December 23, 2024, 7:38 AM
December 23, 2024, 7:38 AM
Traveling is one of the most common dreams among young people, but the cost of plane tickets, accommodations, and recreational activities can often make that adventure seem far away. However, being young has many advantages when it comes to exploring the world economically. With the right strategies, it is possible to enjoy international experiences without budget being an obstacle.
Javier Rivera, director of the Hospitality and Tourism Administration program at the Franz Tamayo University, Unifranz, highlights the importance of organizing economic alternatives to make the most of each destination.
“It depends on what the young person likes, but I would frankly tell you that you can travel anywhere as long as you do it in an organized way, plan it in advance and look for different alternatives that each of these destinations presents.“he explains.
Rivera recommends accessible destinations within Bolivia that combine adventure, history and nature. “On the one hand there is Toro Toro, in the north of Potosí, although you arrive through Cochabamba. You also have the city of Sucre, with a very wide offer within all services and that will surely fit your budget.“.
Additionally, for those looking for a diverse and accessible experience in Santa Cruz, Samaipata stands out. “I think Samaipata is the ideal place where you will find a variety of restaurants for all tastes and a very wide variety of prices,” he points out.
A recent study by Hostelworld, one of the main hostel booking platforms, reveals that 83% of young people between 18 and 25 years old prefer affordable options such as hostels and shared accommodation. In addition, according to Booking.com, local or short-distance trips have gained popularity among young people post-pandemic, as they allow them to reduce costs without giving up the experience of exploring new places.
Plan ahead
Anticipation is a fundamental factor when organizing cheap trips. Rivera highlights the difficulty of finding available options on high demand dates such as Christmas, New Year’s or carnivals.
“It is difficult for them to find a place right now to be able to travel and stay two or three days for Christmas or New Year, because people plan their trips well in advance and the destinations that are fashionable are surely already sold out or will surely be.”he warns.
However, he considers that there are still opportunities if young people start planning ahead of time, for example, the Carnival holidays, Holy Week or the Andean-Amazonian New Year next year.
“These are dates from which we are still a little far away and I think that young people should aim to plan their trips for these dates,” he points out.
According to a report from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), advance planning can reduce travel costs by up to 30%, as it allows you to take advantage of promotions, cheap flights and accommodation with lower rates.
Local and accessible destinations
Taking advantage of national destinations not only reduces costs, but also offers the possibility of getting to know the natural and cultural wealth of the country. Toro Toro, Sucre and Samaipata are just some examples of places that combine adventure, culture and gastronomy at affordable prices for young travelers.
Without going far, Toro Toro is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and adventure. In addition to being a national park full of impressive geological formations and dinosaur footprints, its access from Cochabamba makes it an economical option for transportation. On the other hand, Sucre, known as the white city of Bolivia, combines history, culture and affordable accommodation options, making it an attractive destination for young travelers.
The experience of traveling with little
Traveling cheap when you are young not only means saving money, but also gaining experiences. According to the “Youth Travel 2023” report by the consulting firm WYSE Travel Confederation, low-budget trips allow young people to immerse themselves more in local cultures and opt for authentic activities, such as street food or free tours in major tourist spots.
In Rivera’s words, these economical trips also depend on the approach that each traveler gives: “If you organize your trip well, look for local options and stick to your budget, you can visit incredible places without spending too much.”
Traveling cheaply at a young age is possible if you plan ahead, do your research, and take advantage of options such as affordable accommodation, accessible transportation, and less-crowded destinations. The combination of organization and flexibility opens the door to unforgettable experiences without having to spend a fortune. Travel platforms, specialized studies and recommendations from experts like Javier Rivera agree that, with proper planning, any young person can fulfill the dream of exploring the world without compromising their pocketbook.
