Both parents and teens alike often find the idea of teenagers traveling the world daunting and sometimes even scary! It’s easy to let these fears hold us back and prevent us from seeing all of the awesome ways that teen travel can transform teens into amazing young people. These reasons for teens to travel are learned by everyone in their own individual way, providing teens of all ages with invaluable experiences that will last a lifetime.
Traveling is important as it teaches meaningful life skills, provides an opportunity to meet new people, facilitates cultural appreciation, and teaches the ability to adapt to new environments. Travel is a fantastic way of gaining these unique experiences which develop youth into more well-rounded citizens, all while having fun along the way!
Here are 5 Life Benefits of Traveling as a Teenager:
1. Learn How to Save and Budget Money
This is a basic principle of life that everyone starts to learn from a young age, but nothing shows true deferred gratification like saving up all school year for an epic trip throughout Europe that you can proudly say that you paid for partially or even all on your own.
And once on that trip, it feels even better to be able to budget your money accordingly so that you can enjoy the little things like gelato on a hot day in Rome or bring back lavender soaps from France for your mom at the end of your trip.
You might also like: How to Budget for Your First Trip Abroad
2. Ability to Make an Itinerary
Whether you are joining an existing itinerary or planning your own from scratch, nothing is ever completely set in stone. Everyone will learn this when traveling. No exceptions! Itineraries are just as alive as the places that you will visit and this will reflect upon your travels no matter where you venture next.
Maybe you are planning an epic trip to Thailand or joining up with other teen travelers in Peru, but no matter where you go, embrace the power to make and change your itinerary so that you can have the best experience possible.
Planning to travel in 2021? Here’s what you need to know.
3. Problem-solving Skills
Just when you think that you have planned the perfect budget and the itinerary of champions…BOOM! Everything might not stay so perfect…and that’s okay! World travel wouldn’t be complete without the occasional bump in the road.
Dealing with problems like pouring rain when the forecast predicted sun for your bike tour through Amsterdam or your sandal breaking as you descend the Acropolis (good thing we told you about the Poet Sandal Maker!) will make you a savvy problem-solver as you work through your predicaments proactively and positively rather than allowing them to spoil your trip.
You might also like: 8 Important Life Lessons You Learn From Travel
4. Become an Independent and Responsible Young Person
When you’re traveling around with family and friends, it’s super easy to follow their lead and let others take care of things like tickets, transportation, meals, itineraries, etc. – The list goes on and on.
Traveling on your own or with a group without the familiarity of people from home means that you need to take more responsibility for your own actions, as well as look out for those who are with you. This means that you need to show up prepared, make the effort to participate, and be accountable throughout the trip.
Traveling alone for the first time? Check out our Solo Travel Guide
5. Break Stereotypes and Experience New Cultures
It is a sad truth that people are so quick to believe stereotypes about other countries and their cultures, especially the negative ones. This is true of Americans, especially their views of overseas destinations. Unfortunately, other countries can have negative perceptions of Americans too. When you travel, you have the opportunity to break this often vicious cycle.
- Show the people of London that Americans aren’t loud or obnoxious, but are curious and excited about life!
- Show the people of Japan that you are polite and eager to learn about their culture!
Conversely, teach your friends and family back home about the people and their cultures that you have learned about. Instill in them the same curiosity about differences and appreciation of similarities across cultures that they might have never thought to consider. Keep an open mind and an open heart and never stop sharing everything that it means to be a global citizen.
Excited to experience new cultures, but nervous about culture shock? Find out How to Prepare for & Deal with Culture Shock
Ready for Your Teen Travel Experience?
Travel For Teens is a trusted name in the student travel community and is dedicated to providing safe and meaningful travel experiences for teenagers. We have one of the largest selections of teen travel programs with over 100 programs running year-round. Check out our newest summer programs, learn about any travel restrictions and our COVID protocols, or find out why you should choose a teen tour with TFT.