TikTok made me travel: Why Gen Z book flights because of socmed

Travel guides and Google reviews are no longer the usual norm, as TikTok is now the preferred travel tool. It has become more than just a social app; it’s the new search engine for Generation Z.

TikTok is viewed as a personalized search engine by Gen Z users. Its unique combination of visual storytelling and computational precision enables consumers to explore new activities with little effort.

Generation Z, or those born between 1997 and 2012, is changing the travel scene with their distinct and fresh perspective on what motivates them to travel the world, one country at a time.

According to a January 2025 study conducted by Internet travel provider Agoda, today’s young find travel inspiration online, enjoy spontaneity, and place a premium on shared experiences.

While Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, rely on their friends and family for travel recommendations, Gen Z is skimming through TikTok (22 percent), travel blogs, and vlogs (17 percent) to discover their next trip adventure.

A study by Agoda backs this all up. “Filipino Gen Z travelers are demonstrating a strong appetite for discovery, with a preference for spontaneity, and affordable yet meaningful travel experiences,” Michael Hwang, Agoda’s country director, said.

From “top beautiful cafes in Korea” to “cheap hotels in Tokyo,” Gen Z searches with purpose. Hashtags such as #FoodieFinds and #TravelTok generate genuine evaluations, gorgeous aesthetics, and travel hacks that outperform platforms like Yelp.

These searches provide tailored video results that highlight real-life experiences and insider insights, which frequently exceed traditional review sites in terms of engagement and trust.

TikTok even helped this journalist traverse China, where Western apps are restricted. The author discovered VPNs, learnt to use Alipay and WeChat Pay, and navigated like a local.

Comments area from the app is essentially a travel forum. For Generation Z, authenticity is crucial. TikTok’s comment sections also function as community forums where users ask questions, provide criticism, and provide suggestions.

And no cap, if it’s not Instagram-worthy, Gen Z won’t book it. TikTok thrives on aesthetics. Gen Z tourists chose meals and accommodations based on both quality and visual appeal.