Why You Should Travel When You’re Young
Regardless of how old you are, you should try to travel. However, doing it sooner rather than later can have its perks. If you don’t get away from your hometown, you’ll never know what the world has to offer. Every place is different and can give you insight into other cultures and ways of life you never knew existed. Here are some reasons you should make traveling a priority while you’re still young.
Expand Your Mind
If you live in the city, it’s probably difficult to envision the sun setting over a cornfield or giraffes eating in their natural habitat. While you may see these things on TV, getting to witness them in person is an entirely different and fulfilling experience. You’re missing out on so much in the world by staying in the same location your entire life.
Perhaps you can’t afford to take long trips. Exploring the world doesn’t mean you need to stay away for months at a time. Instead, consider planning vacations within your means, which may entail taking a week or two each year as your job allows. As long as you set money aside from each pay for your trip, you can plan to visit several places on your getaway. For example, if you decide you want to go to Africa for two weeks, pick a few nearby sites to explore. You’ll be amazed by what you see.
Help You Decide What You Want
It’s not easy being young. When you turn 18, you have to make many decisions about your life, including whether to go to college and what to get a degree in. Maybe you want to get a job instead, or perhaps you have no idea what to do.
Traveling may actually help you get some clarity. Since each country has something different to offer, you may find a hobby you could eventually turn into a career like D Gary Young did with his creation of essential oils. Figuring out what you want early will make your life more fulfilling overall.
Additionally, you won’t have as many obligations holding you back. As you get older, you’ll have a mortgage and a family to care for and may not be able nor want to travel due to your responsibilities.
Make You Relate to Others
When traveling abroad, you’ll meet people who live differently than you do. Don’t fear this change; instead, embrace it. You may end up finding fulfilling friendships you never thought possible.
You’ll quickly understand why learning a second language is essential, and this knowledge will come in handy if you have the opportunity to take a language course. Most high school students don’t try to learn Spanish or French in their classes because they don’t think they’ll ever use another language in real life. Going to another country will quickly change their minds on this topic.
Develop Your Independence
Whether you decide to travel alone or with a friend, you’ll soon realize that you have to take responsibility for your actions because your parents won’t be there to tell you what to do. Instead, you’ll be in charge of planning, finances and meals.
Think of the trip as a crash course for real life. If you spend frivolously, you’ll have to go without things you need. After spending a night without dinner, you’ll learn the importance of money management.
Learn About Global Issues
Hearing things on the news isn’t the same as seeing them in person. For example, some commercials show people who are living in poverty. It’s hard to imagine anyone having to live that way, especially if you come from a country with a government that helps those who are suffering.
Take the opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances and listen to their stories. Try to build personal relationships, as they may encourage you to help people in need. Simply talking with these individuals will enable you to develop empathy and realize how lucky you are to have the things you take for granted.
Bring History to Life
Were you bored in history class? Did it take every fiber of your being to stay awake during lectures? Seeing actual locations where historical events took place will give you a whole new appreciation. For example, you’ll be blown away by how stunning and large the pyramids are in Egypt and wonder how humans could have built these structures.
Another amazing landscape is Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city. Get insight into how these people lived and the chance to view the vast, beautiful land surrounding the area. With one look at these incredible places, you’ll be reading history books in no time and planning your next expedition.
Traveling when you’re young can open up your mind to everything the world has to offer. After all, no one is guaranteed a long life. Don’t put off seeing the world’s beauty, as it’s an experience you’ll cherish forever.
