A new survey focused on Kiwi travel trends has revealed nearly half of millennials (47%) choose a destination based on its photographic potential and how good it will look on social media.

The survey, conducted by Avis Budget Group, looked into a wide range of travel trends including what Kiwis prioritise when planning their next holiday. With the desire to showcase their day-to-day life on social media, the choice of a holiday destination to get incredible photos was important for 47% of millennials.

The age group also took into consideration more practical reasons for choosing a holiday spot with half dictated by budget, the weather, and because the destination was safe.        

Millennials (aged 18 – 34) are by far the most adventurous with nearly 50% saying their ideal holiday location has to have a range of activities on offer compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers (aged 50+) who would much rather be relaxing in the sun (55%).

While millennials also love heading off the beaten track to uncover hidden gems (42%), they enjoy exploring their own backyard with two thirds (66%) taking a road trip in the past year and nearly a third (32%) with another roadie on the to do list.

Respondents were asked which of New Zealand’s iconic road trips they would like to experience with Christchurch to Queenstown (47%) and Auckland to Cape Reinga (46%) at the top of millennials’ wish lists.

A common theme across all generations was the desire to use their holiday as an escape from the regular nine to five. According to the research more than two million (53%) Kiwis use their annual leave to escape reality, preferring to drive to affordable destinations to relax and enjoy great weather.

Bruce Vincer, General Manager at Budget says New Zealand is the perfect location for a driving holiday.

“In New Zealand, you don’t have to drive for days to get to the next town or city. Everything is relatively close, so people often opt to drive to their next destination and take in the stunning landscape along the way.

“We have these iconic drives that take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes but so much of New Zealand is untouched so it’s still possible to take an off road, find a little bay and have it all to yourself.”