“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St Augustine
Many young people put off travelling, thinking that they will get around to it when they have more time and money. But there are a lot of good reasons why you should travel when you are young. Travelling is the best way to have new experiences that will shape your character. You could develop a new skill or learn a language. Being in a foreign country can teach you all sorts of things and every country has something unique to offer.
Travelling also gives you time to think about the big questions in your life. Meeting new people and being in different situations will help to give you a broader perspective on life. Still, we know it isn’t easy for young people to travel on a tight student budget. Here are some tips to help you make your dreams come true.
Preparing to travel on a student budget
You’re on a shoestring budget, but that doesn’t have to stop you from travelling. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning to travel on a student budget:
- A quick Google search can help you to find out about your destination and make an informed choice. You get the lowdown on costs and pros and cons. Travelling in Africa can be a great option because local travel destinations can offer low living costs. Don’t forget that as part of your research you need to consider the seasons as well because some countries are warmer than others and their activities may be seasonal too. Investigate public transport: buses are usually cheapest, then trains, then taxis.
- Search for local travel deals with respected, legitimate travel agencies and sites. Remember, booking in advance is usually cheaper, so make that booking sooner rather than later.
- Find out about visa requirements for entry into countries of interest. You might be surprised to find that you can gain free entry in some countries depending on their relations with your home country. Check with your home country’s Home Affairs’ website. This would also be a good time to check up on what vaccines are required before travelling and what medical aid and travel insurance options are best.
- Booking accommodation early will give you peace of mind knowing that you will have a place to lay your head on your travels, and maybe even a discount if you are lucky. Again, thorough research will ensure that you are close to the sites, facilities and entertainment that are important to you.
You might not have enough time in your lifetime to travel everywhere. But travelling, especially when you are young, will help you to develop an awareness of other cultures and people, and also yourself. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the beauty of the world around you.
Summer programmes for teens: for an exciting and stimulating adventure, why not make a plan to travel to South Africa in the summer? Sign up for exciting summer programmes such as the ALA summer camp. Attending a summer programme is a fantastic way to pursue new interests, learn new skills, improve existing skills, and make new friends. Get one step closer to making your dream a reality by finding out more here.
