Student Opinion Column: How Traveling Benefits Young People
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy: Macy Clausen, a freshman at Leigh High School
Think of the world we live in. It is crazy, yet so beautiful, with so many places to explore, sights to see, roads to drive on, and attractions to visit in every which way. We have such limited time on Earth to take in all that our world has to offer.
It used to be that only the very wealthy could afford to travel for pleasure. But nowadays, with a little budgeting and planning, traveling is as easy as hopping on a plane, and landing at a chosen destination.
That is why I believe that everyone should take every opportunity they have to travel, especially young people.
Does traveling at a young age benefit kids and teens? Yes! Of course! Young children and teenagers traveling can help them so much. They get the chance to learn about new places, see new things, and spend time with their friends and family in a different location. Studies show it builds intelligence and background knowledge, and even stimulates brain development. It also deepens children’s understanding of other people and other cultures, which can increase empathy and social connectedness.
But beyond that…it just creates happiness.
I myself love traveling. It's the simple thought of going somewhere out of your hometown and being fortunate enough to see other wonders of the world. I am also fortunate enough to have a family that loves to travel just as much as I do. Sometimes my parents even show they love traveling too much and don’t even take us kids. Now, that is one definite downfall of traveling in my family.
Although not all children and teens have the opportunity to travel, I still know that it does benefit them. Learning new things, seeing new attractions, and having a little getaway time with the people you love is the absolute best.