Latest news with #GeorgiaFowkes
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's How Millennials Are Planning Their Travel in 2025 — Is It Saving Them Money?
surveyed 2,500 American millennials and found that 76% of them considered affordability the most important factor when deciding on summer travel plans for 2025. The respondents noted that they were seeking out budget airlines, embracing off-peak season travel and sharing accommodations. Explore More: Read Next: Here's how millennials are planning travel this year and whether these options can help them save money. The study found that 58% of millennials planned to work while traveling since they have either remote or hybrid roles. The concept of 'workcationing' has gained popularity, with 73% of millennials planning to stay two weeks or longer at their destination. However, there are some pros and cons to consider with this travel approach. Check Out: Working while traveling is a great way to still earn income. Plus, it can allow you to extend your stay. If you're planning to work while traveling and want to embrace house hacking, this option can help save money while you travel. You can sublease your unit or rent out a portion of your home when you travel to ensure a steady income while you're away from home. This means that you'll be earning money through your job and home as you go on trips. However, 'workcationing' could come with some challenges. 'It sounds like the holy grail of balance, but the reality is often quite different,' said Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor at Altezza Travel. 'Remote work does offer flexibility, but whether or not you'll save money really depends on your discipline.' Without a structure and clear boundaries between work and leisure, you can burn through money with this option. While you may have an income coming in, you could stay on the road longer and spend more money than you expected to. 'It turns your trip from a true vacation into another workweek in a different location, and it depends heavily on things like reliable Wi-Fi, time zone compatibility and being disciplined with your schedule,' said Alicia Walter, a travel expert and co-founder of The Passport Couple. You also risk having your work suffer due to time zone issues and challenges in finding the proper workspace. You may not be as productive as you would like to be, and this could lead to other financial problems. With 67% of respondents admitting to using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to make travel plans, it's clear that these programs are like modern-day travel agents. These AI tools are helpful for building travel itineraries, discovering local activities and booking accommodations. But there are some things to be aware of. You can plan a trip with AI and build the ideal itinerary for your goals, but you'll want to use the right prompts and ensure that you cross-check prices to get the best deal. You don't want to blindly use chatbots and then end up with a more expensive trip. And AI assistance doesn't have to end once your trip is booked. Walter pointed out that ChatGPT has helped answer random money-related questions while on the road, such as figuring out local tipping customs or determining the best way to get from the airport to the city center via public transportation. Social media platforms are influencing where millennials travel, with 71% sharing that they rely on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for destination ideas. Here's what to consider about using social media to choose travel destinations. Fowkes emphasized that social media is a highlight reel, not a budget planner. 'Those picturesque spots trending on TikTok are often overrun and overpriced,' she said. When someone posts a gorgeous photo of a trip, remember that they're choosing what to show and there's more to the story. The harsh reality is that travelers can easily blow their budgets trying to replicate the curated experience of an influencer, especially since a person promoting a location could've gone there for free in exchange for the mention. You'll want to ensure that you verify the prices in advance so that you don't overspend on an overrated experience. Walter shared that she has found some amazing, affordable gems, such as Berat, Albania, and Budva, Montenegro, through Instagram and TikTok. However, she warned that once a destination goes viral, the prices can increase rapidly. A budget-friendly location can suddenly become packed with tourists and overpriced due to a lack of availability. Your best bet is to use social media as inspiration, but conduct your own research to find options that align with your travel style and budget. 'Micro adventures' are also on the rise, per the study, with 54% of millennials stating that they preferred shorter and more frequent trips over longer summer escapes. Notable activities gaining traction include camping weekends, shorter road trips and visits to national parks. Here are some benefits to choosing shorter vacations. Fowkes emphasized that 'micro adventures' can allow for a quick getaway to recharge, relax and reclaim lost inspiration. And it can save money. A long weekend in Mexico City, rather than a two-week European grand tour, will be much cheaper. When planning a shorter trip, you can be more flexible with your timing and look out for deals. This can be a budget-friendly option if you avoid peak weekends and plan in advance. You could also escape for a weekend without taking any time off from work by going on a Friday or working remotely for a few hours. It's also worth mentioning that you can combine travel planning strategies on this plan to maximize your savings. For example, you can use social media as an inspiration for travel options, which you then filter through AI-powered tools to make a final decision. Then you can determine whether it's possible to work remotely from the destination or whether it's worth checking out for a weekend. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Here's How Millennials Are Planning Their Travel in 2025 — Is It Saving Them Money?
