By : Elena | shortletsmalta.com
It is often said that travel broadens the mind and the many young adults who take a few years out to go travelling will back up this notion. Of course, it is never too late to travel, but for most people their 20s provide the ideal opportunity to do this. Whether you are a recent university graduate or just looking to take some time out to broaden your horizons and experience new things, travel is the perfect way to accomplish both.
There are a number of reasons why your 20s are the ideal time for travelling, in this article we look at some of them.
You’re Not Tied Down
For most of us our early 20’s are the last chance we have to go travelling before we are tied down by the inevitable commitments of adult life. Many of those in their 20’s will have been in education constantly, or nearly constantly, for the duration of their lives thus far and therefore the time following university is often the first time that they are totally free of other commitments.
This window of opportunity for pursuing travel is smaller than many of us realise and you don’t want it to close before you’ve made up your mind. If there is any part of you that wants to go travelling then go for it!
Financial Freedom
Recent university graduates will most likely have student debt against their names but generally they are otherwise financially independent. Because student debts don’t need to be repaid until the student is earning a certain amount of money every year this shouldn’t hold most potential travellers back.
Learn the Value of Money
It is not uncommon for adults in their early 20’s to hold a view about many aspects of the world which will change and evolve as they get older. In particular where money is concerned, many young adults have not yet held jobs which earn even an average wage and therefore have no experience with the financial situation that many adults face.
Travelling will allow young adults to see other parts of the world where what are considered to be menial wages in this country could be considered a high wage elsewhere.
Other Cultures
One of the most prominent benefits of traveling around the world is the opportunity to encounter new cultures and ideas. These can not only challenge the existing ideas and world views that we hold but they also provide us with more data points from which we can form and evolve our opinions.
Make Connections
One of the most eye-opening lessons for many travellers is how similar people are across the globe. While our cultures, languages, and traditions may vary, the fundamental aspects of being human remain the same. Consequently, it is easy for 20 somethings to form relationships and bonds with other people, particularly those of a similar age, even if they come from a radically different background.
Saving Money
Believe it or not travelling can actually end up saving you money! This is because there are so many places in the world which are cheaper than the UK, in fact the UK is one of the more expensive places to live. While you are travelling there’s a lot of cheap apartment accommodation options.
Time
Time is the most important consideration when planning what to do with your life. Travelling when you are younger will not only allow you to see the world but will let you identify the places that you would like to one day return to. You will not always have the free time to make these excursions and so your 20s provide the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with as much of the world as possible.
Travelling in your 20s is an excellent way to experience the wider world before the obligations of adulthood set in.
Bio
Elena is a travel blogger and diving enthusiast who has been at the sport for years. She has travelled to various dive sites in Hawaii as well as around the world. Elena works as a writer for shortletsmalta.com, which offers different types of holiday accommodations for tourists.