For Gen Z, a great vacation isn’t just about where you went. It’s about what happened while you were there.
Enter “lore-tripping,” the latest travel trend encouraging travelers to seek out the unexpected, embrace spontaneity and prioritize experiences that make a great story. Because sometimes the best travel memories aren’t the ones you planned months in advance — they’re the ones that start with, “You’re never going to believe what happened,” the unexpected making memories that last forever.
What Is Lore-Tripping?
Think of lore-tripping as traveling with one goal in mind: collecting stories, not just souvenirs.
Rather than building an itinerary around every must-see attraction, lore-trippers are looking for experiences that feel personal and unexpected. That could mean finding a neighborhood restaurant recommended by a local, exploring a destination’s history, taking a spontaneous detour or discovering an event that wasn’t on the original itinerary.
It’s less about following the crowd and more about finding the moments that make a trip uniquely yours.
And Gen Z is increasingly interested in doing just that. According to Airbnb’s 2026 travel trends, 90% of Gen Z travelers surveyed are interested in visiting under-the-radar destinations, with small towns emerging as a particularly popular choice. Meanwhile, American Express identified “Lore Chasing” as a major travel trend for 2026, finding that 83% of Millennials and Gen Z prioritize unique, authentic experiences over popular tourist attractions.
In other words: the itinerary is optional. The story is essential.
Why the Unexpected Makes the Best Stories
There’s something about the experiences you didn’t plan for that tend to stick with you.
Maybe you took the wrong turn and discovered a hidden neighborhood. Maybe a conversation with a waiter or waitress led you to the best meal of your trip. Maybe you stumbled upon a local festival, caught a spectacular sunset from an unexpected spot or said yes to an activity that initially wasn’t on your list.
These are the moments that become travel lore.
For Gen Z, sharing those experiences is also part of the fun. Travel has become increasingly intertwined with social storytelling, from TikTok recommendations and Instagram Reels to group chats filled with trip photos and “you had to be there” moments.
The destination gets you there. The story is what makes you want to go back.
Finding Your Own Lore with Sonesta
With a portfolio spanning vibrant cities, coastal escapes and destinations across the U.S. and beyond, Sonesta International Hotels gives travelers plenty of opportunities to create their own travel stories.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, exploring a new city or taking a trip simply because you found an experience worth traveling for, there’s always room to leave some space in the itinerary for the unexpected.
Stay somewhere where you’re willing to create a story. Ask a local for a recommendation. Explore beyond the tourist checklist. Try something you’ve never done before, go outside of your comfort zone.
Because your next trip doesn’t need to be perfectly planned.
Disclaimer: The suggested itinerary and points of interest are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Guests are encouraged to independently verify opening hours, availability, travel times, and any potential changes prior to visiting. The inclusion of any businesses, attractions, or destinations does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by Sonesta or its affiliates. Sonesta makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided and assumes no responsibility for any inconvenience or loss arising from the use of this information.
