by Das Govind

Created on: November 10, 2009

Teenagers travelling overseas is the choice of the parent, but the age of the teen also plays a vital role in the choice of the decision. Teenagers in their late teens like eighteen and nineteen will be greatly benefited by taking a year or two off, and going on a working holiday. Teenagers who are younger like thirteen or fourteen may not be so greatly benefited by travelling alone. These teens who have just come out of childhood may benefit more by going on an escorted tour; escorts do not have to be the parent but an older teen or a young adult. There are a lot of short trips that these teenagers can go on.

Coming back to older teenagers who have finished school. these teenagers may need a change of scenery and independence to discover what their real calling is in life. When people finish school they often regret many of their life choices due to lack of exposure, and these choices tend to trigger into adulthood. Teenagers given the opportunity should go on a working holiday and take on odd jobs like waitress, bar tending or even nanny. This gives them exposure to the real world and they learn the value of money. These teenagers can then have the advantage to decide what they really what to do with their lives. This actually gives them a good idea if they prefer shift work to normal work, if they like to help people or are more loners. Teenagers will also be given the opportunity to live on their own away from the parents, and they discover the hardships and realities faced by people on a daily basis. This makes the teenager more wise.

Parents should welcome this decision, but also advise teenagers accordingly. They should make sure that the child does not get into bad company, or starts doing drugs or illegal activities. This is the sad truth. Some teenagers do fall into the wrong gang. Parents should try to accompany the child once he/she decides to go. They should see to it the child settles into a decent place, and help initially financially. Teenagers will eventually find their feet, but parents should let them take care of their own lives. This will give the child enough confidence when he/she decides to come back to the real world. Teenagers will benefit and should be left to travel oversees.

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