Young globetrotters

Mina travels for adventure and to learn about different cultures. PHOTO | COURTESY 

By JAMES KAHONGEH
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Summary

• 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.

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?