Yeah… I was 26 in this photo (paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal)
Over the past six years of writing this blog, I’ve received a lot of emails and messages asking for advice about certain topics (usually related to travel, though there have been a few wild cards). A lot of them ask very, very general questions – things like, “Hi, I just found your blog today and see that you’ve been to India. I want to go to India, so can you please give me tips on where to go/where to stay/what to eat/how much money to bring/what to wear/etc?” These emails are, for obvious reasons, not exactly my favourites to receive, though I always point the person in the right direction (i.e. another blog, hah) and wish them the best. Over the years, while the average reader of this blog is in their 20s or 30s, I’ve also received a lot of emails from teenagers and/or students who have questions about travelling, mainly how to get started or how to decide where to go.
I like to spend a bit more time on these emails. Almost all of the teenagers who have written to me are passionate, considerate, and articulate. They ask thoughtful and mature questions. They share their worries and their fears, their hopes and their dreams. A lot of them ask how they can live a life like I have, one that has been filled with travel and adventure. And that’s where I struggle with my answer.
Looking down in Peru
Because, firstly, I’m literally twice the age of some of these teenagers (yikes). Of course I’ve had more experience in the world – I’ve had the time to. Secondly, I always feel the need to acknowledge my privilege and my background. While I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, and I’ve paid for the majority of my travels (save family trips), I was born into a middle-class family in a developed country, and growing up I always had a roof over my head and food on the table. More than that, I grew up in a very loving and open-minded household, one that encouraged me to dream big. My parents never once laughed at my wanderlust-fuelled thoughts, always treating my life plans of seeing the world with respect, sincerity, and support. I’m well aware how lucky that makes me, and perhaps how unique it makes me, too.
So while I can’t possibly know where every teenager who writes to me is coming from, I can offer just a little bit of advice for the positive steps I took in order to fulfil my travel dreams when I was younger. As I was growing up I was unwittingly preparing for a lifetime of travel, and years later I am very thankful that I was so determined from such a young age. Here are a few things you might be able to do if you’re a teenager who wants to travel the world after finishing school (or really, if you’re someone of any age who wants to travel).
In Bolivia
Start to research countries you want to visit. I used to do this all the time as a teenager. I first became obsessed with geography around age 10, when I memorised the countries of the world (to put this in perspective, people still talked about “the USSR”. Forget iPhones and tablets, this gadget was my lifeblood). Even without computers I was always reading old National Geographic magazines (I had a subscription from ages 12 to 18) and checking out encyclopaedias in the library. I had an unhealthy obsession with Europe, and knew that that region would be the first to explore whenever I had the chance. I always think it’s important to know the basics of a country before you arrive, so if you start your research as a teenager you’ll practically be an expert by the time you get to visit.
Today it’s incredibly easy to research the places you want to see. Even far-flung or relatively isolated countries like Bhutan or Tajikistan are written about more and more these days. All you need is an internet connection to find maps, articles, photos, and just about anything else you’d like to read up on of a country, not to mention all of the travel blogs that can help you get a sense of what it’s like to travel to the places you’re dreaming of. There are also dozens of travel magazines (your library should stock some) and thousands upon thousands of books about travelling (I’ve listed a few of my favourites here). Whether you’re after practical information, history, or just personal stories of travellers, you’ll easily be able to find it either online or in print material.
Glasses = smart = research. That’s why I used this photo. I know, it’s a far reach (at Blogstock)
Get a job. Do I sound like your parent or guardian right now? I’m sorry. The truth is, though, getting a job when I was a teenager was one of the best things I did for my travelling plans. I started babysitting from age 12 for kids in the neighbourhood, and then, at 15, got a job at the mall. I was extremely fortunate in the fact that my parents were able to provide me with a warm house and plenty of food, which meant that I could essentially choose where to spend everything I was earning. In my experience, that was the only time in my life that my money wasn’t used toward anything like bills, rent, or other necessities, meaning I could put 100% of that into savings. With that money I was able to pay half of a school trip to France (my parents generously paid the other half) and still have a few thousand dollars saved up before university.
