The Transformative Power of Travel for Young People
My first reality check came at 19 when I decided to move to Italy to study, work, and just live for a little while—which turned into three decades. It all sounded thrilling, and I left hand in hand with my arrogance, convinced I would just fall into step with this new place I was going to call ‘home’ but it was everything but that. I was met with a world I didn’t fully understand and I was caught in the chaos of making sense of it.?
Without the internet or social media to guide me back then, my expectations were built on childhood summers and that one-year sabbatical my parents took in Italy when I was 16—when my biggest concern was making new friends at school. But I quickly realized that visiting a place and building a life there are two entirely different experiences. It was nothing like I had imagined it would be, and at the same time it eventually became all of that and more.?
Navigating the bureaucracy that moved at a turtle’s pace, experiencing an entire country slowing down for a month-long summer holiday, and wrapping my head around the idea that any time was a good time to stop for un caffè al bar or an aperitivo—these were all lessons in patience. Sitting for hours over a meal, without a restaurant putting time limits in place in order to flip tables, felt almost illogical to me at first. But slowly, I stopped resisting what would persist no matter what I had been taught: that success and fulfillment were measured by hard work. Italy reshaped my thinking, teaching me to analyze different perspectives and embrace a life where meaning is found in the moments, not just the milestones.
Then came Mexico. which presented a fresh set of challenges. Unlike Italy, where I had some ties and spoke the language, here I faced unfamiliar customs, food, and a linguistic barrier—I was starting from scratch. But I wasn’t the same person who had landed in Italy years before. I had unknowingly built a skill set that made this transition easier. I learned the hard way what ahorita really means, and I was taken aback by the pure joy and deep reverence surrounding the Day of the Dead. But what stood out the most was the generosity of the people. Mi casa es su casa wasn’t just a saying—it was a way of life. I was welcomed, celebrated for my diversity, and taught what it means to truly belong. Almost twenty years later, I still carry with me the lessons of embracing the unfamiliar, the value of resilience, community, and replacing individualism with collective unity in times of adversity.
Travel as a Catalyst for Growth
In today’s fast-paced world, where career and education often dictate a young person's life trajectory, extended travel can seem like an indulgence. Society equates success with financial stability and professional titles, yet we are seeing more and more people stepping away from their careers due to burnout or a sense of unfulfillment. Research supports the notion that stepping outside routine fosters creativity, clarity, and well-being. A Harvard Business School article, The Transformative Power of Sabbaticals, underscores how distance from the familiar ignites personal and professional growth.
Many cultures encourage young people to take a gap year before university or entering the workforce, recognizing that real-world experiences impart invaluable lessons. Travel is not an escape—it’s an opportunity for self-discovery, career preparedness, and an expanded global perspective.
What Research Says About Travel and Personal Development
Beyond personal narratives, research validates the profound impact of travel on young people. A PCP Market Research study for Hostelworld surveyed 1,000 individuals across eight countries, revealing that 82% of employers believe travel enhances employability. The key benefits identified included:
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Additional studies indicate that young travelers often achieve higher graduation rates, increased earnings, and greater career clarity. Exposure to diverse environments nurtures resilience, critical thinking, and independence—qualities that are invaluable in both personal and professional spheres.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Today’s youth face unique pressures—from hyperconnectivity to the expectation of curating a flawless online persona. Travel offers an opportunity to unplug, break away from the constant stream of digital noise, and experience life unfiltered. These moments of genuine connection and self-reflection cultivate awareness and adaptability, essential skills for navigating the complexities of modern life.
Making Travel More Accessible
Despite its undeniable benefits, travel often appears financially out of reach. However, countless opportunities make it more attainable—study-abroad programs, work-travel initiatives, scholarships, and budget-conscious approaches like working holidays or digital nomadism. For those willing to seek alternative routes, the world is far more accessible than it seems.
The Sliding Doors of Life
Looking back at my own experience, I can’t help but think about the 1998 film Sliding Doors, where a single decision—catching or missing a train—dramatically alters the protagonist’s life. It’s a reminder that every choice, every encounter, every decision to step beyond our comfort zones has the potential to reshape our future and who we become.
While research provides data and personal accounts illuminate experience, both confirm one undeniable truth—travel is more than a bucket list item, it is an education, a transformation, a catalyst for growth. It reveals strengths we never knew we had, uncovers passions we never expected, and deepens our appreciation for both cultural diversity and our own evolving identity. It helps in molding young people into adaptable, empathetic, globally minded individuals, equipping them with the skills and perspectives that last a lifetime.
Travel is not an interruption to success—it is the foundation of it.