I’m a Travel Agent: 4 Cheap Destinations Millennials Are Heading To
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Millennials are redefining travel, from the use of social media and apps to arrange vacations to seeking budget-friendly experiences that still manage to combine adventure and culture.
“Social media has created hot demand for photo ops in places like scenic water falls, food halls, etcetera,” said Cody Hand, travel agent and legal strategist. “Think of the massive social media reach of the strawberries covered in chocolate in the London market. In addition, COVID-19 created a whole new ethos of travel where people could get away yet still have an experience.”
GOBanking Rates spoke to Hand and other travel agents to uncover cheap destinations millennials are heading to.
Mexico
Many millennials are avoiding the crowds in Cancun, Los Cabos and Tulum in exchange for quieter beach towns like Puerto Escondido and Puerto Morelos.
“Not only are the flights cheaper, especially during low season — November through April — but the hotels, all-inclusive hotels and Airbnbs, are more affordable,” said Sebastian Garrido at Vibe Adventures. “Another recent trend we’ve seen with our clients is they want to visit viral places from TikTok like Puerto Escondido, for example.”
Mexico City is also becoming popular with millennials because of its thriving food scene, walkable communities and affordable accommodations compared to higher-priced cities, said Justin Crabbe, CEO and travel expert at Jettly.
“Mexico City offers millennials a mix of world-class museums, sprawling markets and a variety of innovative street foods on a budget,” Crabbe explained.
Destin, Florida
Known for its Emerald Coast beaches, mild weather and beautiful golf courses, Destin has become popular with millennial travelers, Mercedes Zach, travel agent at ASAP Tickets, told Yahoo Life.
“Many say that Destin gives Caribbean vibes without having to take a flight to any of the exotic islands outside of the U.S.,” Zach said. “Plus, there are plenty of exclusive beach rentals to choose from for as little as $100 per night. This city offers everything from golfing, rock climbing and zip lines to snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin tours to world-class festivals.”
Zach also said a one-week trip to Destin for two people could cost between $3,000 and $3,400, including accommodations, local transportation, dining out and sightseeing. She said Destin is becoming a budget-friendly choice for millennials seeking a tropical vacation without leaving the U.S.
Vietnam
Zach said her millennial clients are drawn to Vietnam for its bustling cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to the country’s natural landscapes in Ha Long Bay, fishing villages and tropical islands.
“There is something for every taste and budget,” Zach said. “Regardless of where you go and what you do, Vietnam is known for its value-for-the-money accommodations — from family guesthouses and remote resorts to budget hostels and more high-end hotels in larger cities ranging from $35 a night.”
In addition, Vietnam’s local food scene offers prices starting at $1 per meal.
“On average, a one-week trip to Vietnam for two people costs just around $850, including accommodations, dining, local transportation and sightseeing,” Zach said.
Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee
Millennials are also drawn to Chattanooga. For its blend of culture, history and affordability, especially for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and higher costs of larger cities.
“Chattanooga has a rejuvenated downtown area with walking paths and plenty of art installations that appeal to millennials who are interested in a mixture of nature and city,” Crabbe said.
Nashville is also a popular choice for millennial travelers, depending on why they’re going, Hand said.
“It’s quickly becoming a hot spot for weekends and bachelorette parties,” he said. “In addition, some millennials tend to go less for human-created experiences like headline shows and dinner theater and more for its natural beauty.”
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