The thrill of a new city. The sights, sounds, and smells of a new place. Let’s see the world.
Whether you’re heading overseas alone or with friends, travelling for the first time without your parents/guardians is a huge milestone in your life. It can be a little daunting, but very exciting. To make your trip one you’ll never forget, and to help you along the way, our essential guide covers planning, budgeting, and safety advice.
Independent travel
Plan the trip of a lifetime
Whilst young Indians certainly have a taste for travel, they’re being careful about when they plan their first trip overseas without their parents. According to our research*, 47% of Indians aged between 18-25 are planning to take a trip overseas for leisure without their parents. But for 81% of young Indians, this is only once they have a job or they’ve got their first pay check.
A trip abroad without your parents is a chance to not only see the world but to learn about yourself too. You’ll plan your adventures yourself, pick up new skills along the way, meet people from other cultures, and potentially make friends for life. Unique, exciting, and enriching experiences are all on the agenda.
Travel timeline
Creating your perfect trip
From choosing your destination and booking your flights to getting the most out of your time outside India, our travel timeline has every element of your trip covered.
Mohit Joshi,
Skyscanner Travel Expert
Travel motivations
So, why are young adults in India planning adventures abroad without their parents? First, let’s look at the “why” and get you thinking about your reason for planning your first trip.
The main motivator
The biggest motivator for young people booking a trip overseas without their parents is to step out of their comfort zone and see different parts of the world, with 51% citing this as their reason for booking a trip. This was followed by seeking new experiences (49%), spending quality time with friends and loved ones (43%) and recharging mentally to take their minds off the hustle of life (42%).
Booking triggers
Many young people in India crave the excitement of life’s defining moments, with 46% of young adults planning their first trip overseas for concerts, sporting events, and big cultural moments. That could be celebrating Holi in the USA rather than at home or watching cricket in the UK.
Important activities
Young people in India are ambitious, and this plays into their travel plans too. According to our research, 47% are eyeing overseas trips to discover places to live or work in the future. This could be London, Saudi Arabia or Australia.
Travel planning
A first trip outside India without parents means plenty of planning. It’s so important to think about the little details to make your trip a success. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a romantic partner or in a small group, let’s look at your essential planning requirements.
Creating an itinerary
As many as three quarters of young Indian travellers (76%) prefer having their itineraries arranged before they travel. Whilst 73% like the forward planning of having their return tickets booked for their first trip abroad before they leave India.
To create the perfect itinerary, start with your dream bucket list. It could be a tropical beach holiday in Krabi, a nature vacation in New Zealand or time spent exploring Da Nang and further afield in Vietnam. Create a calendar of events and map out the activities you want to do. Research the top areas to stay and the best time to visit each destination.
What to plan:
- Create a bucket list of events and landmarks
- Use map apps to plan your routes
- Don’t forget to factor in food!
Packing
Travelling without your parents for the first time puts the onus of responsibility on you. You need to be prepared for the unpredictability of travel and make sure you have everything you need with you. What you pack is so important. Yes, you’ll need essentials like sunscreen for the beach and exploring cities in spring and summer. But you’ll also need items like a first aid kit and a torch if you’re in remote areas. Plus all your tech and charging needs – a battery pack is always essential if you’re going into the wilderness.
What to pack:
- A global adaptor plug is a lifesaver!
- Pack for your environment – think insect repellent and aftersun
- Can’t live without your favourite snacks? Bring them with you!
Travel fact file
43% of young travellers research vegetarian options in advance when travelling overseas
76% plan their itineraries before they travel
65% rely on travel advice from friends
Who you’re travelling with
You might decide to travel solo, as a couple or with a group of friends. Just over one in three (37%) young adults took their first trip abroad without their parents in a small group of less than five people. This was followed by 27% taking a trip alone, 21% travelling with a romantic partner, and just 12% in a bigger group of more than five people. Think about what’s best for you. After all, the more people there are the harder it can sometimes be to plan a trip that caters to everyone’s travel tastes and desires.
