8 Travel Preferences that Changed As I Grew Older

I wasn’t a travel lover before. There are a few children that are. But as I grew older I changed, and with that major change, so did my travel preferences. Maybe you can relate?

1. Airport and aeroplane attire

As a kid, of course, I didn’t really care about what I should wear in the airport. Why should I when I’m getting on the plane where no one will even bother looking at me once I was seated? A simple shirt, pants and shoes were all I needed.  

When I got older though, it became a bit more complicated because people are more critical of adults. As adults, it might be better to look more presentable even if you’re just in the airport or plane. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t dress super posh in these given places, but I do make an effort to look put together, especially when I’m travelling abroad. I try to keep it in mind that I’m also travelling with people who are on a business trip, not just leisure, and that a comfortable smart attire may be the more suitable choice of fashion.

Also read: 10 Comfortable Fashion Pieces To Wear While In-Flight

2. My attitude towards long flights

I used to get excited about long-haul flights when I was younger because, for some reason, it was always easier to fall asleep on the plane. Plus, there was always in-flight entertainment whenever I would travel abroad. A multitude of movies, TV series, music, and concerts from around the world is at your disposal when you’re travelling to continents like America, Europe, and Africa. So what was not to like when you have your own small cinema in your seat?

In recent years though, I’ve found myself getting more fidgety in my seat whenever I’m on long-haul flights that include layovers. I guess it’s because the sense of wonder I had for plane rides at a younger age was gone, and what replaced it was an informed anticipation of what lay ahead — jetlag. Now, instead of savouring the plane ride, I just really want to get to my destination as soon as possible. I used to romanticise and say that the plane ride is all part of the joys of travelling, but when I’m really not in the mood AKA tired, sleepy, or hangry, I just hate it.

Also read: 13 Emotional Stages You Go Through On A Long Layover

3. Colder countries VS hotter countries

When I was in my teens, I preferred the idea of travelling to colder countries where I could bundle up and/or witness snow. Growing up in the Philippines, I guess this would be a typical desire for a Filipino youngster. We watch it all the time in American shows and movies, where people have to grab a coat or wear gloves before stepping outside, and where they can make snow angels in the winter. I bet that we all thought the same thing, “I wonder how that feels like”.

I’m 24 now, and I’ve finally had my share of experiencing countries in their extreme temperatures, like the scorching heat of Cambodia in the summer, and the frostbite of Prague in the winter. This is my verdict: I have a low tolerance for the cold. I prefer travelling to places with warmer climates now, and if I were to choose when to visit Europe, I’d definitely pick spring or summer. If I travelled to destinations abroad every time it was winter there, I feel like I’d just stay in my hotel room and never come out.

4. Famous tourist attractions VS underrated destinations

I have always appreciated seeing iconic tourist attractions with my own eyes. There’s nothing quite like experiencing these places for yourself after only seeing them in pictures. It was my joy when I travelled with my family as a kid, and it still is now. However, recently, what I appreciate more is when I discover underrated destinations and attractions that aren’t talked about as much. I went to Austria with my mom and brother two years ago, and we took a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia. I hadn’t heard of Bratislava before, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how beautiful its Old Town was. Even here, in our very own country, there are so many underrated destinations that deserve more attention. And I definitely plan on exploring more of them.

5. Travelling in style

I was kind of a tomboy as a kid and didn’t really mind my fashion in my early teens. But as the years have passed, I think I’ve made a 180-degree turn.  I plan my outfits now whenever I’m travelling. Personally, I feel more comfortable prepping myself and being photo-ready whenever I walk out of the hotel to tour the location. Blame it on Pinterest, blogs, and Miranda Kerr.

6. Taking photos on my travels

I didn’t care about taking photos of wherever I was either, even up till my mid-teens. NYC? Nope, didn’t want to take photos in Times Square, but I did it anyway because my mom made me. Paris? I had to muster my patience when my parents wanted to take photos in front of the inverted pyramids in the Louvre Museum. I just didn’t see the point of wasting time trying to take a good photo when I could be exploring the place.

But now, boy oh boy. It is I who cannot seem to put my camera down whenever we go on family vacations. As the years have gone by, and the memories of each trip begin to blur in my head, I’ve realised that photos may be the only thing that can keep our special memories in each destination intact. People who have managed to cross out a lot of places on their bucket list know that our memories in the places we’ve been to eventually become murky. Our recent memories may sometimes bury them. Trust me, photographs are the best mementoes you can give to yourself. Take a lot of them!

7. Updating social media with travel photos

It wasn’t until my later years in college when I started to make an effort to upload good travel photos on social media. Granted, sharing photos on social media wasn’t such a big thing when this 90’s girl was growing up. But it eventually became one. I don’t really post travel photos to inform people where I’ve been. I’m passionate about travelling and photography is a hobby, so sharing my travel photos online so that people can see good photos of the places I have seen gives me a sense of fulfilment. Plus, I see Instagram and Facebook as a useful tool to see the destinations people want to see or know about. This helps me both personally and professionally.

8. Paid tour VS DIY

Growing up, my family would often book paid tours, and I understand the relevance of this now. It’s hard to go on a DIY tour when you have growing children with you. But now that all of us in the family are adults, we go on DIY tours easily. I prefer this now too because we can customise our itinerary based on where we really want to go, and not be limited to tour packages. When travelling with friends, DIY tours are also more fun and exciting because you figure things out together and plan your whole trip based on common interests. The best part? It’s cheaper this way.

Also read: Travel Preferences That Show You’ve Become an Adult

I’m sure you have your own travel preferences that have changed throughout the years. Do you think they’ll continue to change from this point on?