Minimalist travel trend is on the rise among global youth

According to a VNA reporter in Thailand, a new travel trend called “Naked Flying” is attracting the attention of young people, especially Gen Y and Gen Z generations.

While the name may be misleading, this trend has nothing to do with clothing, but instead reflects a minimalist, no-baggage travel style that aims to reduce stress and simplify the travel experience.

Naked Flying travelers only carry the most essential items possible such as a small backpack, laptop bag or even just items that fit in their pockets.

They do not carry carry-on and checked baggage to shorten check-in time, increase flexibility when traveling and avoid unnecessary hassles at the airport.

This trend is currently divided into three main groups. First is the absolute minimalist group, consisting of travelers who only carry essential items such as phones, chargers, wallets and sunglasses, without bringing a change of clothes or personal belongings. This method is suitable for short trips or weekend breaks.

The second group is the “pocket people.” These travelers cleverly utilize every pocket to carry small items such as toothbrushes, medicine, sunscreen, etc. They keep their luggage minimal but ensure they have enough essentials for the trip.

The third group - the group that usually plans the most carefully - is called the "delivery team." Instead of carrying luggage, they send their belongings to the tourist destination in advance through express delivery services. This makes them move lightly but requires cost and preparation in advance.

A 2024 global travel study found that around 35% of travelers now choose to carry only one personal bag or compact carry-on when traveling, completely avoiding checking in luggage.

One of the main reasons behind this preference is the desire to reduce “decision fatigue” – the idea that less luggage means fewer choices, leading to simpler, less stressful journeys.

“Naked Flying” has caught the attention of several airlines in the US and Europe, as they have begun offering special benefits to passengers without carry-on luggage, such as priority boarding or seat upgrades.

In Asia, the “Naked Flying” trend is also spreading, especially in India where many social media influencers see it as a symbol of a modern, minimalist and self-sufficient lifestyle.

However, this trend is not entirely risk-free. Many travelers who initially plan to travel minimally end up shopping too much at their destination, even having to buy extra suitcases to bring back.

Additionally, if not carefully calculated, bringing less than necessary items can cause them to incur unexpected costs and disrupt an experience that is expected to be simple and flexible.

Although there is still much debate about its practicality, “Naked Flying” is reflecting a shift in travel habits, which emphasizes initiative, flexibility and experience rather than dependence on traditional material and comforts./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/xu-huong-du-lich-toi-gian-len-ngoi-trong-gioi-tre-toan-cau-post1048194.vnp