Travelling can cost thousands – but is money from relatives an appropriate 21st birthday present?

He’s asked for cash, but we’re not sure whether relatives will think it’s rude

Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it’s up to you to help him or her out – a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturday’s paper.

My son turns 21 in a few weeks and would like cash for his birthday so he can go travelling. Relatives have started asking what he would like. Can we just tell them to give him money, or would that be rude? Would it be better to ask for travel-related gifts?