Again, I’m not going to lie and say that I struggled with student debt – I didn’t. With scholarships and help from my parents, I personally did not pay for my university education in Canada, which obviously helped a great deal. On top of a full-time degree, however, I was also working a few hours shy of full-time, holding down two jobs through my degree in order to pay bills and save up for a backpacking trip. The summer I went home, at 19, I landed a job working with Miramax as they filmed a movie in my hometown, and they paid me ridiculous money, at least half of which I was able to put directly into savings. By the time I had graduated, eight years after getting that job at the mall, I had saved over $20,000. I left for Europe less than a week after my final exam.
Trust me, I didn’t want to work when I was younger. I wanted to focus on school and extracurricular activities and hanging out with my friends. But I also knew that even working a few hours a week would slowly but surely add to my savings and one day allow me to fulfil my dream. Working from such a young age also taught me a lot of life skills, but that post for another day. While you might not want to or might not be able to get a job in retail or the food industry, there are lots of ways to make money even in your own neighbourhood: babysitting, dog walking, raking leaves, etc. If you’re artistic or good at knitting/jewellery making/painting/etc., you could even try your hand at selling things on Etsy.
With some current coworkers at my job in London
Open a savings account. I opened a savings account when I was very, very young – my parents encouraged me to do it, even if I could only deposit the $10 my auntie gave me at Christmas. I would suggest getting a savings account as soon as you can, and possibly getting an account that isn’t connected to a debit card. It can be all too tempting to spend the money you’ve earned when it’s only a swipe of a card away. To this day I have an account in Canada that I have absolutely no access to unless I actually speak to someone on the phone about it or go in person to my bank to withdraw the money. Speak to your bank about the best rates and account for your needs, and try to slowly add money to that account whenever you can… and then leave it alone. Be as responsible as you possibly can with this account; this will help your credit in the future, so make sure to never go into overdraft (i.e. withdraw more money that you have).
Get a driver’s license. OK, so things might have really changed since I was in high school, but when I was there, the school arranged for willing students to take driving lessons. They weren’t free, but it was both easy and fun to stay after class with my friends and learn how to drive. While having a driver’s license isn’t crucial to travelling, I found it helpful on many road trips around the world (it’s fun to be the passenger sometimes, but not all the time). As it’s much easier to do when in high school, I recommend getting it when you can instead of having to devote time to it later on in life. It not only makes you feel badass when you’re 16, it’s a great life skill.
Oh so studious at Traverse 2015
Talk to your family and friends about your dreams. As I said in the beginning, I was very lucky that my family was so supportive of my travel plans. I spoke at length about those plans with my parents and my sister (and later my brother, when he was older). In university I talked to my friends about wanting to travel all the time, and soon met some kindred spirits who wanted to do the same thing… so who knows, you might even find a travel buddy. The bottom line is, whoever you’re talking to, it does indeed feel good to open up and say your plans out loud. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your family or friends, try to find forums and/or blogs online where you feel comfortable commenting, or write a blog or journal to work out your thoughts.
I occasionally get an email from a teenager who comes from a very protective family, or one who does not want him or her to travel. To be honest, I don’t really know what to say in response, but I would recommend as much communication with your family as possible. If you have any experience dealing with this issue I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Graduating with my master’s degree last week
Sign up for class trips and/or study abroad programs. Not all schools offer this, of course, but if you’re able to do so financially, I recommend class trips. My first time to Europe was with my family at age 13 to the UK, but that same summer I went back to England for a class trip. It was my first experience backpacking, staying in hostels, and seeing a totally different country (and seeing it through independent eyes). A few years later I went to France with my school, and that was the trip that really lit a flame under my wanderlust, so to speak.
Not all trips have to be international; see if your school offers trips throughout your province, state, or county, or get involved in an activity that allows you to travel. I was in a school band and we would often go to other locations around Manitoba to play, and once we even flew to Toronto for an event (for your information, yes I went to band camp… and yes I played the flute). Sports teams often travel to play other schools, too. All of these little trips will make you feel more confident about travelling.
