As bank holiday season approaches, a new travel trend is taking over Gen Z’s plans—and it’s about more than just ticking off landmarks. According to fresh research from Airbnb and Duolingo, young travellers are embracing “Bilingual Breaks”: short European getaways designed to immerse themselves in local culture while practising a new language in real-world settings.
What Are “Bilingual Breaks”?
Forget packed itineraries and tourist hotspots—Gen Z is prioritising authenticity. Over 60% of UK Gen Z travellers are planning or considering a European trip this year focused on cultural immersion, choosing hidden gems where they can practise languages organically, from ordering food to chatting with locals.
This shift reflects a broader behavioural change. Data from Duolingo shows a 32% rise in Gen Z users over the past two years, with learners maintaining streaks of over six months on average. Motivations range from personal achievement to connecting with local cultures—and even pushing back against the stereotype of Brits relying solely on English abroad.
Why Gen Z Is Ditching Tourist Hotspots
The appeal of lesser-known destinations is clear. While major cities often default to English, 64% of Gen Z travellers say they’re more likely to practise languages in rural areas where English isn’t widely spoken.
That’s translating directly into travel behaviour. Airbnb has reported a rise in bookings for rural destinations among UK Gen Z travellers, alongside the growing popularity of “micro-cations”—short group trips averaging just three nights.
For this generation, it’s not just about where they go, but how they experience it:
- 66% prefer undiscovered destinations over viral hotspots
- 58% are more excited by local markets than famous landmarks
- 53% actively seek places where English isn’t the default
A New Travel Mindset
Gen Z’s approach also reflects a shift in cultural awareness. While 25% say their parents rarely use the local language abroad, younger travellers are determined to engage more respectfully.
- 75% believe it’s rude not to attempt basic greetings
- 36% would feel embarrassed without knowing key phrases
- 32% feel self-conscious speaking only English abroad
For many, learning a language builds confidence—75% say it’s made them bolder in their travel choices.
Trending “Bilingual Break” Destinations in Europe
To help travellers turn language learning into lived experience, Airbnb and Duolingo have spotlighted lesser-known regions across Europe’s most popular language-learning countries.
France
- Montreuil (Pas-de-Calais) – A hilltop town with cobbled streets, medieval ramparts, and a relaxed café culture perfect for practising French.
- Gérardmer – A lakeside escape in the Vosges Mountains, ideal for nature lovers and slow travel.
Spain
- Rojales – A traditional Costa Blanca village surrounded by citrus groves, offering a quieter slice of Spanish life.
- Ronda – A dramatic mountaintop city in Andalusia, rich in history and culture.
Germany
- Braunlage – A peaceful Harz Mountains town known for outdoor adventures and alpine charm.
- Ortenaukreis – A scenic Black Forest region filled with vineyards and timber-framed villages.
Italy
- Bressanone (Brixen) – A picturesque Alpine town blending Italian and Austrian influences.
- Arco – A laid-back destination near Lake Garda, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and language learners alike.
Turning Language Lessons Into Real Experiences
To encourage more travellers to embrace the trend, Airbnb and Duolingo are offering 10% off stays for users who complete a lesson on Duolingo—bridging the gap between digital learning and real-world exploration.
Beyond accommodation, travellers can also ease into local culture through curated experiences—from cocktail-making in Paris to wine tastings in Milan and street art tours in Rome.
For Gen Z, travel is no longer just about seeing the world—it’s about understanding it. And with “Bilingual Breaks” on the rise, the next European getaway might just double as a language lesson.
