Nine Reasons to Travel as a Teenager

Do you ever let yourself stop, and think about the future? Just for a second, imaging what your life might look like 10, 20 years from now? Where will you be? Who will you be with? And how did the experiences in your life get you to that place?

There are many paths we can take in life, opportunities we can say “yes” to, and chances we maybe wished we had. It’s a whole lot of unknown out there – but that’s the exciting part. Your life is a blank canvas, ready to be coloured with all your fun experiences, crazy adventures, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

The future can feel like a long way off though right? You need to wait until you’re older before you’re let loose on your own life. Wrong! Until now, your life has been pre-organised, pre-determined by other people, but not anymore – it’s time for you to take the lead!

At Outlook we’ve worked with thousands of young people over the years, all ready to step out of their comfort zone with an unforgettable expedition experience – away from mum and dad, away from school, just you, us, and a group of like-minded friends you haven’t met yet.

Because afterall, while there are many paths you can take in life, the one that leads to your next adventure is always the most exciting! Still need convincing? Here’s our top reasons why travelling in your teens is a great idea!

1. Travel changes the way you see the world

It’s amazing how big and important your home-bubble can feel, but when you travel, you realise you’re part of something so much bigger. Take the first step out of your normal life when you’re young, and it’s guaranteed to be just the start of a lifetime of adventures

2. Travel changes the way you see others

One of the best parts about exploring new places, is the people you meet along the way. By immersing yourself in different cultures and values when you’re young, you quickly learn to appreciate both the differences and similarities between you and those you meet. Building on key skills of empathy, understanding, and compassion for others

3. Travel makes you thankful

It can be easy to get caught up in your own world, and your own dramas. But when you travel, things that you thought were a big deal and a problem for you, are brought into sharp focus, and you realise just how much you have to be thankful for. Being grateful for what you have and learning to be humble, are great qualities to have as you start out in life

4. Travel makes you more independent

As much as they might like to join you on your expedition, when you travel as a teenager you’re no longer able to rely on your parents. It can be a daunting prospect to begin with, but by trusting yourself and relying on your own abilities to take responsibility and ownership of your experience, you’ll not only grow in confidence and resilience, but you’ll get yourself ready for life, and whatever your next chapter holds

5. Travel teaches you how to budget

When you’re taking responsibility of your own adventure, you’re also taking responsibility of the money you spend along the way. And trust us, only on an expedition when you realise you may have overspent during the first half of the trip, do you realise the importance of managing a budget effectively! An important lesson to learn while you’re young that will certainly help you in later life!

6. Travel allows you to make new friends

There is no better feeling than setting off on a journey amidst a group of strangers and coming back the best of friends. The friendships you make when you’re travelling are extra special because you’ve connected over an incredible shared experience – and that belongs to you and will do forever. Being able to make friends with people from different parts of the country, or even the world, is a great way to improve your communication and interpersonal skills that you’ll continue to use throughout your life

7. Travel helps you stay organised and manage time better

When you’re responsible for yourself, you need to have a plan! All it takes is one accidental lie-in on a day when only a morning bus is running, and you’ve thrown your whole itinerary off-kilter. Don’t worry, it happens to us all, and it’s all part of the learning experience that will leave you far more equipped to plan and organise your time than when you started. An invaluable life skill to have if you plan on future travels, or even going onto university or work

8. Travel builds confidence

Nothing worth doing was ever easy, and sometimes you’ll find yourself in challenging situations when overseas. But it’s how you look at and deal with these challenges that builds your confidence and empowers you to tackle anything that comes your way. Going into your adult life with a strong sense of confidence and personal integrity is an amazing place to start

9. Travel helps you discover passions

By taking that step out of your comfort zone to try new things, meet new people, and experience all that life has to offer, you’ll likely discover things about yourself and interests you never knew you had – all from saying “yes” to an adventure in your teenage years. Who knows, the passion you discover while travelling, could go on to be your calling in life!

So, if you’re ready to do something your future self will thank you for, sign up to one of our Indi Expeditions today!