Prioritizing travel over material possessions: A new era for Indian youth

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

-Vikram Seth

The values of the younger generation in India are undergoing a great change. On one hand, where the older generations might have measured success by material wealth—big homes, flashy cars, and branded clothing, on the other hand, today’s youths, particularly those aged 16 to 45, seem to be making their own rules.

The youth now prioritize travel experiences over the need for material possessions, and this shows how young Indians view success and happiness, which is not just a temporary vogue highlighting the importance given to mental health, personal introspection, and wide exposure.

But every change comes with difficulties, and that could be social, psychological, or economic variables.

Youths are influencing the future of the economy, turning individual lifestyles, and making a drastic change in how businesses function by giving more value to travel.

For many years, materialism has been the priority in India and the guiding principle for success. Whether in small towns or metropolitan cities, status symbols like big homes and cars have been linked with how good somebody’s job is.

Research suggests that in India, 64% of Gen Z and millennials spend money on experiences rather than material possessions.

Similarly, a 2023 Deloitte report revealed that inclination towards spending on experiences places higher value than on physical things among 73% of millennials worldwide. Deloitte is a multinational professional services network based in London, England.

A report by Kantar, a market research company based in London, England, supported these findings, stating that over 86% of Indian millennial consumers like to spend on experiences.

“When it comes to prioritization, ‘travel and seeing the world’ ranked as most important to this generation in India (81%), investing in education/professional training came a close second (76%), and more material possessions like buying gadgets and clothes ranked the lowest (51%),” says the survey by Booking.com, a global tech travel platform.

Gradually, the global economy is shifting to a more experience-driven culture, and the youths are not lagging behind. They are accepting the concept that happiness is found in experiences and memories and give more importance to them over materialism.

According to Raghuram Rajan, the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, "Experience, learning, and the broadening of your mind through travel can be far more valuable than material wealth. Youth must focus on creating memories, not just amassing possessions."

A 2023 survey of YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group, suggests that 65% of Indians between the ages of 18 and 34 now give more importance to travel.

The notions of the older generation that travel was a luxury only affordable by the wealthy and that hard-earned money was better spent on accumulating physical assets like homes or vehicles rather than spending on travel are continuously being challenged by the younger generations.

This change provides a new vision about life that signifies development, education, and well-being.

For any individual, travel is all about the 360-degree development, not merely the escape or utilization of one’s free time.

Travel allows people to gain a deeper understanding of different people and different cultures and the vision to look at the world from a different angle.

In a podcast with motivational speaker and social media influencer Raj Shamani, Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi advised the youth of India to travel to different parts of the country to understand the types of food, culture, and thoughts.

He believes that visiting every corner of India will help one learn about the problems of our country, in building empathy and broadening one's worldview.

He stressed that experiencing different regions of the country makes one more accepting and helps in becoming a better person beyond the confines of urban life or social media.

There are many driving forces behind this significant shift, and social media is one of them. These social media platforms have completely changed the point of view of youths.

Amazing pictures, breathtaking adventures, different cultures, and engaging travelogues have made people curious to travel.

But no change comes at zero price, and so is social media. The biggest demerit of these platforms is the “fear of missing out (FOMO).

“48% of young Indians in the 18–30 age range stated social media as their main influence in their decision to travel,” reads a 2023 Statista survey.

Travel has not been limited to widening one’s horizon, but it has become a way of maintaining an identity. Nowadays, individuals travel to gain experience and reveal unique, hidden destinations that showcase their individuality.

The other drawback of social media is that general people somewhere feel the pressure or desire to live a life that influencers live.

In order to build a unique identity and maintain it, they spend more money than they can actually afford. This leads to unhealthy comparisons and even financial difficulty.

Dr Rituparna Patgiri, a sociology professor at IIT, Guwahati said, “A lot of Indian millennials and youths are prioritizing travel over material possessions, driven by several factors.”

According to her, one key reason is the perception of life as precarious and uncertain, leading many to view tangible possessions as less meaningful compared to experiences that offer personal growth and fulfillment.

“It is also because nowadays there is an emphasis on consumerism, showing off on different social media platforms. So, material possession doesn't create that kind of impact as travel does,” said Dr Patgiri.

