Pre-Holiday Travel Trends: Gen-Z Malaysians Set the Pace This Shoulder Season

• Searches by Gen Z travelers in Malaysia are up by more than 25% year-on-year this pre-holiday season, with younger travelers opting for quick yet meaningful getaways.
• Domestic highlands and culture-rich escapes top their lists, from Genting Highlands to Kota Kinabalu.
• Osaka emerges as the top-trending international destination for Malaysians across all generations.

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 November 2025 – This pre-holiday season, travel is being redefined by Gen Z adventurers eager to make the most of shoulder season at highland hideaways, coastal hotspots, and short culture-rich city breaks. Whether it’s ticking off popular destinations or exploring hidden gems in their own backyards, the new generation of travelers are looking for convenience and meaningful adventures, while still leaving room to tick off international bucket-lists.

Domestic destinations lead the way for Gen Z travelers

Domestic travel is proving irresistible, with searches by Gen Z travelers rising more than 25% compared to the same period last year^[1]. Highland retreats such as Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands are trending, alongside culture-rich destinations like Melaka, Kuala Terengganu, and Bentong. Coastal spots like Port Dickson and East Malaysian gems including Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang are also high on their wishlist – reflecting a desire to balance relaxation with discovery closer to home^[2]. This surge is likely fueled by more affordable travel during the shoulder season, alongside key seasonal travel moments like Malaysia Day.

International adventures still on the map for Gen Zs

While domestic escapes dominate, Malaysian Gen Z travelers are also turning their attention abroad. Similar to global peers, they are leveraging the shoulder season to tick off vibrant city breaks and bucket-list favorites. Among their top choices are^[3]:

• Osaka, Japan
• Paris, France
• Perth, Australia
• London, United Kingdom
• Jakarta, Indonesia

Global favorites across generations: Japan leads, with Florence, Jeju and Copenhagen on the rise

For Malaysian travelers across all generations, Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are consistent on their wishlists, likely driven by a favorable exchange rate and irresistible cultural appeal. Beyond Japan, searches for Florence (Italy), Jeju (South Korea), and Copenhagen (Denmark) have surged, highlighting a growing appetite for immersive destinations rich in local flavor and culture^[4].

For those looking to craft a memorable itinerary, a wide range of Airbnb stays offer the perfect base to make the most of your trip:

• A sleek designer apartment in Shinjuku, or a light-filled retreat in Osaka, perfect for those seeking Tokyo’s eclectic energy or Japan’s timeless tradition.

• From a 1920s residence reimagined by young local designers to a Renaissance-era apartment with frescoed ceilings and a terrace overlooking Santo Spirito, these historic stays embody Florence’s blend of timeless history and contemporary comfort.

• From modern pool villas allowing you to dip in at any time of the day, to rustic Stone houses that capture Jeju’s traditional charm and villa that embraces sunset and sunrise in harmony with nature. 

• Experience the Nordic way of life withScandi-chic apartments close to Copenhagen’s canals and cafés or minimalist lofts that define the city’s design philosophy.

All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

[1] Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q2 2025 for September 1 – November 30, 2025, compared with searches made in Q2 2024 for September 1 – November 30, 2024 made by Gen Z travelers in Malaysia

[2] Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q2 of 2025 for September 1 – November 30, 2025 compared with searches made in Q2 2024 for September 1 – November 30, 2024 by Gen Z travelers in Malaysia

[3] Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q2 2025 for September 1 – November 30, 2025, compared with searches made in Q2 2024 for September 1 – November 30, 2024 by Gen Z travelers in Malaysia

[4] Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made in Q2 of 2025 for September 1 – November 30, 2025 compared with Q2 2024 for September 1 – November 30, 2024 by Malaysian travelers