How to start traveling to world at 25

Posted by Lost_Ad5598@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 41 comments

Hey everyone! I’m just getting into traveling more intentionally and I’m trying to do it smart, not broke 😂

I recently learned about things like Hilton Grand Vacations where you can get like 3–4 night stays for around $199 in exchange for sitting through a presentation, which I honestly don’t mind if the deal is good.

I’m curious what other programs, companies, or travel ‘hacks’ you all use that are similar to that? Like discounted stays, preview packages, travel clubs, etc.

Also, for someone in their 20s who doesn’t have unlimited money but can save and plan ahead, what’s the smartest way to start traveling consistently without overspending?

I’d love any tips, resources, or personal experiences. Thank you!

[-]

ChestChance6126@reddit

I’d skip most of those presentation deals tbh. Traveling off season and being flexible with dates has saved me way more, and the trips feel less packaged.

[-]

TheWriterJosh@reddit

Stop looking at Hilton. Look at youth hostels. When I was in my 20s I took 3 different trips to Europe/Asia -- 4 weeks, 10 weeks, 5 weeks. I stayed in youth hostels for $10-$150 a night and ate at grocery stores. I took free walking tours in every major city, relied on my guidebooks to get around rather than tour guides. Did DIY daytrips on public transit instead of organized group tours. Very easy to do and very affordable.

[-]

Visual_Dog_8098@reddit

Yes, if you are young focus on travelling at a lower level of comfort to maximize how long you can travel. Set a daily budget and stick to it as best you can. Travel to less famous places and see more of the world. Leave the Hilton for when you are old.

[-]

TheWriterJosh@reddit

Another thing is how much more fun it is to stay in hostels over hotels! I am now 38 and I stay in hotels because I travel with my partner and I like the privacy, but damn when I was young, half the fun was meeting people from around the world and having all these experiences with them. A couple of times I splurged on a solo room and I ended up hating it because I didn't meet anyone and I got so bored.

[-]

Visual_Dog_8098@reddit

That was true and one of the best parts of travelling. I am not sure how much it is anymore. I've walked past/through hostels in the last decade and everyone is glued to a device or talking to people "back home".

[-]

Mrs_Nice_Guy@reddit

Credit card points and airline points. Check out the chase sapphire cards, it’s the starting point to traveling on points

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

Thank you

[-]

Mrs_Nice_Guy@reddit

Also, have you looked into working holiday visas? New Zealand and Australia are a couple countries that offer them. Gives you the chance to work legally and gives you a way to fund your travels there

[-]

D-Delta@reddit

This would be great for OP

[-]

Mrs_Nice_Guy@reddit

Yes! I wish more young folks here in the US knew this was an option

[-]

D-Delta@reddit

When I was in Australia 25 years ago I don’t think there was a working visa for Americans (could be wrong but I didn’t meet any). However last year when I visited, I met lots of Americans that were working in bars, restaurants, and hotels. Some would work for a few months then move to another part of Australia to a new job and to see something new. By working in a “remote area” (for example Far North Queensland along the Great Barrier Reef), they get a longer visa also. Seems like a great experience.

[-]

Mrs_Nice_Guy@reddit

It can be a really special experience! I spent two years in Aus when Covid was happening and had the time of my life. I try to tell as many people I can about it bc I only realized it was a thing in my late 20s

[-]

TheWriterJosh@reddit

IMO this is good advice but best for when you're in your 30s and have more regular spend. I did this in my 20s but now that I'm in my 30s I get way more bang for my efforts because I have so many monthly bills and I put everything on cards.

[-]

Mrs_Nice_Guy@reddit

Fair point! And yeah the points game is meaningless if you can’t pay off the cards in full every month. It’s a lot of moving parts, but when it clicks it can really help out on hotels and flights

[-]

TheWriterJosh@reddit

100%! Especially if you have a partner who doesn't mind playing the game as well! Everytime there's a nice opening bonus I like I usually get to enjoy it twice that way.

[-]

lfg12345678@reddit

I was 25 when I first went solo - volunteering program in SEA. Life Changing.

[-]

Osprenti@reddit

Save money, buy a ticket and go. There's not a grand hidden trick to it.

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

Thanks however there are! As I mentioned 4 night stays for only $199 and a tour. There are more options as well. If you didn’t have anything to offer you didn’t have to list what I already said. Thank you!

[-]

Pomksy@reddit

Those are time share presentations that last HOURS and can be high pressure before your discount kicks in. Read the fine print. Most would not want to travel the world from time share to time share

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

I’ve never experienced this! I’ve been doing them since 18. Quick and nice tours with food and stuff and just learn to say no and stick to it. They’re always nice even when mad they don’t get a sale

[-]

MaygeKyatt@reddit

If you’ve been doing them since you were 18, why does your post say you “recently discovered” them? Reads like an ad tbqh.

[-]

MadamSnarksAlot@reddit

Because it’s 100% an add.

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

It hasn’t even been 10 years and I’ve only done that 3 times. I’ve done delta vacations and Costco vacations aside from. Then became a mom slowed down traveling and starting up again. Perceptive on the word “recently” is fine but matters none 😂😂

[-]

Osprenti@reddit

That's way more expensive than saving up, buying a ticket and going.

[-]

GuessBest6198@reddit

if you want to travel intentionally, then going to a resort for four days isn't it

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

I have realized this may not be the group for me. I have the ability to work and save 1-3k for a trip and have a good trip. I wasn’t expecting the answers I received I thought I’d get more ideas such as the timeshare tours with different brands or so that may be more lowkey, but I know better now! Thank you

[-]

GuessBest6198@reddit

Ya if you’re looking for timeshare presentations, this probably isn’t the best group. Good luck!

[-]

__crl@reddit

I mean....$50/night is expensive relative to a bed in a hostel in SE Asia...

[-]

Lost_Ad5598@reddit (OP)

Oh I can afford $50 a night lol. I just wanted travel hacks for inexpensive travel. I’m not looking for dirt cheap I have a job and can save money to travel I already do just wanted to do it more often.

[-]

polymath-nc@reddit

See what Eurail Pass you qualify for that could meet your needs for train travel in Europe. If you travel overnight, you can avoid paying extra for hotels. Sleeper cars are available for an extra fee. You can get a youth pass at or under age 27 (or a senior pass at our over age 60). https://www.eurail.com/

[-]

jfo23chickens@reddit

Join a band. Go in the road.

[-]

NoninflammatoryFun@reddit

Check out the blogger nomadic matt- travel does not have to be expensive to be great. I've used his trips to travel across many counties and have a blast while on a budget.

[-]

snackhappynappy@reddit

Avoid major sporting and music events and any holiday that's specifically bug in that area as prices sky rocket Use an app like skyscanner and don't choose direct flights only it shows you where is commonly used as a hub and then put a flight alert from the hub You can usually find random deals for flights that way If there is a particular hotel chain you like Sign up to the newsletter

[-]