Parents can often find the idea of teenagers daunting and challenging. It is easy to let these fears hold us back and prevent teenagers from travelling. However, these trips can be highly beneficial to the younger generation. Travelling can transform teenagers into outstanding young people through invaluable experiences that will last a lifetime.
The beauty of nature, the mighty mountains, the vast blue oceans, among other natural beauties, exhilarate the heart and mind. Travel can provide meaningful life skills, offer the opportunity to meet new people, facilitate cultural appreciation on a deeper level while teaching the ability to adapt to new environments.
These unique experiences can develop the youth into more well-rounded citizens while experiencing some of the best days of their lives!
If you or your loved ones around you are facing challenges in your daily life, then know that you are not alone. Online resources like BetterHelp provide access to highly trained and competent mental health professionals at the tip of your fingers to seek guidance and support. With some advice and professional help, one may be able to overcome challenges and lead a happier life. https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/teenagers/how-to-cope-with-alcoholic-parents/
Every traveller, especially first-time teen travellers, will find guidance and words of travel wisdom in these 5 smart and simple travel tips:
1. Decide on the place and duration
Brainstorming and researching the type of trip one wants to take can be extremely fun, especially when dreams start turning into reality.
You can start by deciding how many days you would like your trip to be and what this means for your schedule and your budget. Identify the location that suits all your requirements.
You could also choose a trip that matches your interests and passions like a language immersion or cultural exploration program, a photography tour, or simply camping.
2. Create a timeline and start jotting in your planner
Create a travel timeline to stay stress-free and organized. Start the travel timeline from the day you start planning and conclude it at the end of your trip.
Gather all of the information that you will need every step of the way. For each week leading up to your trip, make note of crucial first-time traveller checklist items like passport application deadlines, visas or vaccinations.
Keep track of important dates/things like booking flights, getting the visa etc. Plan like a pro for a relaxed and fantastic vacation.
3. Start planning for your money and savings
A significant part of planning your trip and creating the travel timeline is managing the money. This includes financial planning both before and during your trip.
Take the time to figure out the budget for the trip, the money you currently have, and how much you will need to save. Calculate how much it will cost you to live in the place you will be visiting.
Some countries/cities may be more expensive than others. In general, one should always have access to an extra $1,000 to buy a ticket home from anywhere in the world.
It’s also useful to break the time till the upcoming week into weeks. Commit to saving a certain amount every week to reach your goal. You could even possibly do side jobs to increase savings.
The savings goal should cover travel necessities like transport, accommodations, and food but should also allow you to afford fun activities or a small souvenir. A little bit of smart saving and budgeting can take you far!
4. Pack efficiently
Packing is an essential step while planning for your trip. When you are miles away from your home, the last thing you want to worry about is a missing item; planning beforehand can save you a lot of trouble.
Pack light, but ensure to carry everything necessary. You could even try the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip. Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and one hat.
The list should be adjusted to suit your needs. Throw in a swimsuit and exercise gear or a suit jacket and dress if you’ll need them.
Do not forget to pack the essentials like toiletries, medicines/prescriptions and documents. Make sure to keep necessary documentation like passports on your person or in a safe locked place.
5. Challenge yourself to try new things
Learn a little bit of the local language to make travelling smoother and also be able to connect with the locals.
Your travel itinerary will play an important role in ensuring that you do not miss out on the essential places or things you wanted to do. Learn how to read a map or ask trusted locals (hotel helpdesks, social connections) for help and directions.
Explore new places, eat the local food, try things that you have never done before. Capture moments, laugh a lot and just simply have the best time of your life.
The Bottom Line
Travelling can be one of the best things to ever happen to you. To travel is to be free to explore the beauty of the world that we live in.
As teenagers, this may sound a bit challenging, but as you travel more, you will be able to slowly and steadily plan and manage all your trips.
Such vacations can be life-changing because of the myriad of experiences one has, the people they meet, and the memories they cherish forever.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
