A quarter of young travelers tends to use the resources of parents and family to fund their trips. Young people have a lot of time, but often little money to spend. As a parent who is going to pay for their child’s first trip, you can help make their experience a smooth one. If your teen is planning a trip on their own or with friends at home or abroad, it is important to adequately prepare them for what’s out there. From planning itineraries to handling finances, it is vital that your offspring knows what to do to ensure a successful trip and to keep them safe.
Researching and Planning a Trip
Your child should learn the significance of planning a trip. While it may sound like a hard task, it can even become the most fun. Help them brainstorm for ideas and turn their travel dreams into reality. Their interest might run from language immersion and cultural expansion to nature & wildlife sightseeing and city fun. Whatever theme they go for, it is important to decide the length of the journey and the implications on schedules and budgets. Once they have an idea where they want to go, you can share your tips and knowledge how to prepare and plan for the trip.
It is also a good idea to gather all the information that they would need for every step of their voyage. For example, passports and visas must be renewed well in time before departure. Vaccinations, health cards, and insurance must also be updated so that they are covered if they become sick while away. Recommend a travel budget tracker to ensure that there are adequate funds for the tour. As a parent, you probably have taught your child how to handle money and keep track of their spending. Now is a great time to put those lessons in practice. Prepare them for the financial experience making sure that there is a reliable way to access their money such as withdrawing or exchanging. You can also send an emergency credit card with your teen as added security.
Teens Will Experience Culture Surprise
Even if your teen is traveling only to the neighboring state or region, there are variances when it comes to customs and traditions. Hence, it pays to read up on the area where they will go to avoid nasty surprises and so that your teen can behave accordingly without offending locals and disrespecting social rules.
Moreover, understanding the destination’s etiquette will also keep them safe. Furthermore, advise your teen to always stay vigilant paying attention to their personal belongings, documents, and money. As teenagers are also likely to post something on social media, tell them to do so with caution. Turn off functions that could reveal their locations so no one except for family, can track their whereabouts. Daily plans, local meetups, and flight information, among other things, should not be revealed on social media.
A teen embarking on their first journey solo or with friends is always an anxious time for parents. You can help make the trip a safe and successful one by teaching your child to prepare and research the visit and behave responsibly.
Image courtesy of Kimson Doah.
