All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo
But as an adult, I've realised that everything my parents loved about holidays, are nothing like my trips now as a grown up Gen Z.
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Kids clubs and pool games made hotel resorts seem exciting as a kid. But now I'm in my twenties, I avoid at all costs
Credit: AFP
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You'll find me at a local restaurant over a buffet hotel
Credit: Jenna Stevens
That the all-inclusive life is suddenly not so appealing, the buffet food becomes same-y, you're bored out of your mind at bingo, and actually that kids
pool
looks quite grimy.
Now we've gotten old enough to plan our own travels, Gen-Z are choosing holidays nothing like those loved by our parents.
Adrenaline over All-Inclusives
My Grandad's favourite thing to do is help himself to a buffet-style breakfast in
But Gen-Z
travellers
like me are ditching the plastic wristbands and relaxing resorts for
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I prefer
I remember getting strapped into my harness on the edge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps.
My heart was hammering, as I waited for the wind to pick up so I could run off the cliff edge.
When I texted my Dad a pic of me dangling 6,500 feet in the air, I think he nearly passed out.
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But after years of travelling, I've gotten used to lounging by the pool - I need something
exhilarating
.
And it turns out I'm not alone - 78 per cent of
I survived flying down a hill on the world's longest zipline
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Geared up and ready to run off the edge of a cliff!
Credit: Jenna Stevens
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The views over Lake Thun in Switzerland were stunning at 6,500 feet
Credit: Jenna Stevens
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'I remember getting catapulted across a waterfall in
Canada
," says fellow Gen-Z Sun Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding.
"At first my parents couldn't believe I did stuff like this - but now they've had to get used to it!"
Hostels over Hotels
One hot, stuffy room. Twenty creaky bunkbeds. One guy snoring so loud it shakes the entire building.
I've had my stuff stolen, showered with a frog, and shared a room with a woman in L.A. who smuggled in her
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Sounds like a holiday from hell to my parents - but I'll
always
pick a hostel bed over a
Why? Because
always
the start of a crazy story. They make unforgettable memories.
My Mum still thinks hostels are dirty, dingy and full of weirdos. But you just don't get those
One survey showed that 75 per cent of Gen-Z and young millennials have stayed in
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So I know I'm not the only one who thinks it's worth trading comfort for chaos.
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Samesun Ocean Beach is one of the coolest hostels I've stayed in - they even run beach yoga classes and rent out snorkel gear
Credit: Jenna Stevens
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I'd take a bunk bed over a king-size any day
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Double beds,
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I've met people from all over the world in hostel kitchens, bonded over instant noodles at 3am, and ended up on spontaneous trips I never planned.
And if you haven't brushed your
teeth
in a bathroom
next
to a stranger being sick - have you even been travelling?
Plus, you can actually get some really
My favourite
London
hostel Clink261 costs me as little as £18 a night, plus I've stayed in the centre of
Paris
for just £20 with
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TikTok advice over Tours
My parents' idea of the perfect holiday is ticking off the sights from a tour bus, and eating at the top-reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor.
I couldn't think of anything worse.
Tour buses and tourist traps are a nightmare. I couldn't imagine queuing for hours just to climb the
TikTok
gives you all the best free spots to admire it from!
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I learned the best spots to view the tower from on TikTok
Credit: Jenna Stevens
Similarly, I didn't care for the top-rated restaurants in Rome.
I paid half the price of the fancy restaurant bill to make my own
Why follow an old guidebook when social media is packed with real people sharing their favourite finds?
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That's how I found the pasta class - it was half the price of a meal out for two, and way more fun.
In fact, 97 per cent of Gen-Z use
So ditch the travel agents and package holidays - try chasing the chaos and culture you can't find in a brochure.
