I am a 21-year-old college student, and much of the money I make working goes towards traveling of all kinds. The term "traveling" can cover a wide range of endeavors, from taking weekend road trips to your friend's cabin, or hopping on a plane to Florida. There are endless benefits to traveling regularly, even if it means just getting out of town for a weekend. We all need it. Call me a millennial all you want, but I believe it is very important to travel as a young person in this world — here's why.
1. Travel now because you're in shape.
Right now, you are arguably in the best shape you will ever be in. Go zip-lining, venture around the city, go hiking, just get moving! Your body is at its prime, you might as well use it!
2. Travel now in order to experience new food and drink.
Your metabolism will never be better than it is right now. If there's any time in your life to binge-eat foreign-foods and consume unreasonable amounts of alcohol, it's now. Stray away from your typical White Claws and pizza and try something new. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite meal!
3. Travel now to expand your horizons.
Too often in life we get caught up in our day-to-day life and habits, and focus too much on the bubble we find ourselves in. Traveling allows us to experience the world in a new way, from a new perspective. Expand your mind.
4. Travel now to learn more about the world.
The more you learn, the more educated you are. The more educated you are, the more knowledge you have and the more well-rounded of a person you will be. It's that simple.
5. Travel now to bond with the people you love.
To me, there is nothing better than a vacation with those you're closest to. It allows you to see your people in a whole new light, and to appreciate them for all they are. Let's face it: new experiences are so much better when you experience them with others.
6. Travel now because nothing is holding you back.
Think about it, in just a few short years, you could have a full-time adult job, be married, have children, etc. Right now, there isn't much tying you down. Take advantage of that.
7. Travel now to get better at budgeting your money.
Vacations are wonderful, whether or not you have a $1000 to spend or $100. It's all about budgeting your money. With the right research, traveling can be so, so affordable! You'd be surprised; a little can go a long way.
8. Travel now because the world is huge.
If you're like me, you want to see as much of the world as you possibly (safely) can. Well, our beautiful planet Earth has a circumference of 24,901 miles, so you better get started as soon as you can.
9. Travel now to meet new people.
There are over 7 billion people in this world. Trust me, that's more than anyone can even fathom. Traveling allows you to understand new points of view, and to share where you come from with the world.
10. Travel now to have wonderful stories to share later.
Some of my favorite stories and memories come directly from trips I have taken throughout my life, whether it be from a family vacay or a friend road trip. I firmly believe these tales helped to shape me into the person I am today, and they are absolutely part of me.
Personally, I would much rather spend my money on experiences rather than things. The truth is, life is much too short. You simply must take advantage of the time you have here. I for one want to see the world, and I intend to, by any means necessary.
