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OH MY GOSH! You Won’t Believe How Much People Are Traveling!
Hey bestie! I just saw the craziest news and I had to tell you right away! I was reading this super cool report from Yahoo Finance that says the leisure travel market is going to hit $9.57 TRILLION by the year 2035. That is so much money! It means everyone in the whole world is basically packing their bags and going on vacation. They call it “experiential demand,” which is just a fancy way of saying people want to actually DO stuff and see the world instead of just buying more toys or clothes. And you know what? We should be those people! We need to get you on a plane right now before everyone else takes all the good spots!
Since the world is going crazy for travel, I put together the ultimate guide for your next big trip. I was thinking about where you should go, and honestly, you HAVE to do Thailand. It is the best place to see why everyone is spending their money on trips. It has the best food, the coolest beaches, and it is so cheap that you will feel like a total queen even if you aren’t spending a million dollars.
Step 1: Landing in Bangkok (The City of Dreams!)
When you get off the plane in Bangkok, it is going to be hot. Like, really hot. But the air smells like amazing spices and flowers! First thing you do is take a taxi to your hotel. Budget exactly $15 for this. Don’t let them trick you into a flat rate, just tell them to “turn on the meter!” It’s way cheaper that way.
Once you drop your bags, go straight to Khao San Road. This place is wild! It’s a street where everyone hangs out. You need to order a Pad Thai from a street cart. Look for the lady with the biggest line—that’s how you know it’s the best. It will cost you $2. Yes, only two dollars! Tell her you want “no spicy” if you can’t handle the heat, but if you’re feeling brave, go for it! For the best photo, stand right in the middle of the street at night when all the neon signs are glowing. Hold your plate of food and smile. It looks amazing and all your friends back home will be so jealous.
Next day, go to the Grand Palace. It is so shiny! There is gold everywhere. It costs $14 to get in. You have to wear pants that cover your knees, so don’t wear shorts! To get the perfect photo, go to the Emerald Buddha temple. Stand by the third big gold pillar on the left. The sun hits it perfectly around 10:00 AM and makes everything look like it’s glowing. It’s super cool!
Step 2: Flying South to the Islands
After you’ve seen the city, you need to see the blue water. Take a short flight to Phuket. It costs about $45 if you book it a week early. When you get there, skip the big crowded beaches and take a boat to Koh Phi Phi. This is where they filmed some big movies because the water is so clear you can see your toes perfectly!
You have to rent a “longtail boat” for a private tour. This is the big moment! It costs exactly $60 for four hours, and you can split it with friends. Tell the boat driver to take you to “Pileh Lagoon.” It’s a big circle of water surrounded by huge green cliffs. When the boat stops, jump in! For the best photo, sit on the very front of the boat (the pointy part) with your legs hanging off. Have your friend stand in the middle of the boat and take the picture looking toward the cliffs. It looks like you own the whole ocean!
For lunch on the islands, you must order “Mango Sticky Rice.” It is sweet rice with fresh mango and coconut milk on top. It costs $3. It’s like eating a cloud. I could eat it for every single meal and never get bored.
How Much Does This Cost?
I know you’re thinking about money, so I made this super easy table for you. Whether you want to save your pennies or spend like a movie star, here is what you should budget for one week!
| Activity | Budget Bestie (Cheap) | Balling Out (Fancy) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel per night | $20 (Cute Hostel) | $250 (Private Villa) |
| Lunch/Dinner | $5 (Street Food) | $60 (Rooftop Bar) |
| Transport | $2 (Bus/Tuk-Tuk) | $40 (Private Car) |
| Fun Stuff | $10 (Walking/Beach) | $100 (Yacht Trip) |
| Daily Total | $37 | $450 |
Why You Need to Go NOW!
The report says that more and more people are going to be traveling every year. That means prices might go up and places will get more crowded. The “experiential demand” thing means people are realizing that memories are way better than things. I totally agree! I still remember that time we stayed up all night talking more than I remember any gift I got for my birthday.
You should also check out the “hidden gems.” In Bangkok, there is a tiny cafe called “The Blue Whale.” Everything inside is blue! Even the coffee! Order the Butterfly Pea Latte. It is $4 and it is bright blue. Stand in front of the wall with the painted fish scales for your photo. It’s so cool and not many people know about it yet!
If you go to the islands, make sure you bring a waterproof bag for your phone. It costs $5 at any shop there. Don’t risk it! You need that phone for all the photos we talked about. Also, buy some “7-Eleven” toasted sandwiches. They are $1 and they are weirdly the best thing you will ever eat at 2:00 AM.
Let’s Get This Trip Started!
I am so excited for you! Travel is the best way to spend your time. Seeing the world makes you feel so alive and happy. Plus, with the market growing so fast, it’s like we are part of a huge global party!
If you want more tips on how to travel for cheap and see all the best spots, you HAVE to join our group! We talk about this stuff all day and find the best deals so you can save your money for more Mango Sticky Rice. Click the link and join us here: https://www.facebook.com/CheaptravelVIP.FL
I can’t wait to see your photos! Love you, mean it! BYEEE!