Take advantage of family holidays. I was very fortunate to come from a family that valued travel; every year we took at least a couple of vacations together, usually to America. Over the years we also visited the Caribbean, Mexico, England, and Ireland together. If your family/guardian is able and willing to travel, try to take advantage of this time in a new place: research where you’re going beforehand, take lots of photos, try new foods, and participate in new activities like hiking or cooking classes. While I usually advise people to talk to locals… well, you’re a teenager, and I feel like I’m creepily advising you to talk to strangers or something. Still, you can safely chat to people at your hotel (such as a concierge) and/or try to make friends with other people your age on holiday with their families. This will boost your confidence when it comes to making friends while travelling.
I will use any excuse I can to put this photo on my blog… sorry family (circa 1995, before any of us knew how horrible Sea World really is)
Volunteer with immigrants. When I was in high school I volunteered with kids and with animals, but in university I decided to volunteer with new immigrants to Canada who wanted to practice their English. Twice a week, in between classes and work, I’d go to the library to talk to a Russian woman named Yulia for a couple of hours.
Trust me, I have no idea how I had the energy to do this (until recently I was doing a full-time master’s degree and working part-time, and even that felt overwhelming) but it was a great experience. I learned a lot about her perspective of the world and a lot about Russia; perhaps this is what inspired me to live in Russia the summer after I backpacked around Europe. Nearly every city has some sort of program that helps new immigrants to your country, so look into how you might be able to help out. It will make a huge difference in their lives and in yours, and it’s a great way to learn about the world while still in your hometown.
Learn a new language. Your brain is like a sponge, apparently – soak it all up! Learning other languages will definitely help you when you travel, even if you don’t visit the country where the language is spoken; you might meet tourists or immigrants who speak that language, for example, and I’m pretty sure that being bilingual makes it a lot easier to eventually become multilingual. If I could be fluent in any language other than English, I’d choose Spanish.
With my homestay family in Lake Titicaca, who only spoke Spanish
Learn a valuable skill. Again, when you’re younger you often retain things better (or so they say). A great way to be able to travel abroad is to work abroad, and so learning skills you can take with you is a good start. Things like graphic design or computer programming can help you land an online job that would allow you to work remotely, while more practical skills like cooking or carpentry might lead to an interesting job, too. Another option is to hone a talent like singing or dancing so that you can possibly travel with an act or even work on a cruise ship.
Be patient. I still advise everyone to finish high school and wait until the right time to go travelling long-term or permanently. Another question I’m asked a lot is whether or not to put off a university education to go travelling; only you can answer that for yourself, but, in my case, I wanted to finish university first before I took off. I did this because a) I wanted a degree, knowing that might help me to land a job abroad (it did) b) I wanted to save as much money as possible before taking off and c) I value education as much as (OK, nearly as much as) travelling.
The bottom line is, even if all you can think about is travelling long-term, it’s better to wait until you’re emotionally and financially ready to do so. I wrote an article about knowing when you’re ready for long-term travel that might help.
In high school with two of my best friends
Allow yourself to dream of travelling. I really want to emphasise this point most of all. You’re a kid. You should have huge dreams. Some of them might feel impossible, or some of them might not feel like they measure up to other people’s dreams, but they’re yours. I used to lie in bed at night and think about travelling so much that I thought I might be able to will myself on an airplane.
We all know that saying about high school being the best years of your life, or that being a teenager means being free from responsibility. Don’t get me wrong – those years can be very fun, and I didn’t really have any bills to worry about (or back problems. Or knee problems. What the eff, ageing process). But I would never be so patronising to say that being a teenager is easy. When I was in my teens, I worked really hard in school to make sure I was on the honour roll; I often worried about my grades as I wanted to get into a good university and get scholarships. I worked a part-time job. I was involved in multiple extra-curricular activities, including volunteering. I was responsible for many chores at home. I had the usual high school drama of boys and gossip and the occasional fight with my mum because she just didn’t understand me (for the record, my mum and I are now best friends). I was constantly worried about things like if I’d pass my driving test or what I should wear to my graduation dance or any number of seemingly menial things that are actually very important and defining in a young person’s life.
