Youth travel

Travelling at young age, especially without adults, can provide certain particular benifits. Young people aged between 12 and 30 often travel for various reasons, like studying abroad, having gap years for leisure, or simply for spending time with pals in weekends or vacations. However, they can also face some particular risks and obstacles.

Things to consider

Youth travellers can face culture shock when travelling to a different place for the first time, especially if the local customs and lifestyle are radically different from their homeland. As a young person, you may also face the language barrier if you're travelling in a location that speaks an unintellegible tongue and does not understand your language.

Youth travellers may face issues with age, with varying restrictions on drinking, driving, gambling, and smoking among countries.

See and do

• Make new friends — Making new friends en route is always fun, whether you travel solo or with group. Looking for fellow youngsters? Head for a hostel rather than an anonymous hotel. Always be open about starting a conversation with other fellow youngsters.
• Stroll across a promenade — Simply strolling across a promenade, especially along a river or lake, can be refreshing for young people, as it often provides respite from long study or working hours.
• Travel and learn
• Visit museums and libraries