
Travelling the world at 13 can be an exciting adventure. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Research your desired destinations thoroughly. Knowing the basics of a country before you arrive will enhance your experience and help you feel more confident.
- Get a job to start saving for your travels. Babysitting, dog walking, and selling handmade items online are some ways to earn money.
- Open a savings account to store your earnings. Consider an account without a debit card to avoid the temptation of spending.
- Talk to your family and friends about your travel dreams. Their support and encouragement can make a big difference.
- Take advantage of class trips, study abroad programs, and family holidays to gain travel experience.
- Learn a new language to make your travels easier and more enjoyable.
- Be patient and allow yourself to dream. Travelling long-term or permanently may not be feasible right now, but it's never too early to start planning and saving.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Travel Destinations with Teens | Know what your teens like and enjoy. |
Don't Limit Their Internet or Screen Time | They need their online connections, their gaming, YouTubing, streaming and memes. |
Challenging Destinations for Teenagers | My teens love to take on a challenge and test their new physical strength, stature and skills. |
Give Them Free Time | Much as we’ve enjoyed trips and tours where we’ve all been busy all day every day, a little downtime is good for them too. |
Do Teenagers Need Their Own Hotel Rooms? | No, they don’t. |
Let Them Meet Interesting People | My elder teenager loves meeting cool people so group tours, social events and shared activities with new people usually go down well. |
Have An Adrenaline Adventure | Mummy, that’s me, does not like heights. Unfortunately for me, my kids do and the more terrifying the better. |
Split Up and Take One Child Only | This has been the secret sauce of our recent travels and has worked like a charm. |
Volunteering With Teens | This is another element of travel with teens that has worked well for us of late. |
Let Teens Take Control and Plan Family Vacations | Respond to their ideas. If they suggest going somewhere, go there. Ask them to research the places they’d like to see and the things they’d like to do. |
What You'll Learn
Research countries and cultures
Researching the countries and cultures you plan to visit is an essential step in preparing for your travels. Here are some tips to help you gain a deeper understanding of your destinations:
- Study the culture: Learn about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the country you'll be visiting. Understand the local greetings, dining etiquette, and cultural norms, such as removing shoes before entering a building. This knowledge will help you integrate better into society and avoid unintentional cultural misunderstandings.
- Connect with experienced travellers: Converse with people who have previously visited your destination. Travel blogs, books, and personal conversations can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Their first-hand accounts can give you a foreigner's perspective on the culture and offer specific tips to enhance your trip.
- Respect the local culture: Embrace cultural differences with an open mind. Avoid "egocentrism," or viewing your culture as superior. Recognise that each culture has its unique way of life, and strive to learn from and adapt to these differences. Remember that travel is a form of education, and approach it with curiosity and humility.
- Communicate effectively: Approach locals in a friendly, non-threatening, and non-judgmental manner. Be patient, positive, and smile often. Learn some basic phrases in the local language to navigate common situations. Recognise that not everyone speaks English, and be prepared to use gestures and hand signals if needed.
- Volunteer and interact with locals: Consider volunteering or participating in activities that involve the local community. This can provide valuable insights into the local culture and create meaningful connections. For example, you could volunteer with organisations that help new immigrants to your country, allowing you to learn about different cultures and gain a new perspective.
- Learn a new language: Learning the language of your destination can greatly enhance your travel experience. It demonstrates respect for the local culture and can make navigating day-to-day situations easier. Even learning just a few basic phrases can make a significant difference.
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Save money
Travelling the world can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Here are some tips for saving money while travelling:
- Research the countries you want to visit. Some countries are more expensive than others, so choosing a budget destination will help you save money.
- Cook your own meals. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, so buying groceries and cooking your own meals will help you save money.
- Stay in cheaper accommodations. Hostels, budget hotels, and apartment rentals are usually cheaper than luxury hotels.
- Use public transportation. Taking the bus or train is usually cheaper than flying.
- Limit your flights. The more you move between cities, the more money you will spend. Try to stay in one place for longer to save money on transportation.
- Look for free activities. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums, hikes, and other free activities.
- Get a job. Working while travelling can help you save money and even allow you to stay in one place for longer.
- Volunteer. Volunteering can be a great way to save money on accommodations and food.
- Save money before your trip. Working extra hours and cutting down on unnecessary purchases can help you save money for your trip.
- Take advantage of student discounts. If you are a student, you can save money on attractions, transportation, and accommodations.
- Stay with locals. Websites like Couchsurfing allow you to stay with locals for free.
- Travel during the off-season. Travelling during the off-season can save you money on flights and accommodations.
- Stay in rural areas. Accommodations in rural areas are usually cheaper than in big cities.
- Hitchhike or car share. Hitchhiking or car sharing can save you money on transportation. However, always use caution when hitchhiking and only do so in places where it is safe.
- Camp or sleep in overnight transportation. Camping or sleeping on overnight buses or trains can save you money on accommodations.