Today, fourteen years after I graduated high school (oh my God), I think that kids have even more stress to deal with. The economy isn’t great, so jobs are harder to find. University education is more expensive. And you don’t know how often I thank my lucky stars that I grew up without social media and all of the pressures that stem from it as a young woman. You might feel pressure to get into the best university ever, or become a doctor just like your mother, or fit in with all of the most popular girls at school. But you’re not going to be a teenager for very long – trust me, those years go quickly – which means that any of the problems you’re dealing with will probably change in only a few years. So what I’m saying to you now is this: if you think you might want to travel, allow yourself to dream. Try to shed those pressures as best you can, when you can, and just let your imagination run wild. Dream of going to new places, of seeing new things. Dream of walking on quiet beaches or hiking tall mountains or riding a motorbike on a busy city street. Dream of meeting people from around the world. Dream of being independent and of making your own decisions, of spending your own hard-earned money on something you truly love.
Those dreams will help shape your future and mould the person you really want to be. Dreams don’t necessarily always come true, of course, but they’re a damn good place to start.
In Bhutan (in my thirties)
Are you a teenager who wants to travel the world? If you’re a bit… ahem… older, did you dream of travelling when you were young?
37 comments
I think it’s great that you started this post off with talking about privilege. Knowing one’s place in the world and where one stands in comparison to everyone else is such an important part of traveling – a part that unfortunately all too many of us (including myself) often forget.
Oh, and hurray for Cold War era geography! My favorite book as a kid was a National Geographic World Atlas from the 80s, even though my dad got it at a library book sale in the mid-90s. 🙂
Thank you, Danny! I constantly think of how lucky I am to have been able to even dream of travelling, let alone actually do it.
I used to love geography books and atlases, too!
Well done Brenna! I love that you write very informative posts 🙂 I love all your practical tips!
I definitely had dreams about traveling while I was growing up. I didn’t know how I would do it but dreaming big was fun! And while it took a lot of hard work to finally do it on my own and with my own money, I’m glad that I achieved my goal. And that I can keep doing it. I definitely want to keep going until I can. I know some people who want to wait until they retire (?!?!) but who has the time for that. I want to travel while I’m able (healthy) with no big responsibilities yet. Even then, I would still travel.
Thank you very much, Christine! I’m really glad you liked the post. That’s awesome that you are following your dreams!
I love this post so much and completely agree with everything you said. With some smart planning and conscious action, it’s definitely possible to start saving up for travel while in your teens and there are travel companies that actually operate specifically with teens in mind too, that are worth taking a look into. As for having the conversation with your family about your want to travel, I think it’s best to ask them what their concerns are and do your best to counter them maturely and intelligently. Mine was worried about me not being safe, so I explained to them all the ways I’d be looking out for my own safety, proving that I was responsible and sensible enough to travel by myself. To your family you’re still their little girl\boy, so do your best to show them that you may still be their little girl\boy, but you’re now also a mature, responsible and sensible adult who can make informed decisions for yourself, with your own safety in mind 🙂
Thank you very much for your input, Ella! I was also very open with my family and have always been very upfront about where I’m going and what I’m doing, so I think that helped.
Thanks again for a very helpful comment!
Thank you so much for writing this post! I’m fifteen, and as far back as I can remember, my goal was to travel. I have so many trips planned out in my head… I can’t wait to get started! I’m really happy that you wrote something like this – it’s encouraging to know that a life of travel is something that’s achievable. While I’ve been lucky enough to go on trips with my family (we were in Europe this summer, and I’ve been all around North America), I’ve always had the dream to solo travel.
Thank you for the advice – fantastic post! 🙂
Aw, that’s great Julianne! I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing life of adventure. Keep me posted! 🙂
I recognize a lot in your story! I’m 21 now and I’ve been saving money for years to travel the world. Originally I planned to travel after I graduated secondary school, when I was 18, but I didn’t have that much money yet and all my friends went straight to university so I did too. Now I’ve decided to take a gap year between my bachelor and my master and I have much more money to spend and I’m also a little more independent. Some people I know have traveled after secondary school though, so it’s definitely possible.
I agree – it’s definitely possible! I think it’s always best to just consider what’s right for you at that moment in time. Thanks very much for your comment, Melissa!
Hi!
