If someone asks what I’m scared of, my response is typically needles. But my real biggest fear is not getting to see the world. We only have so much time to live and explore. I want to see every corner and town and meet all the people there are to meet. I understand that’s impossible, but I’m going to try.
This past summer, I traveled to so many new places and learned so much about the world and myself. The biggest thing I learned was that I want to travel more. I thought I’d miss home and get tired of being on the go. Even though it was exhausting sometimes and I did miss my dog, I never wanted to stop. Exploring the world and learning new perspectives helps you grow and become the best version of yourself, so why wouldn’t I want to go on as many adventures as I can?
I was lucky enough to get to travel with my older sister over the summer wherever she had to go for work. We saw places like Houston, New Mexico, California, Montreal, Mexico City, Edinburgh, London, and so many more. We only stayed in each place for a few days, but getting to meet people and see other parts of the world made me more open-minded and helped me grow in unimaginable ways.
Everyone stresses about getting internships and jobs, and although I should focus more on that, I truly believe the best experience to prepare for your future is travel. If you go into an interview and they ask why you’re a good fit for a position, yes, qualifications are a big factor; however, so many people competing for that job will say they had impressive internships or jobs in that field. I think it’s more important to gain experience and possess a better understanding of the world around us. This will not only make you stand out as an applicant, but will also help you become a more well-rounded and flexible person. Traveling may even make you realize you don’t want a certain career path for yourself, which is why it’s crucial to travel young.
Now, not later
People make excuses for why they can’t travel and push it off for later in life when they have more money or time, but the truth is there will never be a better time. You learn so much about yourself when you travel, so why travel when you’re grown up and have had jobs and experiences? Wouldn’t you want to be a better version of yourself when you go through those experiences? That is exactly what traveling allows.
If I travel now while I’m 20, I’ll know people around the world, other customs and places, and be able to bring that with me throughout life. If I travel when I’m 60, I’ve gone an extra 40 years without seeing amazing places and learning traditions I may have wished I found sooner. Will I hike the Dolomites when I’m 60? Will I wake up at 4 a.m. for a safari in Tanzania when I’m 70? Will I even get to see Venice if I wait until I’m 80? I may, but I would rather start adventuring now. Besides, that just gives me more time to explore more places! However, it’s never too late to travel, no matter your age. Even if you missed the last 40 years of traveling, spend the next 40 exploring as many places as you can.
Meet new people
When I was in San Diego, my sister and I made a last-minute decision to cliff jump when we saw some people jumping at the Sunset Cliffs. We were nervous to jump because someone was struggling to get back up, and we were technically not supposed to jump there, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I was nervous, but I saw a girl around my age jump, and she was getting ready to jump again. I asked her if she thought I could get back up, and she said it was a little hard, but she could help and thought I could do it. We talked for a little while, jumped together, added each other on Instagram, and just like that I made a new friend all the way across the country.
When I lived in Florida for a few months, I met so many international people also doing a Disney Program and was able to learn about what their lives were like in Italy, Australia, Mexico, or even New Zealand. Learning about these places and how they’re different from the United States really helped me understand the importance of traveling and how it can open your mind. Working at Disney also allowed me to meet so many amazing guests visiting the park and learn about their travels and lives. It’s important to always talk to new people and listen to their stories because you don’t know how many perspectives and experiences are out there until you come across them.
Don’t have a plan
It’s scary to travel without a plan, but sometimes that’s when you have the best experiences. The times I ventured into a city with an idea of things I wanted to see, but ended up going with the flow, created some of the best memories. When I was in London, my sister and I walked around and came across a steakhouse. Sometimes we do research on a place we’re visiting and find where we want to eat, but this time we just tried one we came across, and it was the best steak I’ve ever had (and it came with free ice cream, which was some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had, too). Sometimes you have to let the experiences come to you instead of seeking them out yourself.
Try everything
I used to be a very picky eater when I was younger, but I decided that if I’m going to travel the world, I’m going to have to eat the food of the places I’m visiting to get the entire experience. This year I’ve tried soups, bratwurst, sandwiches, dumplings, and other foods most people like, but I was never a fan of. I discovered that taste buds really do change over time because I liked so many of the things I tried.
It’s so important to try new things in every aspect of life because you never know what you may like. I mean, it would’ve been a tragedy if I missed out on chicken vegetable dumplings for another minute. Or how could I have said I went to Mexico City and didn’t try real tacos because I didn’t think I would like them? Don’t hate it until you try it (if you try it and still aren’t a fan, then hate away, but at least you know you tried).
Take Every opportunity
This spring, I’m lucky enough to be headed to Florence for four months. I’m beyond excited and can’t wait to meet new people and travel to so many places. I love short-term traveling because it allows me to see more places; however, it also means I’m a tourist in each place. Although I will technically still be considered a tourist in Italy, I’m excited to experience another country as a local. I want to have daily routines, know my way around, and feel like Florence is home. I wish I could experience every place I travel to as a local, but then I wouldn’t be able to see all the places the world has to offer. I’m so excited to be able to experience at least one place in this way. If you have this opportunity, no matter the location, I say take it. I believe in saying yes to every opportunity offered to you when you’re traveling. You only live once and you don’t know if you’ll ever get that chance again, so why miss out?
You have options
If you’re stressed about traveling but are determined to see the world, look into opportunities that allow you to live in a different place. For example, my friend decided to live in Germany for a year as a nanny. The Disney College Program allowed me to live in Florida for four months. You’re able to work at national parks over the summer and live there.
Another good option is Worldpackers, a platform that connects travelers with hosts around the world. You’re able to trade your skills for housing and meals. These skills include things as simple as cleaning up the house or gardening, to more difficult skills like photography, website building, or helping with a company. You can see reviews from people who’ve stayed there and filter where you want to go by country, type of skills you have to offer, what type of room you’re looking for (such as single or shared), if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, how many meals per day you want included with the stay, and how many hours per week you prefer to work. You’re also able to put in how long you’re looking to stay, which ranges from one week to months. You pay a subscription fee and for your own flights, but if you’re interested in traveling, it’s a great option to look into!
Traveling can be scary and stressful, but it’s the most eye-opening and transformative experience you can have. I truly believe every place I’ve seen has taught me about myself and made me a better person. It makes me excited to see more of the world. I think everyone should try to travel as much as they can and say yes to every opportunity to see new places because you’ll discover amazing things about yourself.