From aura to aesthetic, it can be hard to keep up with what matters to Gen Z. Luckily for advisors, you don’t have to learn the lingo. Topdeck is your go-to for youth travel, tapping into its successful 52-year legacy and the latest insights to roll out a brand-new suite of products in 2026 that delivers how Gen Z wants to travel now.
Topdeck has reimagined group travel based on what Gen Z wants with a new collection of 38 small-group trips – packed with more – available to book now for departures from April 2026.
Gen Z-approved
The move is informed by extensive surveys and in-depth interviews conducted with 2,000 Aussie Gen Z travellers over 18 months. It’s actually back to the future for Topdeck, which began as a small-group touring company in 1973.
What does Gen Z want? They want more of what matters to them: Smaller groups, a slower pace, more authentic experiences and value for money.
So, the youth travel experts have made a U-turn, ditching the big 50-seater coaches and switching to small-group travel capped at 18 to cater for Gen Z travellers aged 18–32.
Topdeck’s rebrand is based on deep-dive research with Gen Z, so you can confidently sell small-group discovery trips that match exactly what young travellers seek.
Smaller groups = happier travellers
Topdeck has listened to the ever-evolving needs of Gen Z and delivered a refreshed range that really resonates with this next generation of travellers.
Large groups have fallen massively out of favour among this cohort who want value for money when they travel – not just the cheapest, mass option.
The biggest move is the shift from 50-seat coaches and huge groups to small-group trips capped at 18 people, using smaller vehicles and local transport to get around – whether that’s a mini-coach, train, flight or ferry.
Why spend 12-plus hours in a big bus travelling from London to Paris when you can take the Eurostar and get there in 2.5 hours? More time on the ground means more time to explore.
With a maximum of just 18 passengers, clients get a more personal, social and stress-free travel experience – a huge selling point compared to traditional big-coach youth tours.
Flexible, immersive itineraries
Forget the whirlwind 40 cities in 40 days itinerary. Gen Z wants genuine experiences and deeper exploration, so Topdeck’s new small-group trips linger longer in key cities for a more considered pace.
New itineraries average 15 days, based on Gen Z feedback that the ideal trip length is 11 to 20 days, and feature multi-country loops, single-country or regional tours and sailing trips.
Trying the local cuisine is another top consideration for travel, so new trips cater for cultural cravings with authentic dining and spontaneous options – much easier to arrange on the go with smaller groups.
Who they travel with is another big consideration for the Gen Z traveller, so Topdeck now caters for travellers aged 18–32 and offers a choice of twin-share or multi-share accommodation.
Strong value for money
The rebrand goes beyond new product and positioning with a new logo and tagline that sums up what Topdeck offers: ‘Small group trips packed with more’.
Topdeck delivers more – a message that resonates with cost-conscious but experience-driven Gen Z travellers.
Itineraries are designed for longer stays in key cities, authentic cultural immersion and a mix of transport options (trains, ferries, mini-coaches, flights), giving you a distinctive edge when presenting tour options to clients.
Your Gen Z clients will visit all the places and attractions they have always wanted to see and enjoy expertly curated activities to enhance their experience abroad.
Topdeck has always been the go-to for youth group travel, and you can continue to feel confident booking with the experts, knowing that they have what Gen Z wants on lock.
How Topdeck makes it easy to sell
It’s super simple: Topdeck is now just one trip style.
Topdeck has simplified its youth group touring offerings to 38 small-group trips for those aged 18–32, capped at a maximum size of just 18 passengers and aligning with how Gen Z travellers like to travel.
This means small-group trips packed with more: More meals, more inclusions, more choice, more time to explore in popular cities and more connection with other Gen-Zers. Because who doesn’t want more?
Each itinerary features clear inclusions; smarter transport; a relaxed pace; safe, clean and comfortable accommodation in central locations and expert Trip Leaders and local City Insiders, making the single trip style easy to understand and sell.
It’s everything you know and love about the OG Topdeck legacy and adventurous spirit, streamlined to one trip style for the Gen Z traveller.
Topdeck = Small group trips packed with more – easy to remember, easy to sell.
Go where Gen Z are going
Get ahead of the pack and follow the game-changing group travel leaders.
With refreshed positioning, product innovation and a streamlined focus, Topdeck is an exciting brand to market and promote to your Gen Z clients, helping them stand out with a trip that feels new and relevant.
Topdeck understands how Gen Z prefers to travel, so you can turn to the youth travel experts for a carefully curated range of products that your clients want right now.
Want to know more? Contact your local BDM for training and gain a competitive edge.
Check out all the changes and 2026 itineraries at topdeck.travel today!
This article is brought to you by Topdeck:
