My point is it can be harder to do when young and broke and know nothing. (but in this case ... ignorance may be BLISS!?) Ask me how I know.

Just because many "older" or more established folk are too chicken-shit to head out to far off lands without financial security, insurance or medical cover, doesn't mean students and youngish travelers won't do it. Some are lucky enough to have family help, others go with nothing and wing it.

I don't see resentment ... just a fair assessment of reality and typical gap of understanding between generations. But nothing new here.

"The Hard Way" ? But is that the "smart way" ? ... or the "right way" ? All about values, or goals ... but what if you HAVE NO GOALS at age 20? OMG!

Maybe you never traveled when young and broke, and now you're too old so will never know what it takes to head out solo with next to nothing.

I know lots of folks who worked hard, saved, sacrificed and waited ... and waited ... to make that dream trip. Are they now happier than everyone else? Really more secure? Are they "proud" of themselves for their blessed hard work? ... (and can't shut up about it at the Pub! )

Or do they feel bitter, feel they got burned for working some dead end job they hated most of their lives? And for what? Sadly, I see WAY more of this later example.

Some value family (or creating one), job and security as Number One priority.
But values vary across the spectrum, no "Right" way.

Most kids jump straight from high school into Uni, not really having any idea what they want to pursue or why they're there. Parents are usually behind this decision.

Travel is great for helping to focus, maturation, figure out who they are and what it is they want to do. I say: "go travel now" ..(or join the military) until they've grown up and have some "real life" experience. Then come back, study or work at what really interests you, not what you were pressured into going into.

Real adventurers fly by the seat of their pants, take risks and live life at Wide Open Throttle. Are they happier? Dunno, but they've got a lot better stories!

And YOU are buying the Beer! (cause they're stone broke!)