Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is revolutionizing travel. Making up 21% of the U.S. population, they’re the most valuable future group for the travel industry. On average, Gen Z spends $3,432 annually on leisure travel, with some spending up to $4,500, as reported by Hopper. Unlike previous generations, they prioritize experiences over material goods and seek authentic, flexible, and personalized travel experiences.


This generation is leveraging tech-savvy travel tools to enhance every aspect of their journeys. From finding the best deals to navigating foreign cities and staying safe, there’s an app for every travel need. This article explores how Gen Z can use various apps for easier travel, ensuring they get the most out of their travel budgets while creating unforgettable experiences.

1. Pre-Trip Planning

Where to Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

For thrifty Gen Z travelers, budget travel apps like Skyscanner, Hopper, and OneAir use AI-driven predictions to find the best flight and accommodation deals. Hopper claims users save an average of 40% by following its buy recommendations, while Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search option is perfect for flexible travelers seeking budget-friendly destinations. Set up alerts on OneAir for multiple destinations and dates to compare options and find the best deal for your budget.

How to Create Itineraries

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from Wanderlog website

55% of Gen Z travelers prefer making their travel arrangements on a smartphone rather than using travel agents. These apps cater to this independent planning style while providing valuable assistance and organization.


Travel planning apps like Wanderlog and TripIt streamline the planning process by organizing all your bookings in one place. They automatically pull travel information from your forwarded confirmation emails and create a master itinerary. Both apps work offline, which is crucial for international travel where data may be limited.

Where to Find Travel Inspiration

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Screenshot from Pinterest

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are crucial in Gen Z’s travel decisions. Instagram’s geotag and hashtag features make finding specific locations easy and seeing real traveler photos easy. Pinterest is excellent for curating travel ideas, from packing lists to destination-specific tips. TikTok’s short-form video format provides quick, engaging glimpses into destinations worldwide.


TikTok’s #travel has over 74 billion views, showcasing its immense impact on Gen Z travel technology choices. Many destinations and travel brands are creating TikTok-specific content to capture this audience.

2. Booking Flights and Accommodation

Apps for Flights

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Screenshot from Google Flights

The best travel apps for Gen Z, like Kiwi, Google Flights, and OneAir, offer features such as flexible date searching, price drop alerts, and secret deals. Kiwi’s “nomad” feature finds the cheapest way to visit multiple destinations, appealing to Gen Z’s love for diverse experiences. Google Flights’ price graph visualizes price trends, helping users choose cost-effective travel dates. OneAir specializes in finding private, unpublished deals, so you never have to overpay for flights again.

Apps for Accommodation

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from AirBnB Resource Center

According to Hopper, Gen Z values unique experiences and affordability in accommodations. In fact, 58% of Gen Z travelers prefer unique accommodations like treehouses or houseboats over traditional hotels, aligning with their preference for novelty and experience over luxury.


Airbnb offers local stays and experiences, appealing to the desire for Instagram-worthy and authentic lodgings. Hostelworld caters to budget-conscious travelers with a wide selection of hostels and social features. Booking.com offers various options and a loyalty program with discounts and perks for frequent users.

3. Navigating Airports and Ground Transport

Apps for Airport Navigation

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from CBP Great Lakes on X

Travel apps for young travelers like TripCase and Mobile Passport help reduce airport stress. TripCase provides real-time updates on flight status, gate changes, security wait times, and terminal maps. Mobile Passport allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit passport information and customs declaration forms via smartphone, potentially reducing wait times at U.S. customs by up to 50%.

 

Use Mobile Passport to breeze through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at select airports. While it’s not a replacement for Global Entry, it can significantly speed up the entry process and is free to use.

Apps for Local Transport

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Did you know that 63% of Gen Z travelers prefer using ride-sharing apps over traditional taxis when traveling? They appreciate the ease of use, transparent pricing, and real-time ride tracking.


Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft provide convenient door-to-door service without requiring local currency or knowledge of the local language. Citymapper provides comprehensive public transport information for major cities worldwide, planning multi-modal journeys that combine different forms of transport for the most efficient route.

4. Managing Travel Finances

Apps for Currency Exchange

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from Wise website

When it comes to payment methods, 42% of Gen Z travelers reach for their debit cards when it’s time to pay. On the other hand, 30% are ditching traditional methods altogether, opting instead for alternative payment solutions like Apple Pay, Paypal, or Klarna. Using digital banking apps instead of traditional exchange services or ATMs abroad can save an average of 14% on currency exchange fees. 