Omg you sound exactly like me, it’s weird! I’m 16 and have wanted to travel (by myself or with friends for years!). I have been privileged to visit 18 countries, and travelled around the world so far in my short lifespan. Though this is no means an indication of our wealth – my parents are both middle class working citizens, working 8-5, though we also managed to make savings. My twin sister and I have to pay for everything except for living costs (rent, electricity etc) and school costs. Everything in between (toiletries, clothes, school equipment, going out, transport costs) we have to buy.
I am originally from the UK, having moved to Australia 9 years ago. I also have a part time job, managed to save up a few grand and don’t really get along with my mum, always complaining she doesn’t understand me as well, unlike my dad – maybe similar to you.
I’m thinking about taking a gap year next year, do you recommend this? I also know a person who took a gap year and was an au pair. Have you heard any opinions on doing this?
Thanks, Nat
Hi Nat, it sounds like you’ve had some really amazing experiences so far – I’m sure you’ll have many more in your travels! That’s great that you are really taking responsibility for your future.
I had a few clashes with my mum in my teens (as most teenagers do with parents, I think, as it can be a difficult time in terms of coming into your own identity) but I’m happy to say that she’s now my best friend and we travel together all the time. 🙂
A lot of people take gap years and I think they can be a terrific idea. It all comes down to what’s best for you and what you really want, I think! Working as an au pair is also very popular, and it’s a great way to make money and see a different country. Just make sure you research the company/family you go with really well!!
Best of luck…
You are right – we were SO fortunate to grow up without social media! It’s funny how we had such similar upbringings: my family traveled around in a pop-up camper, I worked a lot (I started babysitting at 11, flipping burgers at 16, etc.) and had around 5k saved when I went off to college, but it was all downhill after that with nasty parental divorce (they still don’t speak), taking care of younger sister, meeting my husband very young, etc.
I know my life is exactly the way it’s supposed to be (and I’m grateful for it every day), but it’s hard not to wonder if I might’ve traveled more… or maybe used my degree in environmental geoscience to help with sustainable development in developing countries, like I’d originally intended. It’s weird how you can blink, and suddenly it’s 15 years after high school graduation (gulp), and you’re just not sure what happened to your original intentions. That said, I’m on a new path and totally loving it! (Wow, that’s a long pre-coffee ramble. Sorry!) All this is to say, great advice about staying focused on what you want in life.
And that Sea World picture is probably the best thing I’ve ever seen on the internet.
First of all, thank you for mentioning the Sea World photo, ha ha.
I agree – I can’t imagine growing up with social media! And it does sound like we have similar upbringings. It’s indeed weird how quickly the time is going, but I’m also glad to be a bit older and realise what really matters in my life and also how to maximise my time (i.e. how I like to travel, etc.). I’m so happy that you are loving life right now!
Thanks as always for your wonderful and insightful comment, Katie. 🙂
A good read even though I’m far away from being a teenager. i recognize myself in some of your comments, the way of travel and doing research has changed so much since I was 19 and did my first backpacking tour in SEA in 1999. Google map forget it????
Thank you very much for your comment, Susan! I definitely didn’t have Google maps when I first went travelling either 😉
I loved that you talked about your privilege first and didn’t just jump in telling young adventurers to travel, without regard to the financial and emotional implications. Sometimes there are constants that impact one’s ability to travel, but I agree having the patient to plan long-term makes all the difference! Even now, I am diligently paying thousands of dollars in student loans, knowing that once I’m done I will hit the road, and that encourages me.
Thank you very much for your comment, Jennifer! I’m glad you agree with the article. I am also saving up/not able to travel as much at the moment due to finances, but I know the reward will be worth the patience!
Hey Brenna – I’m (ahem) a “bit” older, but I knew from the time I was ten years old that I was going to see the world, even though my own parents had no interest in travel whatsoever, and rarely went more than a few miles beyond our neighbourhood. Because I grew up before the wonders of the internet, being a voracious reader probably started and then continued fuelling that desire to see and know as much as I could about new places and people. This is such a great cache of wonderful information for young people who share your dream. You bring so much encouragement and inspiration to all ages! One last word (or make that two): Sea World. If nothing else, it’s clear from the photo that the Holemans knew how to rock denim!
And I think for me, having parents that supported my dream so much made all the difference. 🙂
Apologies for the photo, but it had to be done. We certainly did love our denim!! xo
Still in my late teenage age, but applying your advices to the best of my abilities.