She emphasized that travel, on the other hand, has become a way for young people to define themselves, whether they are exploring solo, with friends, partners, or families.

“This shift towards valuing experiences over possessions reflects a broader cultural change, where identity and status are increasingly tied to experiences—especially those that can be shared and celebrated in the public eye, rather than to the accumulation of things,” she added.

Rising disposable income, low-cost airlines, and affordable lodging options are among the few forces that influence young people’s desire to travel and explore.

As per MakeMyTrip's State of Travel in India 2023 report, "58% of Indians aged 25 to 34 now travel at least twice a year, often opting for short domestic or foreign vacations.”

The freedom to work remotely is one of the most influential reasons that young professionals have to travel more.

The tendency of "workcations," or working while on vacation, has grown, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This movement introduces unprecedented freedom, allowing people to blend productivity and leisure.

This trend is not temporary, since Gen Z and millennials value maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Spiritual leader Sadhguru emphasized the power of traveling, saying, "Instead of accumulating things, invest in experiences. Travel, learn, and grow. Material possessions fade, but experiences shape your life."

Contrary to popular belief, young Indians presently place an equal value on emotional well-being as on physical health. They understand the value of mental health and the advantages that travel may provide them.

Travel has gradually become a significant way to de-stress oneself in today’s world.

Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression have become very common in Indian youths, as per the data released by the National Mental Health Survey of India (2015–16).

The World Health Organization (WHO) forecasted that depression is going to be the world's largest reason for disability by 2025 and that due to this, youths are using travel as a kind of therapy.

Travel let them rejuvenate their mental health, recharge themselves, and get back to daily life.

Mark Twain, American author of famous books like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime."

Travel encourages self-reflection and personal development. It exposes people to new ways of thinking, living, and being, whether through solo travel or interactions with others from many walks of life.

Travel experience leads people towards increased empathy, self-awareness, and a better understanding of the world around them. Like other trends, travel also does not always come positively; caution remains there.

Like material possessions, if not walked carefully, travel may become just another means to flaunt one's status or show off.

Furthermore, travel may not be a realistic aim for young Indians from families with low incomes.

If people with the financial resources to travel regularly drive the move toward experience over material possessions, we risk alienating significant segments of society who continue to struggle to meet their fundamental requirements.

Sanchari Basu Chaudhuri, a sociologist working as a fellow at The India Centre, FLAME University said, “YOLO (You Only Live Once) defines today's youth, driving them toward experiences over material possessions. Traveling tops the list as it offers an immersive experience in different cultures, cuisines, geography, and climate.”

“It has become more prominent due to factors like hybrid work options, higher incomes, and social media influence. Youth prioritize travel as it has evolved into a lifestyle choice that reflects an emphasis on exploration and personal growth,” she added.

Prioritizing travel over material belongings represents an exciting and progressive development in the thinking of Indian millennials.

The world is all set to witness a new kind of luxury, the luxury not defined by what you have physically, rather than where you go, what you learn, and the memories you create.

The young Indians understand the innate advantage of traveling, which gives them the opportunity to explore the world, view this world with their own vision, feel empathy, and also rejuvenate themselves.

While sharing her experience, USA-based sociologist and author Jan Yager said, "My first international trip was when I was 20 years old, and it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to getting outside of my country as I explored other countries and cultures, making friends in places as far away as India and Australia.”

“As I write in my book, ‘Around the world in 80 ways: Make your travel dreams come true no matter how much time or money you have to spend,’ that initial trip was "eye-opening and the beginning of a life-long habit that has enriched my life immeasurably through the people I have met, the sights I have seen, and the history I have learned about. Those experiences are better than anything material!” she added.

Every aspect of any trend needs to be balanced carefully; on one hand, where travel gives us the opportunity of self-realization, on the other, it also has a path that may mislead us towards showing off.

As this trend continues to rise, the young Indians of this generation are paving the way for a day when life experiences will be valued more highly than material belongings and the wealthiest people will be those with the most fascinating stories to share.

Indian industrialist and philanthropist, Ratan Tata, said, "The one thing that I believe is most important in life is to make sure you enjoy it. You must travel and experience the world, not just collect things."