- Do your own laundry. Instead of paying for laundry services, wash your clothes yourself.
- House-sit or pet-sit. Websites like Trusted Housesitters allow you to stay in people's homes for free in exchange for taking care of their pets or houses.
- Travel slow. The slower you travel, the lower your daily costs.
- Get a job before your trip. Saving up money before your trip will give you more financial freedom while travelling.
- Get a job that provides accommodations or transportation. For example, working on a cruise ship or yacht will provide you with free accommodations and transportation.
- Use your skills to make money. For example, if you are good at graphic design, you can find freelance work online.
- Use a sharing economy. Websites like BlaBlaCar, EatWith, and Turo can help you find cheaper rides, meals, and accommodations.
- Collect points and miles. Using travel credit cards can help you earn free flights and accommodations.
- Get a job as an au pair. An au pair is a live-in caregiver who helps a host family by looking after their children and doing basic housekeeping. In exchange, you get free room and board and a small salary.
- Get a job as a tour guide. Tour guides usually get paid in cash, and you can meet other travellers while working.
- Get a job as a seasonal worker. Many tourist companies, ski resorts, and cruise ships hire seasonal workers.
- Get a job as a tutor. If you are good at a particular subject, you can tutor younger children.
- Get a job as a babysitter or dog walker. Babysitting and dog walking are great ways to earn money, especially if you enjoy working with kids or pets.
- Sell your old clothes, toys, and games. Websites like eBay allow you to sell your unwanted items online. You can also have a yard sale or sell your items at a second-hand shop.
- Do odd jobs. Ask your family, friends, and neighbours if they have any chores or projects that they need help with. Simple chores like washing dishes or vacuuming can earn you some extra cash.
- Pick or sort crops. In some places, you can work on a farm or help with agricultural work as young as 10 years old.
- Deliver newspapers. If there is a local newspaper in your area, you can deliver newspapers by bike or on foot.
- Work for your parents. If your parents own a business, you can work for them.
- Open a savings account. Putting your money into a savings account will help you earn interest and save up for your trip.
- Get a driver's license. Getting your driver's license when you are young will be helpful for future travels.
- Talk to your family and friends about your dreams. Communicating your dreams to your family and friends will help you stay motivated and get support.
- Sign up for class trips and study abroad programs. Taking advantage of class trips and study abroad programs will give you travel experience and help you build your independence.
- Take advantage of family holidays. If your family goes on vacation, use this as an opportunity to research and explore new places.
- Volunteer with immigrants. Volunteering with new immigrants can help you learn about other cultures and gain valuable skills for travelling.
- Learn a new language. Learning a new language will be helpful for travelling and may even lead to job opportunities.
- Learn a valuable skill. Learning a valuable skill, such as graphic design or computer programming, can help you find online work or work abroad.
- Be patient. It is important to finish high school and wait until you are emotionally and financially ready to travel long-term.
- Allow yourself to dream. Travelling is a wonderful dream, and it is important to allow yourself to imagine the possibilities.
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Learn a new language
Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some tips to help you learn a language while travelling the world at 13:
- Preparation is key: While you don't need to spend hours studying grammar and vocabulary, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the basics of the language before you go. Listen to music in the language you're learning and look up the lyrics to help you remember new words and phrases.
- Focus on communication: Don't worry about being perfect; just focus on making yourself understood. Learn some basic phrases and don't be afraid to make mistakes—it's all part of the learning process!
- Immerse yourself in the language and culture: Read books, magazines, and blogs in the language you're learning. Watch TV shows and movies with subtitles. Listen to music and podcasts. The more you surround yourself with the language, the faster you'll pick it up.
- Connect with locals: Talking to locals is a great way to improve your language skills and get insights into the local culture. Don't be shy; most people will appreciate your efforts to learn their language. Ask them to correct your pronunciation and teach you new words.
- Use technology: There are many apps and online resources available to help you learn a new language, such as Duolingo, Busuu, and Polyglotclub. You can also use translation apps like Google Translate when you're on the go.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you use the language, the more fluent you'll become. Talk to anyone who will listen, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Write in your new language, too—it's a different skill from speaking, but it will also help you improve.
- Be curious and open-minded: Learning a new language is not just about vocabulary and grammar; it's also about understanding a different culture and way of thinking. Be curious, ask questions, and embrace the differences you encounter.
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Get a job
Getting a job as a 13-year-old can be a great way to start saving for your future travels. Here are some tips and job ideas to get you started:
Tips for Getting a Job as a 13-Year-Old:
- Check your local labor laws: There may be restrictions on the types of jobs and working hours for minors (under 18 years of age). For example, in the US, most traditional non-agricultural jobs are off-limits to 13-year-olds, but there are still plenty of opportunities for side hustles and summer jobs.
- Think about your skills and interests: What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Look for jobs that match your strengths and passions.
