Gen Z is 'naked travelling': What the trend is all about & its benefits

The latest travel trend to take over social media is – ‘Naked Travelling’, and no it is not what you think. While you let your thoughts wander, let’s clear that up: “naked travelling” is the Gen Z-coined phrase for travelling with no check-in luggage but just a personal item, a backpack, a tote or a crossbody pouch if you’re particularly bold. That’s it!

Let us explore this idea more.

‘Naked Travel’ on the rise

This pared-down travel trend is booming, especially among 18–34-year-olds who are saying “no thanks” to baggage fees, carousel chaos, and the general existential dread of waiting for a missing suitcase. According to a 2024 Global Travel Study, 35% of younger travellers now prefer the naked approach and honestly, can you blame them?

Gen Z, unlike their suitcase-loving predecessors, values freedom, efficiency, and experiences over things. In fact, minimalist travel is practically a lifestyle philosophy now. It’s about packing smarter, moving faster, and spending less, especially with budget airlines charging you the equivalent of a dinner for two just to carry a roller bag.

But it’s not just about saving cash. Naked flyers skip check-in lines, breeze past baggage claims, and in some cases, even board earlier and exit faster. Airlines in Asia always a few steps ahead are capitalising on the trend. Scoot and Zipair, for example, now offer perks for light packers, like early boarding, priority security lanes, and even surprise seat upgrades.

Minimalistic and fashionable

Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just practical; it’s also very on-brand Gen Z aesthetic. TikTok and Instagram are bursting with #PackLikeAPro and #CapsuleTravel videos where creators show how to fit a week's worth of outfits in a crossbody bag. Think about wrinkle-free layers, dual-purpose shoes, and accessories that do heavy lifting.

Gone are the “just in case” packing habits. Naked flyers plan outfits around reusability, neutral palettes, and what we like to call “the airport-to-rooftop-bar look.” You know one pair of chunky sneakers, three versatile tops, one magical bottom, and maybe a packable blazer that screams both “I backpack Europe” and “I close deals.”

So, would you go naked?

This trend is more than just light luggage. It’s a mindset: freedom over fear, agility over anxiety. For Gen Z, naked flying is a rejection of the old travel stress and an embrace of streamlined spontaneity.

So next time you pack, ask yourself: do I really need five “emergency” outfits? Or can I roll with just the essentials, a bold lip, and a confident swagger?