A cUltUre of spending

Travel, as we now know it, is quite a millennial trend — college students, recent grads, and young workers around the world are giving travel a high-priority on their yearly agendas. The same is true in the UAE — and as a country that is attracting an increasing population of expatriates in their 20s and 30s, it is also growing as a hub for international travel.

Technology has played a huge role in making information and inspiration available in a few clicks. While making travel the norm is still a relatively recent phenomenon, the culture of coupons is not — the simplicity of online deals and reward apps for getaways makes the possibility of a holiday abroad more realistic and renders many with the luxury of being able to enjoy a pampering day — or two — at a local resort, experiencing their home country in new ways.

Modern amenities and services make it less challenging to join the travellers’ bandwagon. But, holidaying is still a non-priority expense and can add to the pressure of keeping up with a contemporary urban lifestyle. For those who never want to miss out on a great deal, regular vacations can rack up high bills sooner than expected. Also, it’s easier to feel entitled to some leisure time than spending some time to chart out finances and calculating spending capabilities.

The current culture of travelling on a budget is great; but, people must remember that spending to save is still a spend on savings.