euros, of which around 1,140 euros is put aside to cover costs once in the destination.
The most popular destinations for young travellers are Australia, the US and France, while backpackers head for Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.
Almosy three quarters travel to explore, learn a language, volunteering or studying abroad and 80% say they return more appreciate and tolerant of other cultures as a result.
The full findings of the survey are to be released on October 3 at the World Youth & Student Travel Conference in Istanbul.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026