Staycations have become cooler than vacations, and travelling #solo is preferred over travelling with the #fam.
Published: Thu 9 Nov 2017, 7:00 PM
Updated: Sun 12 Nov 2017, 3:44 PM
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.
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