You’re not exactly fiscally stable yet, but you’re independent enough to survive on your own. Your parents still give you allowance, but only enough for your essentials (college costs aside).
It feels like we hardly even have enough time for a trip, let alone funds to snag a ticket to anywhere.
You don’t have to be “ballin” to explore new continents. Your lack of finance and resources need not be a hindrance. There are various ways to travel, learn and enjoy without burning a hole in your wallet. You just have to be willing to forego some luxuries and extra comfort. All it takes is some meticulous planning and decision making.
Erase the idea that a thrifty Generation Y kid with an immense yearning for wanderlust is hopeless and depressing. As a matter of fact, being a freewheeling twenty-something has its perks.
Couch Surfing
First of all, it’s not for the anxious. The idea of sleeping on strangers’ couches doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you’re a paranoid traveler, decide on another means of lodging. Sure it may be free, but it’s not the safest option unless you’ve done thorough background checks on your hosts, are acquainted in some way or have been recommended by a friend.
Listen to your gut. Horror couch surfing narratives aside, once you find a good host, the rest of your stay will be a breeze. You not only have a place to stay, but make a new host-friend and get your own local tour guide as well.
Airbnb
Another method of experiencing a country like a local is through Airbnb. Some of their rates may either cost less or more than hotel rooms, depending on the property type, but if you’re aiming for more homey accommodations, then you’re in the right track.
However, according to a Skift article, most millennials still have a preference for hotels and hostels over the 3.7% who availed of Airbnb offers. Plus, the added weight of accountability for their host’s property and abiding by the house rules may not appeal to most generation Y travelers.
Hostels
Millennials have taken to staying in hostels as an alternative to hotels and inns. The aforementioned article also confirms that the millennial group of 18-24 year olds prefer hostels at more than double the rate of older millennials.
Hostels are conventionally the cheapest option when it comes to accommodation. It’s just a matter of coping with strangers (and potential lifelong friends) for a few days. Look at the bright side, chances are it’ll be the first and last time you see each other anyways.
Not only is it a low cost alternative, this is also the easiest way to make friends and meet individuals embarking on the same adventures as you.
Study Abroad
You mean I can study AND travel at the same time?
It doesn’t get any better than that. Immersion programs and international study have become a rising trend among university students. Financial aid is accessible, as well as personal fundraiser arrangements. If you’re lucky enough, you can even avail of scholarships.
Travel while making an impact. Some programs are even tied in to volunteer missions and the Peace Corps.
According to an Open Doors report done by the Institute of International Education, about 290,000 college students received credit for studying abroad. Kill two birds with one stone by fitting travel into your academic journey. You don’t even have to sacrifice your attendance. This is a whole new approach to “learning outside the classroom”.
Family Trips
Collect moments, not things. Instead of asking for material things as graduation, birthday or Christmas presents, invite – or entice – your family to finally arrange that long-overdue trip or reunion. If your relatives are willing, also suggest that they pitch in to the budget as a form of contribution.
Who knows, you might even be able to convince them to plan a cruise to the Caribbean. Those usually include two to three main destinations in one payment, so you make the most out of your family bonding and excursion.
Voila, your ticket expenses are all covered.
Through International Connections
Now would be the perfect time to get back in touch with your long lost aunt from Italy or your cousin from Brazil. Do not be afraid to reach out to old acquaintances and relatives.Call them.
There’s no doubt Grandma will be thrilled to spoil the grandchild she hasn’t seen in a decade.
Chances are they are more than pleased to host your stay overnight or for a few weeks. They’ll probably even volunteer to be your chaperone.
“Travel is little beds and cramped bathrooms. It’s old television sets and slow Internet connections. Travel is extraordinary conversations with ordinary people… Travel is the same white T-shirt again tomorrow. Travel is wishing for one more bite of whatever that just was. It’s the rediscovery of walking somewhere.” - Nick Miller
Media and technology are the core reasons millennials long to squeeze their rooms - and lives - in a suitcase and take off. The world is literally at our fingertips. Travel is easier and cheaper now. Take full advantage of it.
Don’t limit yourself to double-clicking your peers’ Instagram photos and viewing Snaps from foreign lands. Go visit them yourself. Board that plane, economy ticket in hand, while you’re still young, flexible and free.
There will always be an unglamorous side of travel and not everything is as perfect as it seems. Enjoyment comes in all sorts of sizes (and prices). The best thing about being a prudent millennial traveler though? Lavishness is purely optional.
Here’s to enjoying the simpler, cheaper, side of adventure.