8 Gen Z Travel Destinations to Visit in 2024

As a city with a long, rich history, Bath is the ideal destination for those in search of beautiful Roman architecture, historical landmarks, and relaxing spa visits. Situated in the southeastern county of Somerset, Bath is a city designed for wellness and pleasure and has been since the Romans occupied the city. As a city with a mild climate, Bath is the perfect destination to visit year-round, without any fear of extreme temperature or a busy tourist season.

As wellness trips and vacations have become increasingly more sought after in the past years, consider visiting Bath, a popular Gen Z travel destination, to satisfy a desire for a low-key, relaxing vacation. Although Bath is technically a large, bustling city, with a population of over 90,000 people, the plethora of activities, the blend of contemporary and classical cultural heritage sites, and numerous shops and eateries make the city appear accessible and welcoming to visitors. 

The city boasts a wide variety of activities, sights, and attractions, offering plenty of museums, shops, and historical sites to explore throughout your visit. If you're looking to brush up on your historical knowledge and take in the elegant Roman architecture in all its glory, the Roman Baths are a must-see sight, located in the heart of the city. Other architectural marvels include the Bath Assembly Rooms—the center of the famed 18th-century social scene, and a brilliant example of some of the finest Georgian-style architecture in the city—and the Royal Crescent, a row of Georgian townhouses overlooking the picturesque Royal Victoria Park. 

If you're looking to to explore some of the famed cultural sites of Bath, be sure to include the Holborne Museum—a massive collection of art, with pieces ranging from famed Renaissance works to contemporary Gainsborough, all housed within a grand, elegantly designed Georgian-style building—and the American Museum—a vast museum with an impressive collection of artifacts from the colonial period to contemporary times—on your list of must-see museums. Beyond its roots in the Roman Empire, Bath is also rich in literary history, with authors such as Jane Austen and Mary Shelley calling the city home at one point or another. Fans of Austen or newcomers alike are sure to enjoy the visually engaging and intellectually stimulating exhibits at the Jane Austen Centre. 

For those looking to spend their time in Bath relaxing in a spa, the Thermae Bath Spa is a must-visit location. Boasting a large open central spa bath, a rooftop pool, a multi-sensory Wellness Suite, and classic spa treatments including a wide variety of facials and massages, the Thermae Bath Spa is the most popular spa destination in Bath for a reason. Situated in the center of the city, the Thermae Bath Spa is also close to the shopping district, which houses small boutiques, department stores, luxury fashion stores, and independent shops alike, accompanied by renowned eateries and tea shops to stop in.

Lake Como has been a desirable vacation spot for years but with the ever-growing popularity of social media activity and the massive boom in travel post-pandemic, Lake Como has emerged as one of the most sought-after Gen Z travel destinations. With breathtaking scenery, a charming cosmopolitan environment, and no shortage of Northern Italian cuisine, it's no secret why the region has become such a favored travel destination. 

While the Lake Como region boasts natural beauty all year round, there are advantages and losses to each season, which means that planning your trip entirely revolves around what kind of experience you're searching for in Como. While the winter season is sure to have fewer crowds and tourists milling around, many shops and restaurants close their doors during the colder months, so it's worthwhile to plan around this if you're set on going to Como in the winter. On the other hand, while the scenery is beautiful in the summer, with wisteria blooms and lush, verdant greenery in abundance, the high temperatures and tourist traffic are factors to consider. Either way, Lake Como is ripe with enjoyable food, scenery, and culture, and you're sure to enjoy it no matter when you go—and after all, who says you can't go more than once? No matter what you choose for your accommodations during your stay, whether it be a luxurious spa hotel, like the famed Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, or a quaint, family-owned bed and breakfast off the beaten path, the charm of Como is guaranteed to be present. 

As a midsize cosmopolitan center, Como has shopping, countless restaurants, and remarkable museums to enjoy, but among the more unique things that the city has to offer are the historical villas and natural sights to visit. If you're looking to take some Instagram-worthy photos and explore Lake Como's gorgeous villas, be sure to visit Villa Bernasconi, Villa Melzi in nearby Bellagio, Villa Monastero, Villa Olmo, Villa Carlota, and most famous, Villa Balbianello. All of these villas are open to the public, and many also act as museums, event locations, and art galleries in addition to welcoming guests to view their breathtaking exterior facades and gardens. For that classic Lake Como experience, book a boat tour and spend the day out on the water, exploring the picturesque shoreline of the lake and taking a look at some of the less accessible villas.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in Lake Como, there's no doubt that the charming city, dreamy landscape, endless activities, and pleasant relaxation spots will have you never wanting to leave. 

Much like the phenomenon of Lake Como, Japan, in general, has seen a significant increase in tourism following the lift on travel restrictions due to the pandemic, and while many spend the majority of their time in Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto also has a lot to offer visitors, in terms of natural beauty, unique city life, and cultural heritage, and is well worth at least a few days to explore. While Tokyo is lauded for its bustling cosmopolitan scene and sprawling cityscape, on the other hand, Kyoto is often recognized for its more laid-back, relaxing atmosphere, alongside the many sights and attractions it has to offer. 

If you're in search of a nature-oriented getaway while in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a must-see destination. With acres of towering bamboo plants, the forest is completely shrouded in greenery, resulting in a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Although the bamboo forest is a popular tourist destination, don't let the crowds stop you from experiencing the surreal atmosphere of the forest. Plan to get an early start when you visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, as there will be fewer people around, and you'll be free to wander at length without fear of an overwhelming crowd. The bamboo forest is also in close proximity to several famed temples and shrines, among them, Tenryuji Temple and Kogenji Temple, both of which are rich in history and culture, as well as being beautiful landmark sites to visit. 

It's impossible to visit Japan without taking time to explore the cuisine and restaurant nightlife scene, and Kyoto, while more laid-back than Tokyo, has no shortage of incredible restaurants, confection shops, and sake breweries. Check out the Fushimi sake district if you're interested in sampling sake from local breweries and learning about the production process. If you find yourself wanting to wander a neighborhood that has excellent restaurants, unique shops, and picturesque buildings, opt to visit the Gion district. It's also well worth your time to check the calendar before your trip to see if any local festivals are occurring throughout your trip.

One of the best things about Kyoto is its location, as it is close enough in proximity to several other cities to make a day trip or two if you feel compelled. Both Uji and Nara are close to Kyoto, and are worth making the trip out to explore. If you're a matcha lover, Uji is a must-visit city, as it is famed for its high-quality matcha production, and it would be well worth your time to check out some of the local tea shops and other attractions. Chances are, if you've spent any time in the past year or so looking at travel or vacation content on social media, you've come across videos of people in Nara, a city famous for Nara Park, a natural sanctuary that is home to over 1000 deer. Over time, the deer, which guests can interact with, have become sacred to the city, and considered a treasure of the region. Nara is also home to Todaiji Temple, one of the most famous landmark temples in the country. 

Whether you're looking to book a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation to one of the trendiest Gen Z travel destinations, you're sure to find everything you're looking for in Oslo, Norway's capital city. Oslo, one of the most walkable cities in the world, has an ideal blend of natural scenery, shopping and entertainment, and cultural sites, perfect for wandering around leisurely as you take in the sights. 

If you're an art enthusiast, or even if you're just looking to expand your cultural horizons through your travels, be sure to visit the National Museum and the MUNCH Museum, two of Europe's largest art museums. The harbor promenade where both the National Museum and the MUNCH Museum reside is also home to some of Oslo's most interesting cultural attractions, including the Oslo Opera House, the architecturally impressive Oslo City Hall, and numerous smaller galleries and exhibits, making this scenic, five-kilometer stretch well worth your time if you're looking to hit all the best cultural spots. 

Another popular way to pass the time as a visitor in Oslo is by exploring all the nearby islands in the Oslofjord. Opt to take a boat tour through the area, where you'll catch the most beautiful natural views, enjoy fresh air, and take a look at the skyline from the open water. 

Madeira, a volcanic island off the coast of Portugal, is abundant with mountainous landscapes, small, picturesque towns, and an excellent culinary tradition. Although it may not seem like a typical, touristy vacation spot, Madeira has become much more popular in recent years as a Gen Z travel destination thanks to the influence of social media. 

It's important to note, however, that while Madeira is a beautiful, scenic island, it is not populated with typical sandy beaches or a resort-like atmosphere. Instead, Madeira offers a charming, rocky coastline with a mountainous view, making it the perfect destination to visit if you're looking to spend time outdoors walking, hiking, or just simply taking in the view. Check out Cabo Girão to look out atop one of the island's most popular scenic sights, and one of Europe's tallest sea cliffs. If hiking is more your speed, take a day trip to Ponta de São Lourenço, which is an eight-kilometer coastal trail that winds around the island, taking visitors to the Ponta do Furado viewpoint, one of the island's most lauded natural sights. 

Madeira is also home to a number of small, striking towns, each with their own alluring qualities. One such town is Câmara de Lobos, a fisherman's district in one of the rocky harbors of the island. The waterfront area is full of a rainbow of colorful fishermen's boats, charming buildings, and some of the best cafes on the island. If you're looking for a spot to grab a fresh seafood meal, a nice glass of famous Madeira wine, and enjoy the scenic view, look no further than this area. 