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Learning to make fettuccine turned dinner into its own activity
Credit: Jenna Stevens
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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I stayed at the UK's best B&B on the English Riviera – here's whether it is really worth the hype
BACK in the 60s and 70s, Torbay - made up of the three seaside towns Paignton, Brixham and Torquay - was dubbed what 'the south of France is to the West of England'. Adverts and posters then named Torquay specifically as an 'international resort' and 'the Queen of the English Riviera'. 9 The 25 Boutique B&B was named the best in the UK by the AA's 2025 B&B Awards Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 I stayed in the Shoalstone Suite, which featured a lounge area, bedroom and ensuite Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 And in the ensuite there was even a TV in the shower Credit: Cyann Fielding Today, these nicknames have stuck - with Torquay having a lot to boast about, including sprawling sandy beaches, a picturesque marina and vibrant palm trees. And now the town has even more to boast about with the UK's best B&B according to the AA's 2025 B&B Awards. The 25 Boutique B&B is located just moments away from Torre Abbey Sands - 10 minutes' walk to be precise. With such a location, it is hardly surprising the venue earned the award. And having stayed this past weekend, I discovered exactly why so many people love The 25. Inside the B&B, I was immediately greeted by funky interiors with every colour under the sun. The welcoming entrance is enhanced by one of the B&B's hosts, who was there to greet me. Andy, alongside Julian, runs the boutique B&B, which has a choice of different bedrooms and suites to choose from - all named after local beaches. I was headed for the Shoalstone Suite, located on the ground floor and next to a decadently decorated lounge with an honesty bar. The suite itself was split into a lounge area and a bedroom, complete with an ensuite. The best B&B in the UK has been revealed In the lounge, there was a plush sofa, TV, dressing table, bistro table, kettle and Nespresso coffee machine. The suite had a navy theme throughout, and in keeping with the rest of the B&B, featured quirky elements like a swans head protruding from the wall (not real, of course). Both the TVs in the lounge and the bedroom are kitted out with all you need, such as mainstream channels, Netflix and Prime Video. However, the best thing about the lounge area was definitely the two expansive windows stretching to the ceiling allowing daylight to flood into the room. But the room - and the rest of the suite - also had great attention to detail. An Alexa meant you could control the lighting with ease and ask travel related queries like what the weather was like in the bay. Hosts Julian and Andy also add a personal touch with a small treat offering, which for my stay was mint tiffin and a small jar of sweets. As for the bedroom, this was a delight too, albeit with the slightly 2007 interiors with silver furnishings, velvet headboard and glitter feature wall. 9 The B&B also has a communal lounge with an honesty bar Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 The B&B is located just a 10-minute walk from Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay Credit: Cyann Fielding The large bed was by far the comfiest I have ever stayed in. And for longer stays, there is ample storage such as a wardrobe and chest of drawers. Inside the wardrobe I also found another treat - the softest of dressing gowns. As far as en suites go, the Shoalstone Suite's was pretty impressive. A walk-in rainfall shower was complete with a TV screen - yes, you heard correctly. I even had a moment with Jimmy Carr in the shower (by tuning into 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown). Mood lighting helps you to change up the settings depending on your mood and the Elemis bathroom goodies added luxury to the whole bathroom experience. After an amazing night's sleep, I headed downstairs to where breakfast was served. 9 For breakfast, there is a continental offering with yoghurts and cereals Credit: Cyann Fielding 9 And the night before you can order a cooked breakfast - I opted for the eggs royale Credit: Cyann Fielding Guests preorder what they want the night before, making the service swift. But as you wait, you can grab items from the continental bar. I opted for some fresh orange juice and a homemade green smoothie shot while other items available include fresh yoghurt, cereals and berries. My breakfast choice was eggs royale, with a decent amount of salmon and golden oozy eggs - which were a real winner. I could see why the AA awards said the "breakfast remains a tour de force". The B&B makes a great base for exploring south Devon's beaches and Torquay's neighbouring towns - including Paignton, Brixham, Babbacombe and Newton Abbot. And just down the road there is also the best fish and chip shop in the UK - Pier Point. 9 Sunny Torquay is just moments away with a grand marina and the UK's best fish and chips shop Credit: Cyann Fielding In the evening, I had strolled to the chippy to test it out for myself. While on the pricier side, the portions were generous, the batter was golden, and the chips were deliciously fluffy. Elsewhere in Torquay, you can explore a grand harbour with extravagant boats, a Ferris wheel with great views and a theatre that often hosts top productions. As for whether the B&B deserves the award - it is hard to say. It was a great stay with amazing hosts and thoughtful touches - but I find it hard to believe there isn't a B&B out there that tops its slightly dated decor and car-park views. The B&B is adults-only and a room can be found for £287.30 for two adults for two nights (minimum stay). Here's more about the UK's best fish and chip shop, which is conveniently located close to the B&B. Plus, just a short drive away is one of the south west's prettiest market towns, that tourists always overlook.
