One of the upcoming trends in the youth today is the urge to travel. Whether it is globetrotting, local excursion or a rural expedition, the new generation just wants to move around and explore the world. They are likely to be in places which are contrasting to their current purlieus.
The indegrients for this inclination have been the growth of young professionals, increasing number of outstation students who are more independent, the weekend culture, evolution of travel networks like Couch surfing which provides free housing across the globe and expansion of Youth organizations like AIESEC and Rotary Club. Though, the biggest antecedent is, the boom of social media where can share his wanderlust with his virtual friends and followers. One can check in a popular place, share what he is feeling in his travel blog, showcase his photography antiques and with whom he is hanging out with. In fact, this has led to a contemporary peer pressure wherein it is obligatory to commute to a unique/ famous destination. It has become an intrinsic part of social conversations. The path to social elitism is no longer what you own but where you have been and what adventures you had.
Interestingly, travel is being viewed by more and more youngsters as the means to breakthrough their rather comfort zone and explore the real world. It marries the concept of ‘self-discovery’ wherein you tour the world and come back home to discover the new ‘you.’ In fact, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a Bollywood film based on a Road trip of 3 best friends won the IIFA Award for the ‘Best Film of the Year 2012.’
Institutionally, increasing number of jobs and educational courses are becoming virtual, giving the general public a chance to go around. Professionally, a person’s resume stands out with his knowledge of the real if he has a culturally diverse education or experience. Considering, developed countries, this movement has developed to the next level wherein young couples and families are contemplating, relocation to an entirely diverse part of the globe. This is vividly represented in the American Series, ‘House Hunters.’ While for developing countries, it’s a win-win situation for MNCs. It enables them to employ cheap labour for a project in a developed country; while the employee is lured by foreign travel. For educational institutions, it improves the profile when they say they have an exchange with a foreign university.
As I write this article on vacation in America, I realize, I’m myself a contributor for TRAVOLUTION!
Concluding, with a beautiful quote-
“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. Tolkien
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