Convincing Parents: Traveling Abroad

Travelling abroad alone can be a daunting prospect for parents, but there are several ways to convince them to let you go. Firstly, it's important to understand their point of view and address their concerns. For example, safety is likely to be a key worry, so assure them that you will take all necessary precautions and stay in touch regularly. It's also a good idea to present a detailed plan of your trip, including transportation, accommodation, and a daily itinerary. This will show that you are responsible and have thought the trip through carefully. Emphasise the benefits of travelling, such as gaining independence, maturity, and valuable life experiences. If possible, offer to contribute financially to the trip to demonstrate your commitment and ease any concerns about cost. Finally, choose the right time to approach your parents when they are relaxed and in a good mood, and remember to stay calm and respectful during the conversation.

Show you're responsible and independent

To convince your parents to let you travel abroad, you need to show them that you are responsible and independent. Here are some ways to do that:

Do your chores and extra help around the house

Before asking to travel, show your parents that you are responsible by helping out more around the house. This could include doing your chores, homework, sports, and any other tasks that your parents usually ask you to do. It will demonstrate that you are mature and capable of handling new responsibilities, like travelling abroad.

Show that you are super interested in the language and culture

If you are planning to study abroad, learning the language and about the culture beforehand will show your parents that you are serious about the opportunity. You can start learning the language in class or online, try cooking dishes from that country, or read books and watch movies set in that place. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and willingness to put in the effort, which will reassure your parents.

Present your parents with a detailed plan

Create a comprehensive day-by-day plan that outlines your transportation, accommodations, and activities for each part of the trip. Include the costs of each aspect, such as transportation and lodging, and present this information to your parents. This will show that you have thought carefully about the trip and are capable of planning and managing your time and resources.

Discuss safety measures

Your parents will likely be concerned about your safety while travelling, so address this directly. Research emergency numbers and insurance options for your destination, and present this information to your parents. If you are studying abroad, remind them of the safety measures the school takes, such as airport transfers or guided tours. This will show that you are taking their concerns seriously and are capable of looking after yourself.

Offer to contribute financially

Show your parents that you are financially responsible by offering to contribute to the cost of the trip. You can get a part-time job, work during holidays, or save money by helping around the house. This demonstrates your commitment to the trip and your understanding of the financial responsibilities involved. It also shows that you are willing to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve your goals.

Outline the personal growth benefits

Travelling abroad can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It can help you become a more confident, adaptable, and open-minded person. Here are some of the personal growth benefits of travelling abroad:

• Broadens your perspective: Travel exposes you to new cultures, ideas, and ways of life that you may not have encountered otherwise. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and learning about their customs and beliefs can provide a greater appreciation for diversity and help you become more open-minded.
• Challenges your assumptions: Being in an unfamiliar place forces you to confront your fears and insecurities, which is uncomfortable but ultimately rewarding. Stepping outside your comfort zone ensures you develop greater confidence and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Builds your resilience: Travel is unpredictable, and unexpected challenges can arise at any moment. Whether it's a missed flight, a language barrier, or a cultural misunderstanding, travel tests your patience and adaptability. However, navigating these challenges ensures you develop resilience and become better equipped to handle future obstacles.
• Teaches you new skills: Travel teaches important life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and resourcefulness. When you're in a new place, you must rely on your ingenuity and creativity to find your way around, communicate with locals, and solve problems as they arise.
• Makes you more creative: Research has shown that visiting a different country and experiencing all the novelty that entails encourages the development of new ideas by making it easier to change thoughts quickly and to create connections between seemingly unrelated topics.
• Uncovers new passions: When you travel abroad, you're able to escape the confines of social pressure and routine. Things that you never would have dreamed of trying at home seem to present themselves at every turn, and if you're willing to take the risk and try, you often uncover new, lifelong passions.

Highlight the professional advantages

Travelling abroad can be highly beneficial for your professional life. Here are some ways in which travelling can help you in your career:

Enhanced Creativity

According to Adam Galinsky, a professor at Columbia Business School, foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought. In other words, travelling allows you to make deep connections between disparate forms. However, it's not enough to just travel. You must be purposeful about engaging with the local culture and adapting to your surroundings. By doing so, you can gain a creative boost that can help you approach problems and tasks in new and innovative ways.

Improved Communication and Collaboration Skills

When you travel with friends or colleagues, you have the opportunity to strengthen your communication and collaboration skills. Navigating unfamiliar environments and solving problems together can foster a sense of teamwork and enhance your ability to work effectively with others. These skills are highly valued in any professional setting and can make you a more well-rounded and desirable candidate for employers.