Irish Daily Mirror
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- Irish Daily Mirror
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The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of world's best golf courses on stunning estate with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries
HOT on the heels of The Open in Portrush last month, golf fans can swap the greens for galleries, art, and a luxury hotel experience in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast. The five-star Culloden Estate and Spa is ideally located as a base from which to visit 4 Ann Mooney with incredible artwork at Culloden Estate 4 Culloden Estate is the perfect place to relax 4 Luxury hotel suite with king-size bed, sitting area, and dining table And if you are a golf enthusiast, you are perfectly situated to visit and play some of the best courses in the world, including, of course, Portrush. Alternatively, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Culloden Estate, you can stay in the hotel, which was the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century. The property still retains some magnificent stained glass windows and many of its original features, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Situated atop Holywood Hill overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co READ MORE IN TRAVEL With 12 acres of secluded gardens, a palatial spa, three restaurants, and my personal favourite - the Bollinger Garden - you can walk, relax, and enjoy the unique experience that is Culloden. This month, until August 31, there is even more on offer as Art and Soul has returned to the hotel, showcasing works from some of the most celebrated Irish and international artists, including Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Iconic names from the international art world include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Salvador Dalí, and even Banksy. Their works will be displayed at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Most read in News Travel Among this year's highlights is a playful nod to golf through Patrick O'Reilly's much-loved bronze bear sculptures, including Caddy Bear and Beyond the Rough. I must say Patrick's bears are simply gorgeous, my favourite being the well-worn and much-loved Teddy, similar to those many of us cherished during childhood. New to the exhibition this year are works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, Michael Ayrton, and Lorenzo Quinn. I particularly loved artist Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings. Chatting to her, it is very clear she loves painting, so much so that she gave up her career as a psychiatrist to focus on her art. Thankfully, her brave move paid off, as her work is highly sought after by collectors. OUTDOOR SCULPTURES Hosted by Gormley's Fine Art, the exhibition features over 250 pieces, with the larger outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the Culloden's gardens overlooking Belfast Lough. These consistently rank among the most popular attractions. Even if you are not staying at the Culloden, you are more than welcome to visit and wander around the exhibits. Enjoy a meal in the fabulous restaurant or pop down to the Bollinger Garden, where you can sit in beautiful surroundings with a glass of Bolly. You can be sure that General Manager Cormac Fadden and his excellent team at the Culloden will do everything possible to make your visit a truly special experience. Oliver Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art said: 'Holywood is home to Rory McIlroy and one of Ireland's most iconic hotels — the perfect setting to showcase some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Art and Soul offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class art in an extraordinary setting, and with The Open taking place just up the road in Portrush, it's a fantastic time to visit Northern Ireland.' This marks Gormleys' thirteenth major art and sculpture event, with the Culloden Estate & Spa hosting the exhibition for over a decade. 'TRULY SPECIAL' Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Culloden Estate & Spa, said: 'Art and Soul brings something truly special to the Culloden. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to explore this exceptional celebration of creativity and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.' As part of the experience, the Culloden is offering a specially curated Art and Soul Afternoon Tea, alongside daily guided tours of the exhibition. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Art and Soul is free to attend and open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm. Luxury overnight stays with breakfast are available starting from £243 (approx. €285) per person sharing. More information about tour bookings and overnight stays can be found at and 4 Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings are on show
