Generation Z is defined as the demographic that follows the generation that has been names Millennials. Experts have described this group to have been born in the mid to late 1990s, and having an affinity for technology and social media. Research suggests that Gen Z has been influenced by events like the September 11th terrorist attacks and the Great Recession of the 2010s that have fostered feelings of insecurity.
 
While companies are just reaching an understanding of how the Millennial is changing the landscape, Gen Z is emerging as another challenge.
 
First Gen Z is using the same platforms like Millennials but in a different way. Gen Z spends nearly if not all of its time consuming media from a smartphone. Additionally, this group of consumers values experiences over products.
 
Gen Z desires to mold our culture. With their social media prowess and their capabilities as innovative content producers, they already have begun to change the consumer space.
 
With all of these implications, the travel industry is experiencing a new wave of trends as a result of Gen Zers.
 
Gen Z already relies on the power of social media, so, naturally, it has impacted where they wish to travel. In the past few years, the destination’s “instagramability” has been drawing young travelers to visit. Using top travel hashtags and by following influencers, Gen Z is on the hunt to find the most enviable spot.
 
Additionally, Gen Z appreciates a travel deal. Research suggests while a good portion of Gen Z still travels with their parents, most work to fund their trips. This group likes to feel the satisfaction of knowing they are getting a good bargain and won’t have to sacrifice their cash for a vacation.
 
Other travel trends popping up for Gen Zer is the importance of wireless. Being already so connecting it’s important to this generation to never lose that. They also value sustainable travel and are willing to support local businesses and appreciate opportunities for voluntourism.
 
Gen Z wants to trip of a lifetime and they want it now. This drives this generation to seek authentic and personal experiences. They want a bucket list trip.
 
Let Guardian Music and Group Travel create your very own customized trip with all your needs in mind that crosses a destination off your bucket list.

​Despite the many statistics and a long list of benefits of music education for children, some schools are choosing to forgo the subject. But music and music education is so incredibly important to kiddos and their growth.
 
For one, studies have found it helps students, regardless of socioeconomic status or school district, score higher on math, reading and spelling exams. Additionally, students who have a music education have been found to have better neural processing pathways and brain development than of students who merely listen to music. Music, gives children better reading comprehension skills, a tool that they can then use in countless other paths and school subjects.
 
It gives students the ability to connect with other people. As it is a very social experience, it encourages them to share their love and passion, and continue to bond with new individuals. It has been found to help students improve their teamwork and collaboration skills.
 
Musical performance helps to solidify all of these skills and teaches kids how to take pride in their skills. Music education and performance do wonders for children and their self-confidence, improving their self-worth too.
 
Other positive benefits of music education but are not limited to:

• Powerful study habits
• Heightened problem-solving skills
• Strengthened hand-eye coordination
• Improved memory
• Developed creative thinking
• Better stress-coping sills

 
Music education gives students a platform to spring from and supports them in other areas of life. It is essential of helping children develop and continuing to expand their education in and out of the classroom. 

​Americans spend nearly $2.8 billion on travel insurance each year, with the most common claim being trip cancellation or interruption.
 
Travel insurance allows for the peace of mind when you are away from home. But when not all insurance is equal or has the same coverage, things get complicated very quickly.
 
It is always important to read the fine print and ask questions to ensure the needs of your group are being met. There are plenty of stories available on the internet of less than pleasant experiences that all support investing in travel insurance.
 
Travel insurance is especially essential for groups traveling together because the world is not perfect. Bags get lost in transit, flights get delayed and occasionally people get sick. And with more people, there are more variables to account for.
 
Please let us know at Guardian how we can help your group travel plans go as smoothly as possible and what we can do to accommodate all of your needs.

According to the Voice of Student & Youth Travel, an organization that advocates for safe and professional student travel and their Student and Youth Travel Digest Study, teachers support student travel because it not only increases cultural awareness, but it impacts students’ personal development and positively effects education and career development.
 
From a teacher’s perspective, organized student travel is seen as being an extremely effective resource in comparison to computer-based learning.
 
Traveling can positively impact students by increasing their willingness to know, learn and explore by 60% in addition to increased levels of adaptability by 49% and increased levels of tolerance by 48%. But the most important effect of student group travel is the desire to travel more after taking just one trip.
 
Traveling helps children to become more independent and confident. Traveling teaches kids that the learning can be done anywhere and not only found inside a classroom and makes them better students in any kind of environment.
 
Guardian Music and Group Travel is a member of SYTA and has always supported organized student travel. Let us plan your student travel group adventure today!