When you travel as a family, your teens learn life skills that help them become responsible adults. The experience gives them confidence and self-reliance, helps them appreciate the value of money, and teaches them how to navigate challenging situations. But, most importantly, it allows them to connect with people and places that can broaden their perspectives on themselves and the world around them.
While it’s not always easy to make friends outside of their close circle of high school peers, traveling opens doors to a variety of networks that can last a lifetime. From landing a job to starting a business, getting a good education to achieving a goal, having a network is key to success. And, as research from The Wagner Group found, kids who traveled in their youth are more likely to get a college degree.
The socialization that occurs during travel also helps teens develop critical thinking and communication skills. It teaches them that different opinions are okay and that it’s important to understand how other cultures live, work, play and believe. This is an essential lesson that can help your teen to see other perspectives and avoid stereotypes and discrimination in the future.
Whether they’re planning the itinerary with you or on their own, the process of researching a destination, creating a budget and deciding what to pack teaches them valuable lessons that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. It also shows them that they have a voice and can contribute to the decision-making process. Plus, it gives them an opportunity to practice the time-management skills they’ll need as adults.
Many families find that having their teens take the lead in a travel plan is beneficial for all members. They can learn to work together and prioritize interests, while the parents set a financial and other guardrails. They can also practice their organizational and logistical skills by booking tickets, researching activities and lodging and reading maps. Plus, they can build their own friendships with fellow travelers who are at a similar stage of development or are interested in the same activities.
In addition to gaining life skills, a trip can provide new experiences that make teens question who they want to be. This can be a huge awakening for a troubled teen, especially if they have never been exposed to other customs and sights that make them question their own beliefs.
If your teen is looking for a safe way to explore new places, consider joining a tour that lets them travel with experts who are trained in providing a safe and comfortable trip. This way they can be adventurous without feeling overwhelmed or sacrificing safety. They can enjoy the pristine beaches and wildlife of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, trek through the jungles of Thailand or experience Sydney’s famous landmarks such as the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden. If they’re more interested in cultural immersion, there are plenty of programs that pair cross-cultural adventures with community service to promote empathy and encourage leadership skills.