Mina travels for adventure and to learn about different cultures. PHOTO | COURTESY 
Whether it is to revel in the Caribbean’s charming weather, to
hike in Macau, shopping expeditions in France or to party in Ibiza, for
young Kenyans with money, the world is their oyster.
With
few or no family responsibilities, their money is largely spent on
adventure. They travel the world solo or in groups, and some have even
started travel groups, with target destinations every year.
So, what is it like to travel as a millennial? How do they balance their careers with their propensity for travel?
Mina Reeve, 28
Mina
has been to the UK, Netherlands, Thailand, France, Spain and to the
United Arab Emirates. She has also been to Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Thailand, where she stayed for two weeks, stood out for her, especially
the food.
“Street food is cheap. Getting around with canoes and scooters was fun. The architecture is delightful,” she says.
Mina plans her travels in advance, sometimes six or seven months before.
“Flight
tickets are affordable if you book in advance. This allows me to pay
for the ticket in instalments. I also pick connecting flights because
they are cheaper,” she says.
For accommodation, she relies on various websites including Booking.com and Airbnb.
“I
normally pack one bag because I’ll return with more luggage after
shopping,” says Mina, who’s also a member of a local millennials tour
group.
“Water sports, skydiving, sightseeing and
shopping make up my schedule. I’m very adventurous, so anything sporty
or adrenalin-inducing excites me,” she adds.
Travelling
doesn’t get in the way of her young career. As a teacher (she teaches
sports and health science at Braeburn School), I capitalise on school
holidays. I must do one international tour every year,” she says. “I
like to stay in nice places. My type of activities cost a lot of money.
Dining, partying and shopping are particularly very costly,” she says.
On a tour, Mina normally spends between Sh150,000 and Sh200,000.
‘‘It sounds like a lot of money, but these are months-long savings,” she says.
Mina
travels to learn about different cultures, to meet new people and for
new ideas. “I am an opportunist, so I like to engage people and to grow
my networks. Travelling is also liberating,” she says. Any trouble while
travelling so far? None that she can think of, she says.
“I’ve been called Latina, Arab, Indian, African, Caucasian and even Asian.I don’t take racist comments seriously.”
When
she is not flying half the world for adventure, Mina likes to lose
herself in Lamu, Malindi, Diani, Mombasa, Samburu, Amboseli or Ngare
Ndare.
Dismissing the notion that travelling is an expensive affair, she argues that it boils down to early planning.
“When the trip costs a lot of money, compensate by making the most of your stay in that country,” she says.
Emmanuel Kinara, 29
Emmanuel
has been to hiking expeditions in Oman and Georgia and has been to the
last three editions of the World Cup in South Africa, Brazil and Russia.
The
list of countries he has visited is nearly inexhaustible. He has
visited Qatar, UAE, Iran and Lebanon. He has also been to Ukraine,
Poland, Belarus, Romania, Italy, France, Netherlands, Switzerland,
Germany and the UK.
Visits to Brazil to watch the World
Cup in 2014 and to Napoli in Italy that same year to attend a friend’s
wedding are the most memorable tours for Emmanuel who work in Australia.
“I
liked the relaxed atmosphere and weather. They have large open
farmlands and vineyards. The food is also mind-blowing,” he says, adding
that Brazil is pretty affordable.
Travelling to a
country during a major sporting event is as convenient as it’s cheap.
“Blending in is also easier because there are usually many travellers,’’
he says, adding that travelling to Norway to watch the Northern Lights
is his ultimate travel goal.
So, how does he plan for his travels?
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