What to consider:
- Whether you’re ready to travel as a couple
- Pick friends with similar travel tastes
- Choose destinations you’ll all enjoy
Researching your destinations
Learn about the go-to activities in the location, the must-see attractions, and the hidden gems. Consider the best areas to stay in and the best time to come. Properly researching your trip can make or break it. So, where to start planning your first independent trip?
The highest number of young Indian travellers (65%) go to their friends first for their travel advice, followed by 48% that seek advice from their parents. Around one in three people (36%) use online search engines. Social media research is important too, with 34% relying on advice and travel tips from influencers and online communities.
What to research:
- The top locations to stay in
- The weather at various times of year
- The must-see spots and hidden gems
Insider tip:
Think carefully about when you plan to visit certain destinations. For example, you’ll get the best weather in London in May, June and July but expect a lot of crowds. Shoulder season in September is quieter and the weather is usually good.
PACKING CHECKLIST
• Travel documents
• Smartphone
• Chargers
• Battery packs
• Adapters
• Headphones
• Any prescription medication
• First aid kit
• Torch
Travel concerns: Budgeting
As many as 51% of young people consider their budget – both airfare and accommodation – as one of the most important factors for their first trip.
But the amount they’re willing to spend on flights does vary. Specifically, 19% are willing to spend INR 5000 – 10000, whilst 18% will pay INR 10001 – 15000 for their flights. One in five young adults (20%) will go up to INR 15001 – 20000 and 27% are planning to spend over INR 20000 on flight tickets for their first trip.
So, how can you get the best deal on your flights? Setting Skyscanner Price Alerts is the first thing to do – it’s super simple to set up and you’ll get instant notifications when flight prices decrease. Also, don’t be fussy about your preferred airline – shopping around can get you great deals.
When it comes to funding the trip, two out of three young adults are saving up, whilst one in five young travellers choose buy-now-pay-later schemes.
We can also see from our research that one in two young people are also likely to consider a working visa scheme when planning their first international trip without their parents or guardians.
Insider tip:
When searching for accommodation, be flexible with your dates and change up your searches to compare prices. Hotels have in-demand days during holidays and over the weekends, so a couple of days’ difference can save plenty of your budget.
Safety
For 63% of young Indian travellers, safety is one of the biggest concerns when travelling abroad. It’s so important to get to know your destination before you land. Read traveller reviews online and understand the areas that are safest and any potential spots to avoid. Not only will this help you choose the right hotel for your budget, but it will also assist with safety too.
Scan any important documents and make plenty of copies, so you’re not carrying them on your person. Make sure you lock them in the safe in your hotel. Always keep your family and friends updated on your whereabouts. This includes if you’re going on a trek or trip where you might not have Wi-Fi or a phone signal for a few days.
Understand your surroundings at all times. If you want to grab a picture at a famous tourist spot, do it quickly and be aware of any people around you. And wait until you’re back in your hotel or at a restaurant to take your time posting on social media – don’t do it on the move where you’re concentrating on your filters rather than who’s around you.
SAFETY CONCERNS CHECKLIST
• Properly research your destination
• Take care with valuables in public
• Scan your important travel documents
• Lock your travel documents in a safe in your room
• Be careful accessing public WiFi
• Regularly update family and friends
• Buy comprehensive travel insurance
• Only carry small amounts of cash
• Don’t walk with earbuds/headphones
• Only use official taxis
Travel aspirations and destinations
When it comes to the chosen destinations for a first trip away, young Indian travellers are focused on popular destinations – 59% would prefer to travel to popular places on their first trip outside India. Just 18% want to travel to lesser-known spots.
Europe and the UK are top of the list as the aspirational destination for a first trip abroad, with 40% of the vote. One in five young people (21%) plan just to travel to the UK, whilst 19% want to experience Europe without a trip to the UK. Just 12% plan to explore Southeast Asia, whilst 11% want to travel to the USA or Canada on their first trip overseas.
The culture of London. Cricket in the UK. Thailand’s beaches. Vietnam’s history. Wherever your first trip takes you, you’ll discover new cultures and learn about yourself at the same time. Remember to budget, stay safe, and pack for a trip you’ll never forget.
Thinking of planning your next trip? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
*First Trip with Skyscanner OnePoll survey results based on answers from 2000 respondents
