Everyone’s traveling with loved ones this year, especially Millennials, Gen Zs

THIS 2024, the hottest trend is travel, both for Millennials and Gen Zs. 

According to Klook, the online travel booking application, 9 in 10 in both groups prefer to go on trips either with family, partners, and close friends. While Millennials prefer to go with family, Gen Zs would rather travel alongside their friends.

An estimated 50% of both groups have started to spend more on their holidays, especially since the country has begun to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

One reason why they’ve grown more interested in traveling is because they get inspired when viewing content on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram. TikTok ranked the highest, with 88% of the 6,000 respondents following at least one travel interviewer on the app. 

Aside from taking photos, many Gen Zs and Millennials have taken an interest in traveling. It offers them a chance to escape from their problems, relax without a care about the world, and spend time with the people most important to them.

As of last year, the most popular destinations among Filipinos were the following:

• Bangkok, Thailand
• Caticlan, Philippines
• Cebu, Philippines
• Hong Kong
• Manila, Philippines
• Tokyo, Japan
• Seoul, South Korea
• Singapore
• Taipei, Taiwan
• Kalibo, Philippines

If you’ve been feeling the urge to travel recently, now is the best time to do so! If you’re still feeling a bit iffy, here are some tips if you’re flying for the first time or just aren’t used to it, to ensure that you can enjoy all the time you have with your family.

Travel know-hows

Before you set out to travel, here are some things you should remember: 

1. Learn basic phrases.

Though this may not be applicable to all countries, there are places where many of the locals don’t speak English, so it’s best to read up on the language as much as you can, even if it’s just a few basic phrases.

It’s also a good thing to learn the alphabet of the place you’re visiting as well, like if you’re going to Japan or Korea, to save you time from translating each sign with Google every five seconds. 

2. Plan out your budget.

It’s almost unavoidable to overspend when you’re on vacation, especially if it’s your first time visiting the place.

To avoid this, try to create a budget for your trip: how much you’re going to be spending on food, accommodations, and souvenirs, for each day that you’re there should all be jotted down to ensure that you don’t go over the budget.

It would also help to keep track of your expenses all throughout your trip; log them in a notebook or type them down on your phone to make sure that you’re sticking to your budget. 

No matter the temptation to go beyond your budget, remember that you still have to go home after your trip, and life costs money. Lots of it.

3. Avoid packing at the last minute.

While packing for your trip can be a hassle, the last thing you want to do is to leave the task to the last minute. This may result in you forgetting to bring important items, which will leave you feeling very annoyed for the duration of your trip.

Try to make a checklist of all the things you need and pack at least a few days in advance, then double-check everything to make sure that you have everything that you need ready. 

Also, be sure to bring any forms of identification you may need for your flight or in the country of destination.

4. Prepare for your flight.

One thing you need to remember is that you need to dress comfortably; the more layers, the better, given how cold it can get this winter season. You should also remember to wear shoes you can easily slip off in case you’re asked to.

Another thing is to take note of your luggage; put your essential items in your carry-on bag, and be sure to check the guidelines of the airport to make sure that you’re bringing the right amount of stuff with you. 

And of course: remember to arrive early at the airport. The last thing you want is to miss your flight.

5. Be respectful of the culture.

Whether you’re just going to another part of the Philippines or a different country entirely, it’s important to always be respectful. Don’t label things as weird or disgusting just because you don’t understand them.

Of course, some of them are going to be foreign because that’s the whole point of going to a different country!

Don’t make grossed-out faces at the food, and don’t laugh at the customs. At all times, keep an open mind and an open wallet. Don’t let yourself miss out on different opportunities just because of fear or confusion.