Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Gen Z Redefines First 'Big Splurge' as Experiences Over Possessions
Gen Z in India is spending their first big money on trips and experiences, not things like cars or clothes.
They want freedom and fun with friends, not stuff to own.
They use social media to plan and prefer affordable, local places to visit.
This is because they grew up with uncertainty and want to enjoy life now, not wait for the future.
Indian Gen Z's first big purchase is more likely to be a trip or vacation (37%) than a car/bike (26%) or gadgets (20 Seb)
They prioritize mobility and autonomy over asset ownership, influenced by economic volatility
They prefer affordable, social, and local experiences, using apps like Splitwise for group expenses
They use social media for travel planning and prefer hostels over hotels, road trips over flights
Festivals and concerts are also popular spending choices, with tier-II and III cities gaining traction
- Who
- Indian Gen Z
- What
- Redefining their first 'big splurge' as experiences over possessions
- When
- Currently
- Where
- India
- Why
- Influenced by economic volatility and a desire for autonomy and mobility
Traditional View
Gen Z View
First Big Purchase
Traditional View
A car, branded bag, or home down payment
Gen Z View
A trip, vacation, or experience
Definition of Financial Freedom
Traditional View
Owning assets like cars or homes
Gen Z View
Being able to travel anytime
Travel Preferences
Traditional View
Luxury hotels and flights
Gen Z View
Hostels, road trips, and local experiences
- Survey Respondents
- 4,621
- Percentage Spending on Trips/Vacations
- 37%
- Percentage Spending on Cars/Bikes
- 26%
- Percentage Spending on Gadgets
- 20%
- Percentage Spending on Branded Clothes/Sneakers
- 14%
- Preferred Accommodation
- Hostels over hotels (42%)
- Preferred Travel Mode
- Road trips and local experiences (42%)
- Average Domestic Trip Budget
- Around ₹10,000 (45%)
- Percentage Spending on Festivals/Events
- 29%