TRAVEL

Travel key to attract love for Gen Z in India

Wednesday, 09 Oct, 2024
More young people, especially Gen Z and millennials, now choose to embark on their own independent adventures. (Photos courtesy: tawatchai07/freepik.com)

Solo travel is surging, driven by Gen Z and millennials seeking self-discovery and freedom

New Delhi: Travel is the top Interest among young adults globally between the ages of 18 and 25, and a recent Tinder survey reveals that 50 percent of Gen Z in India agree having a shared interest in travel makes their match more attractive. 

On Tinder India profiles, this shows up as a 17x increase in users mentioning ‘solo travel’ in their bios like “Love to explore new places, solo traveling, cat mom,” and “Living the mountain life. A solo traveler by heart, wandering in search of home, all the way from beach to mountains.”

As more young people, especially Gen Z and millennials, choose to embark on their own independent adventures, the guide includes tips to travel smart and safe, and make global connections before and after the user's land. With 78 percent of young singles in Asia Pacific expressing interest in making friends before they travel to their holiday spots, it is clear that the desire to create new bonds is becoming a key part of their globetrotting experiences. In 2024, Bangkok, Tokyo, London, Seoul—and yes, Delhi were the top 5 cities for young singles to Passport to on the app, according to reports.

Tinder has now updated Passport Mode to appear directly on a user’s profile, letting others know that they are looking to make friends and connections before they even set foot in your destination. Using Passport Mode ahead of a trip is the best way to take full advantage of it — whether you’re seeking insider tips from locals or lining up exciting plans with fellow travellers, you can start building connections and setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure before you even board your flight.

According to Pranav Dangi, Founder and CEO, The Hosteller, solo travel is surging, driven by Gen Z and millennials seeking self-discovery and freedom. 

“At The Hosteller, we’ve seen a boom in adventurers craving authentic, safe, budget-friendly experiences. Our hostels foster meaningful connections with new cultures, empowering individuals to build lifelong memories. We believe solo travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformative journey of personal growth,” he added.


(Photo courtesy: Te lensFix/www.pexels.com)

Meeting new people in a new city can be intimidating, but the app Passport makes it simple and fun. Users can easily activate Passport Mode by going into their settings, selecting a destination by city, or dropping a pin on the map to change their location. From there, they can start browsing profiles, liking, matching, and chatting with locals or fellow travelers even before they arrive, say reports.

With safety high on the minds of young singles in the region – 30 per cent say they are invested in their safety before going on a first date with someone they’ve met through a dating app – the resource further reiterates the various in-app features and tips to have a safe experience when connecting online or in real life.

Here are some tips on how you can make the most out of your solo travel adventures:

1. Line up local connections before you arrive: Use Tinder Passport to match with locals before your trip. This can turn potential tourist traps into authentic, off-the-beaten path experiences guided by someone who knows the area inside out.

2. Be clear about your intentions: Update your bio with your travel dates, hobbies, and intentions. This lets matches know what you’re looking for – be it local tips or something more – and helps you find the right connections. Be upfront in your conversations, as this helps to avoid misunderstandings, especially when crossing cultural boundaries.

3. Prioritize safety: When meeting someone abroad, always remember to prioritize safety. Use Tinder’s features like Photo Verification and Share My Date, and meet up in public spaces.

4. Be open to possibilities: A vacation romance can be thrilling, but it’s also important to manage your own expectations. Keep an open mind – sometimes a brief connection is just what you need and even if it doesn’t last, it could reignite your excitement for dating once you’re back home.