Let the travel bug bite

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It’s not uncommon to hear an average teenager talk about traveling. The thought of seeing the world and being completely free from their normal schedules seems to be the biggest factor for their reasoning. However, thousands of teens don’t feel like they travel enough or feel as if they’re never going to travel. Right from the starting line, this is the absolute wrong mindset to have.

Traveling isn’t as complicated as parents and relatives make it out to be. For every person the definition of traveling is different; some may say traveling could mean going 50 miles away; others, 5000. No matter what you deem worthy of the travel title, there are ways of making it affordable.

The biggest price tags are going to come from transportation, housing and food. If a few friends come along to split the cost of everything, suddenly the bulk of the prices seems more attainable. Plus, having a few buddies with whom to see all the world has to offer can provide a totally different experience than going solo.

Staying at small hotels, Airbnbs or simply finding a legal place to park and sleep are great ways of saving money. Even better, if you have an aunt or a long-lost cousin that lives in a foreign city, you can call them and ask if they would be willing to host you. This gives you an experience from a local’s point of view and they might be able to show you all the best spots that aren’t filled with tourists.

The main point of traveling, for some, is to experience the new place and life in that culture for a few days, but for others, it’s equally about the excursions and added perks as it is wandering on foot. If you’re thinking you can book a five-star resort and eat high-class dinners every night while on a budget, you’re in for a rude awakening.

In order to see all the places you want to see on a budget, the sacrifice of high-class traveling must be given. And honestly, staying at resorts is wonderful but shouldn’t be the reason you don’t end up traveling. It’s more about seeing what the city or town has to offer, and not how your hotel has 24-hour room service. You’ll probably end up spending minimum amounts of time in your room anyway because you’ll be outside exploring.

Overall, don’t let your New Year’s resolution go to waste. Take whatever free time you have and go see a new place. Widen your horizons and see the world from a different point of view.