Broader Perspective and Cultural Awareness

Travelling to new places, especially international destinations, exposes you to different cultures, customs, and ways of life. This broadens your perspective and enhances your cultural awareness. In today's globalised world, having a deep understanding of diverse cultures and societies can be incredibly valuable in various industries, from business to social services. It can also help you develop empathy and a more nuanced understanding of global issues.

Enhanced Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills

Travelling often involves navigating unfamiliar territories, dealing with unexpected situations, and adapting to new environments and cultures. These experiences can enhance your adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are essential in any professional setting. Being able to demonstrate resilience and a can-do attitude when faced with challenges can set you apart and make you a valuable asset in any team or organisation.

Networking Opportunities

Travelling provides unique networking opportunities that can benefit your career. Whether you're attending a business conference abroad or exploring new places, you'll meet people from diverse backgrounds and industries. Building a global network can open doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities. It can also help you develop cultural intelligence, which is the ability to work effectively across cultures. This skill is highly valued in today's diverse and globalised business environment.

Save up and show commitment

Saving up and showing commitment is a great way to show your parents that you are serious about travelling abroad. Here are some ways to do this:

Show your dedication

Show your parents how dedicated you are by saving up as much as you can for the trip. This will demonstrate your commitment and sacrifice, and they will see how important and serious this is to you. It will also show that you can focus and be dedicated towards a goal—a valuable skill when travelling.

Be prepared

Show your parents that you are prepared for the trip and have done your research. Learn about the culture and language of the country you are visiting, and make a plan that you can share with them. Include transportation, accommodation, and a day-by-day itinerary of activities. This will show that you have thought about the trip in detail and are taking it seriously.

Compromise

Be prepared to compromise and make adjustments to your plans. If your parents are concerned about the cost, suggest ways to save money, such as splitting hotel room costs or using cheaper transportation. You could also offer to pay for a portion of the trip yourself, or even the whole trip if you have enough saved up.

Safety first

Let your parents know that you will prioritise your safety while abroad. This could include getting necessary vaccines, choosing secure accommodation, and keeping your valuables safe. Let them know that you will stick with your friends and always be by your phone so they can reach you.

Keep in touch

Communication is important to many parents, so let them know that you will keep in touch. Suggest a time of day when they can call and check in with you, and commit to calling or texting every morning and night.

By saving up, showing commitment, and addressing your parents' concerns, you will be well on your way to convincing them to let you travel abroad.

Prove you're prepared

If you want to convince your parents to let you travel abroad, you need to prove to them that you're prepared. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Understand your parents' point of view: Try to see things from your parents' perspective. There is often a generation gap between parents and their children, and what seems normal or acceptable to you may seem crazy to them. By understanding their point of view, you can better navigate the discussion and find ways to address their concerns.
• Find the perfect timing: Choose a time when your parents are likely to be relaxed and receptive to your ideas. Avoid times when they are busy or in a bad mood. It's also a good idea to inform them in advance that you want to talk about an important matter.
• Build trust: If you have a history of getting into trouble or putting yourself in risky situations, it might be a good idea to give it some time before trying to convince your parents to let you travel. Start by taking smaller trips to nearby places to build their trust and ease them into the idea of you travelling alone.
• Be thoroughly prepared: Do your research and groundwork in advance. Know how you plan to save money for your trip, and be prepared to answer any questions or concerns your parents may have.
• Stay calm: During the discussion, try to stay calm and avoid getting too emotional. Treat the conversation like a business presentation or a thesis defence, using logic and maturity to present your case.
• Set the tone: Instead of asking for permission, present your travel plans as a decision you have already made. This sets the tone and shows your parents that you are mature and capable of making your own decisions. However, remember to respect their opinions and be open to compromising if needed.
• Involve your parents in the decision-making process: This can help reassure your parents and give them added confidence in your ability to travel safely.
• Emphasise your safety and health: Address your parents' concerns about your safety and health by showing them that you are aware of the potential risks and have planned accordingly. Provide examples of other travellers who have stayed safe, and talk about the precautions you will take to avoid danger.
• Explain how you won't be alone: Your parents may worry about you travelling solo, so explain the various ways you can meet and connect with people while travelling, such as through friends, relatives, Couchsurfing, online communities, or local events.
• Discuss how you will keep in touch: Let your parents know that you will stay in touch and set a schedule for communication. Teach them how to use communication apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Facebook if they are not tech-savvy. You can also use apps like Zenly or Life360 to allow your parents to track your location.

Remember, the key to convincing your parents that you're prepared is to do your research, address their concerns, and present your plans in a calm and mature manner.

Frequently asked questions