Apps for easier travel like Revolut, Wise, and XE help avoid high exchange fees while providing real-time currency information. Revolut and Wise offer multi-currency accounts with linked debit cards, allowing users to hold and exchange multiple currencies at competitive rates. XE provides real-time exchange rates and conversion calculations.

Apps for Expense Tracking

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Splitwise simplifies sharing expenses in group travel, calculating who owes what, and providing settlement plans. Trail Wallet, designed specifically for travelers, allows setting daily budgets and tracking expenses against them. It supports multiple currencies and automatically converts to home currency.

 

Use Splitwise for group trips to reduce financial stress and potential conflicts. Set up the group before the trip and encourage real-time expense input to help stay on budget.

5. Finding Local Experiences and Food

Apps for Local Recommendations

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from Yelp Blog

Apps like Yelp, Foursquare, and Spotted by Locals help discover authentic experiences. Yelp offers user reviews of local businesses, while Foursquare provides personalized recommendations based on user preferences. Spotted by Locals offers regularly updated city guides curated by local residents. Additionally, social media has helped find authentic experiences. 


Gen Z travelers prioritize unique, local experiences over tourist attractions. These apps cater to this desire for authenticity and help travelers experience destinations like a local. “Young travelers are leveraging social media during travel planning nearly 7x more than boomers and 53% more than Gen Xers,” the report states.

Apps for Food Delivery

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

About 70% of Gen Z use food delivery apps, reflecting their comfort with technology and desire for occasional convenience.  Uber Eats, DoorDash, Deliveroo (Europe and Asia), and Foodpanda (Asia) provide convenient meal options when going out isn’t feasible. These apps can be useful when staying in an Airbnb or after a tiring day of sightseeing.


For international travelers, apps like Happy Cow are invaluable for finding vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants worldwide. Some apps even offer translations of menu items, helping Gen Z travelers adhere to their dietary preferences while exploring new cultures.

6. Language and Communication Tools

Apps for Translation

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Google Translate and iTranslate break down language barriers with text, voice, and image translation. Google Translate’s camera feature allows instant translation of signs and menus, while both apps offer voice-to-voice conversation features for real-time communication.

 

Use Google Translate’s camera feature to translate signs and menus quickly. For longer conversations, use voice-to-voice translation and speak clearly for best results.

Apps for Staying Connected

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Voice help travelers stay in touch without high roaming charges. WhatsApp and Telegram offer free calls and messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with features like group chats and file sharing. Google Voice provides a virtual phone number for receiving texts or calls from services requiring a local number.


57% of Gen Z travelers consider reliable Wi-Fi essential when choosing accommodations, underscoring the importance of staying connected for this generation. “This hyper-connected generation values reliable, fast internet access over all other amenities, even those like free breakfast or beach access,” according to the Hopper report.

7. Safety and Health Tools

Apps for Emergency Assistance

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from Sitata website

Sitata and GeoSure provide crucial safety information for travelers. Sitata offers real-time safety and health alerts, covering events from civil unrest to disease outbreaks, and provides access to local emergency numbers. GeoSure offers neighborhood-level safety scores, rating areas on factors like women’s safety, LGBTQ+ safety, and theft risk.

Apps for Health

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Photo from Air-Dr website

Air Doctor and Medjet assist in finding healthcare services abroad. Air Doctor connects travelers with local, vetted doctors who speak their language, while Medjet provides medical transport to a home hospital of choice for members who are hospitalized while traveling.

 

Always check your travel insurance coverage and consider apps that can connect you with local healthcare providers. Having these tools on hand can provide peace of mind and quick assistance in case of medical emergencies.

8. Sustainable Travel Options

Best Anniversary Travel Ideas

Gen Z travel technology extends to making eco-friendly choices. 57% of Gen Z travelers consider the environmental impact of their travel choices, influencing their decisions on transportation and accommodation.


Apps like BlaBlaCar for ridesharing, Rome2Rio for comparing transportation options, and Omio for booking trains and buses help travelers make more sustainable choices. Many accommodation booking apps now also offer filters for eco-certified or sustainable lodging options.

Takeaway

As the most digitally native generation, Gen Z is positioned to leverage technology for better travel experiences. From finding deals to navigating foreign cities and staying safe, there’s an app for every aspect of the journey. By embracing these Gen Z travel tips and tech-savvy travel tools, Gen Z travelers can make the most of their travel budgets, create unforgettable experiences, and stay true to their values of authenticity, flexibility, and social responsibility. 


For Gen Z travelers looking to maximize their savings and access exclusive deals, we highly recommend signing up for OneAir. This AI-powered, all-in-one travel app offers unparalleled value with its instant price drop notifications and access to unpublished private deals from over 700 airlines and 1 million hotels worldwide.