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's How Millennials Are Planning Their Travel in 2025 — Is It Saving Them Money?
surveyed 2,500 American millennials and found that 76% of them considered affordability the most important factor when deciding on summer travel plans for 2025. The respondents noted that they were seeking out budget airlines, embracing off-peak season travel and sharing accommodations. Explore More: Read Next: Here's how millennials are planning travel this year and whether these options can help them save money. The study found that 58% of millennials planned to work while traveling since they have either remote or hybrid roles. The concept of 'workcationing' has gained popularity, with 73% of millennials planning to stay two weeks or longer at their destination. However, there are some pros and cons to consider with this travel approach. Check Out: Working while traveling is a great way to still earn income. Plus, it can allow you to extend your stay. If you're planning to work while traveling and want to embrace house hacking, this option can help save money while you travel. You can sublease your unit or rent out a portion of your home when you travel to ensure a steady income while you're away from home. This means that you'll be earning money through your job and home as you go on trips. However, 'workcationing' could come with some challenges. 'It sounds like the holy grail of balance, but the reality is often quite different,' said Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor at Altezza Travel. 'Remote work does offer flexibility, but whether or not you'll save money really depends on your discipline.' Without a structure and clear boundaries between work and leisure, you can burn through money with this option. While you may have an income coming in, you could stay on the road longer and spend more money than you expected to. 'It turns your trip from a true vacation into another workweek in a different location, and it depends heavily on things like reliable Wi-Fi, time zone compatibility and being disciplined with your schedule,' said Alicia Walter, a travel expert and co-founder of The Passport Couple. You also risk having your work suffer due to time zone issues and challenges in finding the proper workspace. You may not be as productive as you would like to be, and this could lead to other financial problems. With 67% of respondents admitting to using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to make travel plans, it's clear that these programs are like modern-day travel agents. These AI tools are helpful for building travel itineraries, discovering local activities and booking accommodations. But there are some things to be aware of. You can plan a trip with AI and build the ideal itinerary for your goals, but you'll want to use the right prompts and ensure that you cross-check prices to get the best deal. You don't want to blindly use chatbots and then end up with a more expensive trip. And AI assistance doesn't have to end once your trip is booked. Walter pointed out that ChatGPT has helped answer random money-related questions while on the road, such as figuring out local tipping customs or determining the best way to get from the airport to the city center via public transportation. Social media platforms are influencing where millennials travel, with 71% sharing that they rely on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for destination ideas. Here's what to consider about using social media to choose travel destinations. Fowkes emphasized that social media is a highlight reel, not a budget planner. 'Those picturesque spots trending on TikTok are often overrun and overpriced,' she said. When someone posts a gorgeous photo of a trip, remember that they're choosing what to show and there's more to the story. The harsh reality is that travelers can easily blow their budgets trying to replicate the curated experience of an influencer, especially since a person promoting a location could've gone there for free in exchange for the mention. You'll want to ensure that you verify the prices in advance so that you don't overspend on an overrated experience. Walter shared that she has found some amazing, affordable gems, such as Berat, Albania, and Budva, Montenegro, through Instagram and TikTok. However, she warned that once a destination goes viral, the prices can increase rapidly. A budget-friendly location can suddenly become packed with tourists and overpriced due to a lack of availability. Your best bet is to use social media as inspiration, but conduct your own research to find options that align with your travel style and budget. 'Micro adventures' are also on the rise, per the study, with 54% of millennials stating that they preferred shorter and more frequent trips over longer summer escapes. Notable activities gaining traction include camping weekends, shorter road trips and visits to national parks. Here are some benefits to choosing shorter vacations. Fowkes emphasized that 'micro adventures' can allow for a quick getaway to recharge, relax and reclaim lost inspiration. And it can save money. A long weekend in Mexico City, rather than a two-week European grand tour, will be much cheaper. When planning a shorter trip, you can be more flexible with your timing and look out for deals. This can be a budget-friendly option if you avoid peak weekends and plan in advance. You could also escape for a weekend without taking any time off from work by going on a Friday or working remotely for a few hours. It's also worth mentioning that you can combine travel planning strategies on this plan to maximize your savings. For example, you can use social media as an inspiration for travel options, which you then filter through AI-powered tools to make a final decision. Then you can determine whether it's possible to work remotely from the destination or whether it's worth checking out for a weekend. More From GOBankingRates 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on Here's How Millennials Are Planning Their Travel in 2025 — Is It Saving Them Money?
