Feb 10 • TRAVEL IN YOUR 20s EDITORIAL
Here's my published editorial, I hope it inspires someone ✈️ 🎀
Up until leaving the house, you have lived under the protective umbrella of your parental figures. Decisions were made in collaboration with them, whether that is monetary and financial or whether it's as simple as asking permission to do what you want to do.
It seems that your parents get the financial say over everything you do. And that’s probably frustrating.
The thought in your mind might be that once you have money and your finances in order then traveling makes sense.
Money and affordability is often an issue for young Americans like you who desire to travel. People often ask, “But how can you afford that?” I acknowledge that between rent, school payments, socialization, and whatever else you purchase money is challenging; however, traveling is much cheaper than we anticipate, especially if you're willing to go with the flow, not extreme luxury, and have the ability to manage your money.
I have been to many different countries at twenty-three and I wouldn't be the person I am today without those experiences. Trips, when you’re young, provide a sense of freedom most of you wouldn’t even believe we can give to ourselves at this age. This may be the only time we have minimal attachments or responsibilities keeping us tied down.
Traveling as a young adult bursts the small bubble that you’ve been living in the first two decades of your life and provides a realization that there's more to life than what you know as Jen Welch describes.
All too often I hear that young adults have never been outside of their home country, have never experienced other cultures, and have never decided to step outside their comfort zone and see the amazing places this world has to offer.
I understand the hesitation surrounding traveling, especially as a developing adult like yourself.
Planning a trip to your desired location without any previous knowledge of how to make it happen, where to go, and what to do can be extremely daunting, often causing young adults to stray away from even the possibility of an abroad vacation.
But, I’m here to show you that it is possible with a little bit of learning. Apps such as Hopper and Skyscanner show flight deals, Wanderlog or Trip Scout help plan and find the best things to do, and Rome2Rio helps you get around no matter where in the world you are. With the proper tools, travel planning can be fun and liberating it doesn't have to feel like a burden before you even arrive.
Planning a trip is more than just the planning aspect. It can help you figure out what you want from your life. Travel will force growth out of you as you’ll learn to develop your independence and how to be responsible according to Norbert of Globo Treks describes.
Travel and cultural experiences can make you a more interesting person, which, in this tricky thing we call dating; might make you stand out.
I’ll let you in on a personal secret. The first major trip I took alone I cried on the flight.
I was terrified, I was by myself, I was 18.
I was scared of being alone. I'm sure this is in the back of your mind too if you're pondering your first trip. The fear of putting yourself out there to meet fellow travelers or risking not meeting anyone at all might be enough to prevent you from leaving your hometown.
I soon realized it is easier to make friends abroad than you have ever experienced.
In the everyday hustle and bustle of a “normal” life, we as busy twenty-somethings rarely have time to make new connections on a day-to-day basis. I found that there is no pressure put on abroad connections because you will both be continuing on your journey. Travel friendships make a solo journey more fulfilling as they open your eyes to different cultures, horizons, and worldviews because people you meet along the way most likely won't be from the exact city you live in.
Don’t let someone who has never left the country tell you not to travel.
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Here's my published editorial, I hope it inspires someone ✈️ 🎀
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I help adventurous spirits achieve peace & presence through solo-travel & scuba diving -- to chase freedom on land & peace beneath the surface.
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