If there’s one thing everyone should do, it’s travel. And there’s no reason to wait: Get started in your teens. Plenty of travelers will tell you that the travel bug bit when they headed abroad after graduating from high school. And others say it marked their transition into adulthood. Your first trip without your parents is a great way to build your confidence and independence; it can also be a good resume builder. Here are some ways to get ready for the travel to come.
Get a Frequent Flier Account
Sign up for a frequent flier account. Do your homework and figure out the best airline for you. Look at your nearest international airports; determine which one is served by airlines that go to destinations that interest you. And look at their airline alliances. For example, Phoenix Sky Harbor is a hub for US Airways, which is also a member of the Star Alliance. That alliance includes Asiana Airlines, Air New Zealand, United Airlines, and many more. You’ll be able to use your US Airways Dividend Miles on partner airlines – and you’ll accrue Dividend Miles when you fly partner airlines. With some help from your parents, you can get a credit or debit card that helps you accrue miles (just be responsible with your purchases). And you can tell friends and family that airline miles are great gifts for all occasions.
Research Your Destination
Search for first-hand blog reports about your destination. There are plenty of Web-savvy travelers who love telling the world about their trips. Go to the library. Hit the CIA World Fact Book . And don’t forget Google Earth to get the lay of the land. The more you know about getting around, staying safe, and local customs, the more you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.
Get Some Backup
If it’s your first time traveling abroad, consider signing onto a tour group for the first few weeks before heading off solo or with a close friend. This gives you some time to feel comfortable abroad, and it gives your parents some peace of mind that you’re not out on your own with no safety net. You’ll get a taste of tour group travel, and you’ll be able to contrast that with the experience of being either on your own or with a smaller, independent group of longtime friends.
Learn Some Handy Phrases
The odds of running into English speakers abroad? Well, you’re pretty much assured that someone will speak English. But part of the fun of travel is picking up bits of the languages. Between YouTube and the many language-learning programs, you should be able to learn some basic phrases – and your vocabulary will expand as you travel. Imagine how cool it would be to drop some lilting, tongue-rolling Icelandic phrases and sing out greetings in colloquial Korean.
Get in Backpacking Shape
As a teen traveler, chances are you’ll use a backpack for your luggage. Get your backpack well before your trip, and get it fitted to your body. Then, put some weight in it. Get used to walking and hiking in it. When departure day comes around, it’ll be like an old friend on your back. Even a jet-lagged early-morning slog will be a lot easier of you’ve spent quality time traipsing around with your backpack.
Get a Real Camera
Your cell phone camera will not be up to the task of capturing your trip. Tiny point-and-shoot cameras will also disappoint, especially if you try to print. That’s because cell phone and point-and-shoot cameras have tiny image sensors. They are also poor performers in low light. A superzoom camera or a digital SLR will give you quality images that bring back all the awesome moments of your trip. Learn how to compose your shots and what stuff like “ISO” and “shutter speed” mean.
Sources:
Star Alliance
Luminous Landscapes Superzoom Shootout
Radicalparenting.com – Travel Tips for Teen Solo Travelers