So while there are plenty of reasons
not to travel, more of them exist as we age. As students entering college next
fall, we hold the least amount of responsibility and the most amount of potential
and drive. There are numerous reasons to travel other than the obvious
intrinsic value. Think about it, by traveling young, you are creating a
picture-perfect resume. Employers look for well-rounded
employees; you will most likely have foreign language experience, you’ve been
proven to show initiative, and probably have a knack for problem solving. You
will have experience with managing money and budgeting. You will have become more independent, and
fought your way through many difficult, out-of-your-element situations. You
will be an employer’s dream come true.
Another
reason to travel young is the availability of student discounts when booking hostels
or on-site activities. Many business owners realize that it is harder for
students to afford as much as the typical traveler, and they can usually cut
you some slack. By booking as a “student” you are more likely to get some sort
of discount, or even get something for free. And we all know free is best.
But
aside from the opportunity to save some money and beef up your resume,
traveling in general holds such a tremendous value. It, in fact, ups your
potential of compassion tenfold. Don’t believe me? Try not to shed a tear at
seeing children run barefoot in the streets of a third world country, smiling
even with their tattered clothes and desolate futures. Try not to get a twist
in your stomach after seeing the wall of skulls from the Cambodian genocide. Or
try not to get frustrated while attempting to comprehend why these things are
still happening. Not feeling compassion is absolutely not an option while
traveling. Even if you are intending to stay in posh hotels or resorts, there
is still poverty to be found. Traveling will most definitely show you the need
for compassion in the world.
One
of my favorite T.V. shows, MTV’s “The Buried Life,” is a documentary series
about four young men who were unsatisfied with the direction their lives were
headed. They made the bold choice to set out into the world with one mission,
to complete their list of life goals, and help others accomplish their own
along the way. While their T.V. show ended, these guys still continue to
travel, chasing their dreams and helping countless people. Their story is the
perfect example of why you need to just go with it sometimes, even if it is not
what you had planned. The Buried Life is proof of the success and benefit of
following your gut, and seeing the world.
Traveling
young will raise eyebrows, it will provoke haters. It will cause concern and
give doubt. But the reward far outweighs the cost. There are so many adventures
to be had, masterpieces to be seen, and people to help. If travel is something
that you wish to do in your future, my question is, what are you waiting
for?
