(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The concept of travel is changing, and the youth is at the helm of it. For genuine reviews, youngsters turn to blogs and travel apps rather than consulting travel agents. Staycations have become cooler than vacations, and travelling #solo is preferred over travelling with the #fam.
Cousins are the new travel buddies After binge-watching Indian web series TVF Tripling (about a sibling road trip), Dubai-based Rhea Bhatia (19) and her cousins began chalking out the itinerary for their trip to Bali planned for this month end. Rhea's mother, Poonam, is as excited as the travellers. "Times have changed. I would have never got the permission to go anywhere at this age, let alone to another country. We have allotted a strict budget to each of them so that they learn to spend money responsibly."
While scouring through the Internet for reviews, planning your #fooddiaries, and visualising your potential profile picture at the foot of the Himalayas, you shouldn't forget to factor in safety. "Rhea and her cousins were initially keen on a road trip across the North of India - the idea was immediately tossed out of the window when we realised it may not be too safe," she adds.
Last year, Sharjah resident Karan Hanj (21) embarked on a trip to Georgia with only his cousins. Exploring an unfamiliar country always comes with a set of challenges - in this case, the challenge was to grasp the language. "We learnt a bunch of different words in Georgian to locate addresses and also to make new friends. I love meeting new people and maybe even crashing at their place if they wish to be a host," he says.
Staycay over vacay? Sharjah resident Nidhi Kumar (22) was gifted 'her best birthday present so far' - a staycation, last year. "My cramped work schedules leave me with no time for a vacation. I go on staycations at least once or twice a month. Since it's one of the very few things I do for myself, I don't have a strict budget and spend around Dh500-600/night," she adds. Another Sharjah resident, Abigail Khiyalie (22) finds herself indulging in staycations occasionally and hence chooses to spend more - Dh 1500-2000/night.
Staycations have become a firm favourite amongst youngsters in the region. "They can enjoy world-class facilities without having to leave the country. It's their chance to explore options like interactive food and beverage concepts, theme nights, and access to the rooftop pool lounge and spas, etc." says a Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre spokesperson.
Economical and convenient, staycations don't pinch the pocket. "Hotels in the UAE offer fantastic resident rates. We offer 20 per cent off for all UAE residents with a guaranteed upgrade and a 50 per cent dining discount," says Paul Dunphy, general manager, Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel.
Home sweet home Aaisha Memon (21) enjoys exploring her home - the UAE. She took her love for adventure and thrill to the Jabal Jais mountains, the cool waters of Wadi Shis and more recently, Al Qudra Lake. Aaisha's idea of a weekend is either a road trip with friends or camping with family. "Paris has always been my dream destination. Also, the designer in me hopes to travel to Greece or Rome for their magnificent architecture," she says. Exploring adrenaline-zones in the region is another hit. Options include Adventure HQ, Aventura Parks, Skydive Dubai, etc.
Travel solo and 're-discover' yourself Karishma Hingorani's (22) Instagram bio describes her as quite the travel buff - 'Mumbai born, Dubai bred and now in Singapore'. She's up-to-date, follows young travellers and observes that they flock to Bali, Thailand, Italy, Malaysia and India.
Karishma decided to follow the footsteps of Kangana Ranaut's character in Bollywood flick Queen, and travelled solo to Bali last year when her friends couldn't join in. She didn't have to run errands or sweet talk her parents into getting permission. "Initially, we were hesitant, but we knew she was going through an agency and that she would have a safe trip," Deepak, Karishma's father, says.
Trekking tales Dubai-based Ayush Bhatnagar (22) bailed out on his friends, who wanted to go on a trip to Mexico last year. He realised that he wanted to take a solo trekking trip to 'find himself' and before he knew it, he was hiking with his Uber driver, and skiing and dining by himself in cafs.
Hotels vs. hostels Choice of accommodation is also changing. According to a global report by online travel agent Hostelworld, hostels are becoming popular among young travellers between 18 and 35 years. Homestays or apartment spaces are another preferred option. "I was mainly put up in Airbnb (a popular apartment/homestay rental service) accommodations during my travels. They were super affordable and also introduced me to the warmest people I've ever met. The highlight of my trip was my stay at an igloo-shaped house near Silverthorne (a town in Colorado). It was owned by a retired Air Force pilot, who fought in the World War. I'd sit with him next to the fireplace and he'd tell me stories about his war days over hot chocolate. That was something no amount of money or partying on an island could ever replace," recalls Ayush.
Here's an app-kit for your next solo trip RedZone map: In a country with unfamiliar routes and strangers, this navigation app will look after you and take you through safe routes.
Google Translate: An app that's at your disposal to help you understand directions, meet new people, and prevent some major #FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
VizEat: Taste authentic cheese from a home in Paris and participate in some burrito cooking lessons from a local in Mexico with this app. You can too #eatlikealocal!
Backpackr: This app will connect you with your travel buddy. Give online reviews a miss and trust the backpacker community to give you the best travel tips.
Lyft: An Uber alternative, this app allows you to get picked and dropped by a community driver to a selected destination.
Google Maps: Access a mapped offline route and be assured to reach your destination safely. Goodbye data charges - map your route and download the directions for later use.
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