EAST COAST TRAVELER - Traveling is simply the brutality of humanity; when we travel, we see things for what they are and not how we imagined them to be. Traveling also allows our imagination to run wild without expectations; it will enable us to see things from a new perspective without the alleged prejudice of the world. And while all of this seems to be an adequate reason to travel, many are still naïve about traveling.
Reasons to Travel When You're Young
Now, the question remains, "Why Should I Travel Young"? I can give you a hundred, even a thousand, reasons why you should travel when you're young. Still, if you desire to see the world begin and end with your "Wish to See the World," then I'm afraid no amount of reasoning would suffice to convince you to go after what you want.
You see, as much as it is a form of recreation, traveling is also a commitment, a vocation for some, but ultimately, it is a responsibility. A responsibility you should be willing to take on yourself. Many people say that the young are lucky to have the health and the wealth to see the world, but they do not realize that they are often distracted, deceived, and sometimes deluded.
So, if you're one of the young 'uns who wish to unearth the world's most incredible places and learn life's most valuable lessons but are afraid to make it happen, read along; maybe I can convince you to travel. At the same time, you still have the gift of youth.
Adventure
Traveling teaches you a sense of adventure- Don't quote me on this one, but based on my experience, traveling allows you to have as much fun as you want without worrying about what others say about you. You don't have your peers or parents to warn and judge you so that you can be young, wild, and accessible. Life is an adventure, and traveling lets you experience that.
Traveling teaches you to be compassionate. Other than the photos, the souvenirs, and the lifelong memories that traveling gives you, it also enlightens you about the actual situation. It teaches you to care for other people, sometimes not our kind.
Introduction to Culture
Traveling allows you to be culturally diverse- If you think traveling is all about sightseeing and marveling at the country's wonders, then you're right. But traveling teaches us something more critical: it allows us to be culturally diverse. Whenever we travel, we must follow the local practices of the country/destination we are going to. As the old saying goes, "Respect begets Respect". If we learn to respect and even appreciate the cultures of other nationalities, then we become more aware of our own. That's the mutual benefit we get from traveling.
Makes You a Better Person
Traveling makes you more attractive- they say that the most beautiful people in the world have seen it. Do you agree? I do. It is because of the invaluable and immeasurable life experiences we have with the travels that make us a better person. When you feel you're better, you become more attractive.
Young People Travel More
When you travel young, you travel more- let's face it, we're all bound to grow old and lose our health. But while we're young and at the peak of everything, it's best to take advantage of it and start traveling; after all, you're only allowed until your 30s to hike a mountain or ride the river's rapids.
Helps To Gain Diverse Friends
Traveling makes it easy to make friends- if you tend to cling to the same group of people bound by a circle of friendship back in your hometown, then maybe you should travel more often. Traveling has been proven one of the best ways to gain friends and build bonds; after all, you are all strangers to one another at one point, but because of your shared interest in seeing the world, you are bound by it. And get this: wouldn't having friends in all parts of the earth be nice? That would be way cooler than your friends back home.
Makes You a Better Storyteller
Traveling makes you a better storyteller- You might not get this now, but you will when you have kids or grandchildren. Those who travel young have more opportunities to experience everything there is to travel. The many countries you've visited and traveled to are an area story waiting to be told. Traveling gives you things to share over breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When you travel, you never have a hard time thinking of a topic to talk about, not to mention you'll keep everyone with your story.
Now, if for some strange reason, after citing all these reasons why you should travel young and you're still not convinced, it's pretty apparent that you have a fear inside you that you're just trying to hide so everyone won't think you're a coward who can't face it. Is it fear of heights? Fear of the unknown? Fear of being independent? Whatever it is, know that traveling alone will help you address that fear. You have to take the giant leap of faith and make the first step to make your traveling dreams a reality. You only live once and are only young for a short time; if you don't travel now, when?