BBC News
22-03-2025
- BBC News
Female-first travel: The ultimate guide
With their growing financial resources, 82% of women control travel decisions, and from solo adventure holidays to multi-generational trips, female-first travel is on the rise. Women today are on the move. More than 64% of the world's travellers are women, with 82% responsible for making a family's travel decisions, according to Skift Research's 2024 The Woman Traveler report. Not only that, but women are also travelling in more ways and to more places than ever before. Solo female travel is particularly on the rise, with nearly 40% of women travellers planning a solo trip in 2025, according to Skift. This trend also increases with age, as 21% of female travellers aged 55 and up prefer solo travel versus travelling with a spouse or children. "Solo travel as a woman feels like a quiet act of rebellion. It is a radical form of self-care, a bold claim to joy and a path to self-actualisation," said Lauran Peoples, a director at Richmond Region Tourism in Canada. "Solo travel allows me to move through the world for no one's benefit but my own. Every time I return, I feel more capable than I give myself credit for. I come back cooler. I come back braver. I come back more in tune with who I truly am." With their growing financial resources, women are also discerning, choosing destinations with safety, freedom and welcoming cultures in mind. To aid that process, we pulled together some of the most popular ways women around the world are travelling today. Solo female travel Google searches for "solo female travel" have increased 1,000% in the past decade, as women look to book more and more trips alone. But compared to men, women have slightly different concerns when planning holidays: safety and cultural attitudes continue to rank top of mind. According to Solo Female Travellers – a company empowering women to travel solo – 66% of female travellers mark safety as their top concern; a figure unchanged since 2020. The company's index of more than 200 countries (based on current US/UK advisories, the current Global Peace Index and a survey ranking how solo women travellers viewed their risk while travelling) finds a few places consistently topping the list, including Spain, Australia, the Nordic countries, Thailand, the UK, Singapore, New Zealand, Indonesia and Japan. Japan, which has one of the world's lowest crime rates, ranked number one for safety and stands out as a memorable destination for many solo female travellers. "Japan was by far the easiest country I have ever traveled in solo," said Georgia Fowkes, a travel expert at Altezza Travel. "I felt this peculiar but wonderful mix of excitement and utter ease when I arrived in Tokyo. Whether in Shinjuku's buzzing chaos or Kyoto's quiet corners, the streets felt unbelievably safe, even at night." She found particular ease in women-only train cars and female-focussed capsule hotels. "It all adds up to a place where you can truly let your guard down and soak it all in," she said. Fiona Spinks, who writes the blog Following Fiona, echoes the survey's finding about how female travellers feel welcome in New Zealand. "Here, it wasn't just about the views (although they're unreal). What stood out most was the people and the way travel in New Zealand often became a real community experience," she says. "When I hiked through the Abel Tasman track, total strangers ended up sharing stories and food. Kiwis love chatting, and you'll gain so much insight from local conversations." To help support other women-owned businesses on their solo adventures Wanderful, a leading women's travel community, recently launched a map highlighting city guides around the world with women-owned shops, cafes and hotels. Women-only group trips "Maybe it's the wine, but I laugh more when I travel with women," said Kimberlee Lauer, a New Orleans-based senior account executive who travels frequently with her female friends. "We can be spontaneous and silly together, and we find joy in our shared travel experiences, even when they go awry. I have travelled with my significant others in the past, but I don't really enjoy travelling with men nearly as much as my girlfriends!" Whether a girls' getaway or a "solo-but-not-alone" trip, group travel built exclusively for women is skyrocketing. Nearly 14% of women are planning a women-only trip in 2025, according to Solo Female Travellers. The survey also found that 36% of women travelled solo on a small group trip, with 8% joining a trip with girlfriends. Road Scholar saw its enrollment in senior-focused women-only tours double in recent years. Megan Vila, Innovation Manager for TourAxis, recommends women seek out smaller groups and female-led guides. "Smaller group tours create a more intimate experience and offer a great way to form friendships with other travellers," she said. She also