1. It is the perfect time
Before getting into the serious (and somewhat terrifying) business of being a real grown up, use your opportunities wisely. No kids, no mortgage, no fixed career path, it’s time to get out and the see the world. As the years roll by it’s unlikely you’ll be able to drop everything and take off, so make the most of it whilst you can!
2. Your body is resilient
It is a fact of life that as we get older, we are not the hardy souls that we once were in our youth. Travel can be physically tiring but it is always worth it. Make the most of being young, fit and able. Trekking the Camino de Santiago might have reduced you to tears of frustration but at least you’ve got a great story (and killer thighs).
3. You can afford to
How many of us are earning megabucks in our twenties? Probably not many. Never fear though, travel is no longer the elitist pass time it once was. If you’re willing to compromise on your creature comforts, you can easily explore most places on a budget. It might take a while to save when you’re waiting tables for £7.20 an hour, but I guarantee you’ll still have more disposable income than when you’re paying a mortgage, saving for a wedding and feeding two kids.
4. You will ‘find yourself’
I know this is a massive cliché but it has a basis in truth. In our teens, we all think we know everything but the fact of the matter is we don’t. Travel will force you to question everything you know about yourself and help you to grow into a more-rounded person.
5. It teaches the value of money
Let’s face it; taking those first steps into the real world can be hard. What makes adult life all the more difficult is that you can no longer rely on the bank of Mum and Dad like you used to in your teens. Self-financing your travels will show you how easy it is to waste money and teach you how to make your funds go further. When saving gets tough, remember that the most valuable thing you can buy is experience and adventure.
6. You will find your passions
Until you hit your twenties, how many things have you really had the opportunity to try? With all the focus on school, college and uni, it’s true that many of us don’t really get the chance to start finding what makes us happy until education is over. Travel allows us to explore new pastimes and experiment with new hobbies. Maybe a trip to Oz will make you realise you adore diving or experimenting with Asian cuisine will encourage you to start a food blog. Whatever it is that hooks you, it’s fair to say you wouldn’t have found it sitting in your bedroom.
7. You will have friends everywhere
Arguably the best part of travel is the people you meet along the way. You will find it easy to bond with others through your shared love of adventure and make some great memories with them. As another added bonus, your new friends will come from all over the world. Hello, invitations to exotic places you’ve never been! It’s simple: The more you travel = the more people you meet. The more people you meet = the more you travel.
8. It will make you more employable
With the job market being as competitive as it is these days, you have to stand out to be successful. Of course, qualifications and experience are important but many people underestimate the value of showing their personality to an employer. Could it be time to ditch the degree altogether?! Travel will show that you are adaptable, willing to try new things and confident meeting different people. What employer doesn’t want someone who has those skills?
9. It will push you
It would be fair to say I’m a bit of a wimp so I am amazed at how travel has pushed me to do things I thought I never would. As someone who is terrified of heights, there was a time where I would never have dreamed of running off a mountain attached to only a parachute and an eccentric Frenchman. Travel is the most persuasive friend I’ve ever had and constantly leaves me surprised at my own daring.
10. Because if not now, then when?
A lot of us find ourselves in a perpetual state of anxiety regarding our place within the world. Society constantly makes us question whether we are achieving enough and it’s easy to beat yourself up wondering whether you will ever achieve your dreams. (I know I did!) The most important thing to remember is that life is short, so do what makes you happy now.
Cheers to that!
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