However, I don’t know how it’s done in Canada, but getting a driving licence in France is really complicated and expensive. So, call me a “user” but during my travel I usually met people willing to drive me around 🙂
Other than that, I’ve just been following your blog for a while now and just wanted to telle you how much I appreciate it!
Great, thanks Sophia! Good luck with your future travels. 🙂
Though I am way over my teenage. I can totally relate to it. Good post
Thank you!
hi brenna, i am a teenager and a student as well. even thought i am a student, i really love to travel. I did everything that you said on this article. Amazingly it works !
I really liked how you went back in time and thought of some tips for all those who dream of travel! Ummmm…OF COURSE you had to use that Sea World pic (OMG)!!!
Ha ha – I thought you’d like that one!! Sorry 🙂 xoxo
Great article. Thank you very much for sharing this. I’m going to be sixteen soon, and I think it’s time I started saving. The though that I could travel the world on my own is really overwhelming!
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Best of luck with your future adventures, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time.
These really are some amazing tips, not just for teens but also for anyone who would love to travel but has no idea where to start – or how to let go of the 9-5 – so thank you!
I’m a lover of travelling and exploring new lands but I’m not sure I’d ever be daring enough to give up my life to it – part of me needs a bit of structure – I also like a little familiarity which i know can be a massive issue when travelling, especially if you’re alone.
Hi Jenny, thank you for your comment but I deleted your paragraph on your company. I don’t allow companies to self-promote through links in comments on my site.
Last year (my sophomore year of high school) I was an exchange student in Switzerland. That one year had changed my whole life and now all I can do is think about getting back out there. This article really helped me take a step back and realize that I have time to travel and that I don’t have to do everything right now. Almost every day I’m on travel websites trying to find cheap airfare anywhere but it helps knowing that if I’m patient and work towards my goals that they are achievable.
Your so lucky!! I’m a sophomore and really wished my school had opportunities like that since my parents are too strict to let me solo travel. So now I’m just working and getting as much money as I can before I’m 18 so I can take to opportunity to travel while I’m young and able?
Hi Brenna!
I am so glad I found your blog and this post – full of inspiration. Really glad you focus on how not only people over 18 can reach their dreams and travel goals. I am sixteen and lives home with two of my siblings and my mother. Our economy is not the very best therefore it is often hard to plan any trips out of the country or even in the county home in Norway. One of the dreams beeing an exchange student in the United States, Australia or England got pushed away under a carpet, especially by my father. My family are not really supportive about exchanges because of earlier ‘horror stories’ which I understand and the money. (But still, I am burning of living in other countries, discovering different cultures and how societies works around the world.) I have been lucky at school, and I got picked out to go to France in school time working with students at the same age – with entrepreneur and innovation as a theme (one week). Also I got handpicked through applications to enter an exchange for two weeks in Washington state with an host family. (but I had to pay half of the costs) So far I have used my confirmation money, because I do not have any job. I quit playing soccer last year, which I have been practising in 10 years, because my family claimed it took to much time from my school – as well it probably was more economic. After that, my grades feel down. I dealed with depression which my family not understood (but doctor claimed) for not going too deep. All I wanted and still want is to do an exchange year or to travel. It gives me comfort and happiness thinking about exploring and to get away from daily stress and boringness. I still want to show family and friends that one can travel to other countries without sleeping at hotels with five stars or do the most expensive things. At this time I am checking out different travel pages, other types of exchange possibilities which is not too expensive and so on. Hitchhicking or backpacking for teenagers are probably too hard to implement, for any solo traveler girl, or to persuade family – but I am still looking for opportunities. Therefore I am very thankful that you are writing about exactly this. Teenagers who wants to travel, their challenges but solutions as well.
xx Eva
This was such an amazing post and I’m grateful you took the time to write it. Much love from New Zealand!
It was my dream actually to start traveling before I get over with my teenage. And thankfully I was able to fulfill this. I started traveling at the age of 19 and have never stopped since then.
I started traveling when I was a teenager and I’m 100 % sure these tips would help me to travel more safely and wisely if I knew it earlier. Totally loved this blog.