A new study by Generator has shed light on Gen Z's ultimate travel 'icks', with flip flops, cliché souvenirs and dramatic airport goodbyes all making the cringe list. Olivia Palamountain reports

According to new research by global hostel brand Generator, when Gen Z hit the road, there's a lot that can annoy them.

The study, which explored the behaviours young adults find cringe-worthy while travelling, revealed that 26% of Gen Z respondents reported travel influencers as their most significant turn-off.

Tied for the top spot was wearing culturally inappropriate clothing (26%), highlighting what researchers say demonstrates the generation's commitment to respectful and mindful travelling.

Other common travel icks identified in the research include overly dramatic airport goodbyes (19%), wearing flip-flops (17%), and sporting tourist merchandise (15%) – with Generator noting that "nothing says 'I'm a tourist' like an 'I heart Paris' hoodie."

Despite growing up in the age of social media, Generation Z travellers find filming TikTok and Instagram videos in public to be their biggest travel "ick".

The conversation around travel icks has been gaining momentum on social media platforms, with numerous influencers and users weighing in with their own pet peeves.

TikTok user @nicoletravelandlife posted her five biggest travel icks, including "men wearing Speedos" and "people who start queuing to board the plane before the gate opens." Meanwhile, Instagram user @henneytravels shared: "I don't like people with backpacks on their front, I don't like water bottles."

Despite Gen Z's well-documented affinity for social media, the data suggests there's a clear boundary when it comes to digital content creation while travelling. Twelve percent of respondents cited "documenting the entire trip on social media" as a serious travel ick, suggesting this generation prefers sharing authentic moments rather than broadcasting every aspect of their journey.

Surprisingly, the research also revealed that traditional travel habits have fallen out of favour with younger travellers. Activities now considered "ick-worthy" include buying food or drinks from global chains (8%), using language-learning app Duolingo (8%), having a decorative passport cover (7%), checking in luggage for short trips (6%), purchasing souvenirs (6%), queuing to board planes (6%) and arriving at the airport earlier than necessary (5%).

Annajane Güzel, global director of brand marketing at Generator, says: "This research shows that Gen Z travellers are rewriting the rules of tourism, favouring authenticity over outdated travel clichés. From skipping the dramatic airport send-offs to steering clear of head-to-toe tourist gear, it's all about embracing the destination in a more thoughtful and effortless way. The message is clear—blend in, travel smart, and leave the obvious 'tourist' moves behind."

The study suggests that Gen Z travellers are increasingly prioritising genuine experiences and cultural sensitivity, moving away from behaviours that mark them as obvious tourists. Researchers noted that while this generation remains engaged with social media, they appear to value mindfulness and low-key approaches to exploring destinations.

As travel patterns continue to evolve post-pandemic, Generator's research indicates that younger travellers are establishing new norms that emphasise authenticity and respect for local cultures, potentially influencing broader travel trends in the coming years.