Both parents and young adults often find the idea of venturing out into the world daunting and sometimes even scary! It’s easy to let these fears hold us back and prevent us from seeing all the awesome ways that teen travel programs can transform young people. The profound benefits of traveling abroad are learned by everyone in their own individual way, providing adolescents of all ages with invaluable experiences that will last a lifetime.
Exploring new places is so important because it teaches meaningful life skills from travel, offers the chance to meet new people, cultivates cultural appreciation, and builds the ability to adapt to new environments. These adventures are a fantastic way of gaining unique international experiences for youth which develop individuals into more well-rounded citizens, all while having fun along the way! This is precisely why teens should travel – it’s a powerful form of personal development.
Life-Changing Benefits of Teen Travel
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 you paid for partially or even all on your own.
And once on that journey, it feels even better to be able to budget your money accordingly so 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 adventure.
You might also like: How to Budget for Your First Trip Abroad
2. Ability to Make an Itinerary
Whether you’re joining an existing itinerary or planning your own from scratch, nothing is ever completely set in stone. Everyone will learn this when exploring. No exceptions! Itineraries are just as alive as the places you’ll visit, and this will reflect upon your journeys no matter where you venture next. This adaptability is a key part of how travel helps personal growth.
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.
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. This demonstrates how travel helps personal growth in a tangible way.
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. This is one of the profound benefits of traveling abroad!
- 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, gaining rich international experiences for youth.
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. meaningful, fun, and educational travel for teens. We have one of the largest selections of teen travel programs with over 100 programs running year-round. Check out our newest programs.
Mairead McCaffery
Mairead was born and raised in Philadelphia where she sparked her passion for travel by joining a trip to Italy with Travel For Teens. She attended Temple University and studied abroad in London which allowed her to travel extensively throughout Europe. Mairead now shares her passion for travel with the next generation by leading tours with Travel For Teens and writing about her travel experiences in her free time. Mairead currently resides in Brooklyn, NY where she enjoys reading, time outdoors, and planning her future adventures.
