Planning a vacation can be undeniably overwhelming—even for the most seasoned of globetrotters. There’s also a conception that domestic travel is a lot more affordable than international travel. One travel aficionado is calling that a misconception and imparting words of wisdom for first-time travelers.
Over the course of five years, popular travel creator Christian Grossi (@christian.grossi) transformed his passion for traveling into his full-time job on social media. On TikTok, he boasts impressive 2.4 million followers who follow his adventures around the world.
“I’ve traveled to over 100 countries by the age of 27. These are my biggest tips that I wish I knew when I was younger and first started traveling,” he begins his video.
Which Airlines To Avoid
Flying domestically in the U.S. is notorious for being an uncomfortable experience, with small, cramped seats and mediocre food and drink options. According to Booking, international flights tend to be longer and use larger aircrafts. Thus, travelers can expect more leg room, meals served, amenity kits, and better forms of entertainment on international airlines.
“U.S. airlines, for the price they charge, are so below industry standards on what they offer you,” Grossi says. “When you start flying European, Asian, Middle Eastern airlines, you start to understand why U.S. airlines are so horrible.”
“Fly any other airline except British Airways,” he recommends.
Is Vacationing Abroad Cheaper?
Since the inflation that Americans experience is not equally reflected in other countries, the U.S. dollar has more purchasing power, per GoBankingRates. That’s one of the reasons Grossi says international travel is more affordable in the long run, even though airfare is typically considerably more expensive.
“It’s cheaper when you factor in the hotel, food, renting a car,” he says. “In many European countries, Asian countries, South American countries, to rent a car is $10 per day. In the United States, you don’t even get the insurance for $20.”
However, international car rentals can be more complex due to fees and liability coverage, AAA states. Because not all rental insurance covers damage, theft, or personal injury, you may have to purchase additional coverage.
Renew Passport Internationally
If your passport is approaching its expiration date while traveling abroad, you can renew it as long as it’s not ruined, lost, and you haven’t had a name change, according to Rustic Pathways. From Grossi’s experience, renewing it while abroad is cheaper and more efficient.
“I paid $80 less internationally to renew my passport than it would cost me in the U.S.,” the content creator says. “Four to six weeks to get your passport normally in the U.S. It took me 48 hours to get it when I was in Romania.”
An added bonus is you receive the bigger booklet for free. “In the U.S., you have to pay for more pages. When you’re international, they just give you more pages.”
Just be sure to submit in person the filled-out DS-82 Renewal Form, passport book, and photo to a U.S. embassy or consulate office.
Travel While Young
Traveling takes a toll on the body no matter one’s age. But it commonly becomes more challenging the older one gets. This is why the content creator urges people to start traveling while young rather than waiting until retirement.
“Now if you woke up and went on a trip. Had a 12-hour flight, then had to go to the hotel, and go to the tour, climb a mountain, you can do it because you’re young,” he says. “Imagine trying to do that when you’re 40, 50, 60. Maybe you’re not in the shape that you are now.”
In order to pursue this, Grossi encourages those who want to travel to save money by any means possible.
“If you don’t have the money, save up. That’s what I started doing,” he advises. “You’ll cut corners. You won’t do the outing with your friends or go to the bar on Saturday night.”
“Go travel because when you’re older, your body physically can’t do it anymore,” he says.
@christian.grossi I’ve been traveling full time for over 5 years and now it’s my job My first ever trip is when I was 19 and I booked a one-way flight to Paris France and I traveled all throughout Europe for one month just riding the train. It was the trip that would change my life, and I didn’t know that in the moment, but it would sparkle love for traveling that would eventually turn into my job. From there, I road trip from New York to California. I did many trips into Central America and then eventually I left the US completely and hardest travel in the world which has led me to every single continent, including Antarctica. But it didn’t start out perfect. I made a ton of mistakes, but we all do in life and we learn from our mistakes and that is what has gotten me to the position I am today and there are so many tips that I have for people that want to travel not only from the United States, but from around the world. #fyp #tellme #traveltiktok #usa
What Did Viewers Think of The Travel Tips?
Grossi’s video garnered over 199,000 views—and mixed opinions from seasoned travelers based on their own experiences.
“Great advice and I wish I did this!” one viewer commented.
“I’m 73 years old. I traveled to Japan twice this year. The jet lag was difficult, but I survived. I decided that I really don’t want to take any more long flights. That’s why I say. TRAVEL WHILE YOU’RE YOUNG,” a second agreed.
“I agree! Vietnam airlines gave us a full meal for a 2 hour domestic flight. Delta could never!” a third echoed.
However, there were others who argued that domestic travel is way more affordable than international travel.
“My trip to Sweden, the car rental is just as expensive as in the US,” one commenter remarked.
“Hey will be 60 soon. I’m heading to Asia. 3 countries, 6 flights in 21 days. I’m in decent shape for my age,” a second stated.
At the end of the day, all these factors are dependent on one’s destination and how comfortably they prefer to travel.
BroBible reached out to Grossi via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.