The Most Overpriced Things Young Travelers Still Spend Too Much On
Travel is already expensive, but many younger travelers may be unwittingly paying more for their trips in ways that waste money and don’t actually improve the experience.
As it turns out, travel experts say many of the most common splurges have more affordable alternatives that don’t sacrifice quality or a great time.
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Social Media-Driven Experiences That Look Better Online
Young travelers are prone to letting social media shape the kinds of trips they build, focusing on content over quality.
Elaine Warren, founder and CEO of The Family Cruise Companion, explained that many travelers are going to trendy cafes, visiting pop up attractions and taking photos at extremely popular tourist destinations “that appear very attractive online, but these experiences will rarely be the memory of the trip after it is complete."
Social media leads to “an influx of tourists flocking to the same highly priced areas and paying high prices for essentially the same photo opportunity.”
Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, echoed the same concern, suggesting that a $400 rooftop bar experience that makes a great Instagram story can be replaced by a $30 budget dinner at a neighborhood spot locals favor.
Convenience Upgrades That Barely Improve the Trip
Travel companies are getting savvier at selling small upgrades that a young traveler might think are essential during booking but deliver very little value in practice.
Warren said, “Many of us pay a premium for priority check in, fast track entry and bundle deals to skip lines simply to avoid minor inconveniences we would have avoided by making simple plans ahead of time.”
She felt that travelers often buy these upgrades because of “the sense of security created by travel companies during the booking process.” However, these upgrades tend to offer the least value when the trip is short.
Airport Purchases That Blow Up Travel Budgets
Anyone who has spent time in an airport knows it’s one of the biggest money traps for young travelers prone to impulse buys. Delays, boredom and limited options make it easy to overspend on food, drinks and even duty-free gifts.
Cronin said, “Paying $18 for a sandwich because you're already past security is poor planning.”
Dawn Younts, co-founder of Egyptian Nile Adventures, said, “A lot of travelers don’t notice how much they spent until they look back at their bank statements afterward."
Luxury Hotels and Premium Travel Services
Younger travelers may not have the experience to understand the difference between luxury and overpriced services. Expensive doesn’t always mean better or higher quality.
Cronin said, “A high-end hotel in a destination you'll spend one night in is almost never worth the premium.” He recommended saving that money for a place where you'll spend three or more nights and actually use the property.
Younts advised travelers to prioritize “location, cleanliness, comfort and safety instead of paying extra.”
It’s wise to be wary of extras in general, but the experts agreed that there are a few areas worth spending more on: travel insurance, flexible bookings, reliable transportation and experiences that create lasting memories.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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