- Get creative: If you can't find any traditional jobs that hire at 13, think outside the box. You can offer your services to neighbors, family, and friends, or even start your own business.
- Get certified: Consider getting certified in areas like babysitting, first aid, or lifeguarding. This can make you more attractive to potential employers or clients and also help you develop valuable skills.
- Go online: There are many online job opportunities for 13-year-olds, such as content creation, blogging, voice acting, or social media management. Just make sure to follow the rules and regulations for minors on these platforms.
- Get your parents' support: Many online platforms and jobs will require parental supervision or permission. Involve your parents in your job search and have them help you navigate any legal or safety concerns.
Job Ideas for 13-Year-Olds:
- Babysitter: One of the most classic jobs for 13-year-olds. If you enjoy spending time with kids and have some experience caring for younger siblings or cousins, this could be a great option. You can earn around $10 to $20 per hour.
- Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: If you're an animal lover, this could be the perfect job for you. You'll be responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with pets while their owners are away. The pay rate is typically around $12.68 per hour.
- House Cleaner: Offer your cleaning services to family, friends, or neighbors. This could include light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, window cleaning, or dishwashing. You can expect to earn around $13.84 per hour.
- Gardener/Yard Work: Help your neighbors with weeding, raking leaves, lawn mowing, or planting. You can usually charge by the job, and the average rate breaks down to about $15.98 per hour.
- Tutor: If you excel in a particular school subject, you can offer tutoring services to younger students. This job can often be done online and typically pays around $17.53 per hour.
- Junior Camp Counselor: If you've attended summer camps before, consider becoming a junior camp counselor. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills and earn around $13.66 per hour.
- Retail or Concession Stand Worker: While many retail jobs have age restrictions, some stores or concession stands may hire 13-year-olds to work part-time or during the summer. These jobs can teach you valuable customer service skills and typically pay around $30,000 per year.
- Personal Shopper: Assist customers with their shopping needs, provide recommendations, and answer questions. This job often involves a mix of in-person and online work and pays around $47,000 per year on average.
- Data Entry Clerk: Data entry jobs are a great way to gain experience with computers and attention to detail. You'll need to be accurate and efficient when entering data into a company's database. The average salary for this role is $40,000 per year.
- Fast-Food Attendant: Working in a fast-food restaurant can teach you valuable customer service and teamwork skills. Your duties may include taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning. The average salary for this role is $27,000 per year.
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Get a driver's license
Getting a driver's license is a rite of passage for many teenagers. However, it is important to note that driving laws vary by state, so be sure to check your local laws to find out when your teen can begin driving.
In the United States, the minimum age to obtain a driver's license varies from 14 in some states to 18 in others. Most states have a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system, which allows teens to slowly gain driving responsibilities over time. This typically involves a learner's stage/permit, an intermediate stage/license, and a full privilege stage/license. During the learner's stage, teens are usually required to complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving and pass a driving test. The intermediate stage comes with restrictions on unsupervised driving in high-risk situations, such as curfews and limits on the number of passengers. These restrictions are gradually lifted as the driver gains more experience and moves towards obtaining a full license.
- Find out the specific requirements for your state: Each state has different laws regarding the minimum age, supervised driving hours, and restrictions for teen drivers. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state before beginning the process.
- Enroll in a driver's education course: Driver's education courses are offered in high schools, online, or through private programs. These courses cover essential topics such as road signs, basic vehicle maintenance, alcohol safety, and distracted driving. Completing a driver's education course can help improve your teen's driving skills and awareness, leading to safer driving habits.
- Practice supervised driving: Supervised driving with a licensed adult is crucial for teens to gain experience and build confidence behind the wheel. Be sure to choose a responsible adult who can provide constructive feedback and help your teen recognize potential safety issues while driving.
- Understand the risks and restrictions: Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car crashes due to factors such as risk-taking, distraction, and lack of experience. Many states have implemented restrictions, such as curfews and passenger limits, to help reduce these risks. As a parent or guardian, it is important to set clear rules and restrictions for your teen's driving privileges, even if they have obtained a full license.
- Emphasize safe driving habits: Talk to your teen about the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding distractions, obeying traffic laws, and always wearing a seatbelt. Lead by example by practicing safe driving habits yourself.
- Consider the financial responsibilities: Obtaining a driver's license comes with financial responsibilities, such as the cost of driver's education courses, driving tests, and eventually, car insurance and maintenance. Discuss these financial implications with your teen and involve them in understanding and managing these costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Getting a job is one of the best ways to save money for travelling. You can also open a savings account and put any money you get there. If you're artistic, you could try selling things you make on Etsy.
Destinations involving wildlife spotting, snorkelling or scuba diving, winter snow destinations, and theme parks are all good options for 13-year-olds.
Air travel is the simplest way to traverse the globe. You can purchase an around-the-world plane ticket through an airline alliance, or you could travel by train, private jet, cargo ship or cruise.