recommends itineraries that combine guided activities with plenty of free time. "Women value expert guidance but also enjoy exploring at their own pace." Cruises have emerged as a holiday popular for women, whether already in a group or looking to make new friends. Uniworld recently launched their first women's-only river cruise departing in August 2025 throughout France. "Group tours provide something like a tasting menu of different places, so I can see a bit of each city and decide for myself which ones I may want to come back to in the future. I can travel alone, but I'm not actually by myself," explained New York resident and frequent group traveller Jessie Parker. "Get to know the other people in your tour group. There's an instant connection in your choosing the same trip at the same time, so be open to connecting with them as well, not just the location." Natural Habitat Adventures also expanded its women-only itineraries by 75% in 2025, noting that 30% of travellers are women travelling solo. The small, women-led group tours cover destinations like Greenland, Alaska and Costa Rica, focusing on wildlife viewing and highlighting women's history in each destination. Adventure travel continues to be a female-majority space – with women comprising 57% of all adventure travellers. Senior travel While solo travel might have once conjured an image of a young, nomadic backpacker, The Woman Traveler Report by Skift recently busted that myth. Only 4% of adults aged 18-24 planned on embarking on solo trips, while nearly 25% of those aged 65 and above planned a similar journey. According to the report's findings, as women reach retirement age, they look forward to travelling to enjoy freedom and flexibility, escape their routines and challenge themselves. According to a 2023 study by Road Scholar, 85% of the operator's solo travellers are women, and 69% of their overall travellers are women. Barring health or mobility issues, many baby boomer women also set their sights on "bucket list" travel. "With retirement came the precious gift of time, a treasure to be cherished; immersing myself in the moments that fill my heart and nourish my spirit," said Venida Hudley, who solo travelled to 12 African countries in 11 months and chronicled her adventures at Venida Discovers Africa. "My passion was innovation, so I looked for out-of-the-box volunteer opportunities that fed my spirit like volunteering with an innovative fashion designer in Gaborone, Botswana, and volunteering with a business that creatively improves the environment like Gjenge Makers in Nairobi, Kenya." A 2025 AARP report cited Europe as the most popular destination for international baby boomer travel, with Italy, Great Britain, France, Spain and Ireland in the top positions. At Scotland-based small-group tour company Rabbie's, seniors aged 60 and over receive discounted prices, and they've seen senior women most interested in "set-jetting", checking out the Downton Abbey Castle or Outlander filming locations in Scotland. "The real-life history behind these famous locations is often just as captivating as the fictional storylines they have watched on screen,' says Rabbie's CEO Hazel Rickett. "Take Doune Castle, for example. Known to Outlander fans as Castle Leoch, it has centuries of its own stories to tell. Some driver-guides were even extras in the series, so they offer first-hand insights." Multi-generational travel Another growing trend has been the emergence of cross-generational travel, driven in large part by millennials and Gen-Z parents who are including both their children and their own parents on their travels. According to American Express Travel's 2025 Global Travel Trends, 58% of millennials and Gen-Z parents plan to bring their extended family on trips in 2025, up from just more than 30% of Gen-X and baby boomers. Female-focused tour operator Pink Girls Run the World sees a high percentage of its travellers embark as multigenerational trips. "Plan experiences that can be shared across multiple generations, like afternoon teas," suggests founder Tashieka Brewer. "Over Mother's Day weekend, we're planning a special multi-generational weekend in Bristol, Virginia and we're planning for a unique wine tasting experience at a local vineyard." Stephanie Webb of Seesight Tours echoes the sentiment. "Some of my most meaningful trips have been with family. I took my mom to Italy, where she finally got to see the Amalfi Coast after dreaming about it for years," she said. "Travelling across generations teaches you patience and appreciation. It's about slowing down, choosing activities that suit everyone's energy levels, and focusing on shared experiences rather than just checking off a bucket list. These trips remind me that travel isn't just about the places we see, but the moments we create together." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
