You are only young once, and the world is a playground for adventures and endless discoveries. It’s an excellent phase that is ripe for making memories, exploring places, and experiencing things before you go full adult mode and know what responsibility is if you haven’t.
That’s not to say that you’ll stop living when you reach, say, 25 or your late 20s. It’s just that there are certain places best experienced when you have a lot of time in your hands and even with a little more than enough money in your pockets.
Travel = Experience
It’s not much to say that traveling is an enriching and eye-opening activity. There’s the element of surprise and anticipation with every place that you visit.
Truth be told, money is a consideration when you travel to cover for food, room, and other expenses. But the experience can be well worth your money. And these places will pique your curiosity, satisfy your senses, and show that you have more to give.
If You Want to Have Fun: Las Vegas, Nevada
You can’t go any farther than the entertainment capital of the world. If you are traveling with friends, Las Vegas represents a coming-of-age adventure. There’s the Strip, but be ready to part with your money.
You also have to prepare for what comes next after partying and drinking. Secure a pack of RU 21 hangover pillsto ward off the wave of headache and fatigue the next day. If you are flying, check with your airline on which medications are allowed.
Age matters: you have to be 21 years old to be allowed to drink in Nevada. If you are under 18, you may have to travel with or be accompanied by your parents when you wander in Las Vegas at night per the curfew for minors.
If You Want to Backpack: Khao San Road, Thailand
Thailand is a top destination for backpackers especially those who want to make the most of their pocket money. If you go by the book, The Beach, for that matter, your jump-off point is Bangkok’s Khao San Road, where you’ll meet like-minded fellows seeking their adventures. From there, you are free to head north to the mountains of Chiang Mai, go down to Ko Samui’s island paradise, or stick to the sights and sounds of the capital.
If You Want to Homestay: Otago, New Zealand
It’s a home or a farm far away from home. You live and witness the Kiwi way of farming firsthand in New Zealand. South Island’s Otago provides the perfect setting for a serene stay with the alpacas, horses, and other farm animals. Sheep shearing, animal feeding, and trout fishing are some activities you can enjoy in this unique holiday travel.
If You Want to Search for the Meaning of Life: Bodh Gaya, India
Is your restlessness a sign that you are looking for something? It’s an existential question that calls for a spiritual journey to India. A visit to an ashram in Bodh Gaya where Buddha achieved enlightenment may hold the answers as you meditate and study philosophy. You can also have calming walks in the area’s many Buddhist temples and monasteries.
If You Want to Make an Impact: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Imbibe the spirit of volunteerism when you go to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This national reserve is home to lions, cheetahs, and hundreds of mammals and birds. You can take part in conserving the wildlife and the local community, which has remained in touch with the traditional way of life. The experience of volunteering in Kenya and other placesis one you can’t miss.
Here’s to many adventures where you can make the best
discoveries about yourself and the world around you.
Enjoy the summer of your youth.