Quiet, secluded, and bountiful in its lush forest landscape, Lake Bled in Slovenia is the perfect natural getaway to check out. Although this unique spot is rather remote, it has become increasingly more well-known in the past year due to the volume of young travelers documenting their adventures, resulting in Lake Bled emerging this year as one of the most coveted Gen Z travel destinations.

Bled Island, in the middle of Lake Bled, is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Visitors can rent wooden rowboats and opt to spend an afternoon out on the lake taking in the scenery or to row straight out to Bled Island, where guests are welcome to explore the small island, its charming buildings, and the gorgeous church at the center of everything. 

Up towards the cliffs is Lake Bled Castle, a structure that has stood, overlooking the cerulean blue lake, for upwards of a thousand years. Once they reach the castle, which is the oldest in Slovenia, visitors can explore the grounds, tour the museum, and enjoy a wine tasting in the wine cellar. Lake Bled is surrounded by countless top-tier hiking trails and natural wonders, and if you're an outdoors person, consider it well worth your time to explore Mala Osojnica and Vintgar Gorge, two famed hiking spots near the lake. While Lake Bled is certainly a sight to behold year-round, consider planning your trip in the spring or summer to maximize the activities available to you, as when the warm weather hits, there's no better place to indulge in water sporting activities and swimming. 

Jeju Island has long been a prime travel spot within eastern Asia, but over the course of the past few years, the destination has gone viral time and time again for its gorgeous scenery, unique culture and traditions, and sandy beaches, making it a high priority as a Gen Z travel destination on anyone's list. 

Explore the natural beauty of Jeju Island by visiting one of the many beaches, one of the most popular being Hyopjae Beach, famous for its white sandy shoreline, clear blue ocean, and picturesque view of the nearby Biyangdo Island on the horizon. If you're looking for a little more action beyond wandering the smooth, sandy beaches and collecting sea shells, opt to check out Hallasan, a shield volcano whose summit boasts the highest elevation in the country. Surrounding the volcano is a vast national park, complete with lush, green forests, waterfalls, and excellent hiking trails, including the Jeju Olle trail. Visit Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, a UNESCO Global Geopark, during the daytime to see the forest and streaming waterfall aglow in the sun, or choose to visit the site at night and experience the scene in an entirely different way. If you're feeling up to it, visit Seongsan Ilchulbong, a bluff on the eastern side of the island—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—at sunrise to see a spectacular scenic view. 

Perhaps among the most well-known features of the island is the community of female divers, ranging in age from young adulthood, all the way up to 80 years old. With an extensive knowledge of the local environment and marine life, the Jeju divers are committed to safely and sustainably harvesting seafood and shellfish for the community. The Haenyeo School, the official community of divers, are recognized by the government to be representative of local culture and the people's spirit, and are often admired for their skill, perseverance, knowledge, and care for their community. Guests can visit the Haenyeo Museum on Jeju Island to learn more about the tradition, and it's worth wandering around the area to check out some of the local restaurants to try the fresh seafood. 

Barcelona is home to numerous impressive cultural attractions, a robust culinary tradition, breathtaking architecture, and a generally impeccable ambiance, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Although this newest generation of travelers tends to avoid destinations overwrought with tourists and mainstream attractions, the unique energy of the city has led to its status as a Gen Z travel destination regardless of its widespread popularity. 

With an exciting nightlife and club scene, Barcelona is the perfect city to visit if you're looking to unwind and engage in an electrifying social scene after a long day of exploring cultural sites like museums and cathedrals. A robust city, Barcelona offers guests a whole host of nighttime experiences, ranging from flamenco shows, to wine bars, to techno clubs. 

If there were one thing you absolutely cannot miss in Barcelona, it would be the Catedral de Barcelona, a towering 900-year-old Gothic cathedral. Whether you opt to simply take in view of the exterior facades, or you venture inside, the intricate, exquisitely designed Gothic architectural style is sure to leave you breathless. Other architectural sights to check out in Barcelona include La Sagrada Familia, Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Battló, and Park Güell. 

Barcelona is also famous for its pedestrian spaces, the largest among them being La Rambla, a long, winding boulevard offering a plethora of shops, countless cafes, and the opportunity for a lovely, leisurely stroll.

Barcelona, with its rich cultural heritage, gorgeous cityscape, and dynamic energy, is the perfect travel destination to visit in 2024 if you're looking to dive headfirst into a city and fully immerse yourself in the culture—after all, with an exciting attraction on every street corner, it's hard not to.