World Traveler
Insider Info
When you wake up and get ready for school, usually you pack things you'll
need for the day. Your books, a snack, gym shoes; you know, the usual. Imagine
that same bag, or one a bit bigger, filled with clothes, maps, travel plans
and a camera to capture all the wonderful places there are to see in this
world!
People with a sense of adventure and with traveling in their blood live
and breathe for a chance to pack a bag like that and head off to the great
unknown!
Everyone travels for different reasons, and the destination usually depends
on what your definition of a vacation is and what you find to be interesting.
For some, taking a trip to an abandoned building or wandering around their
hometown to admire the architecture is a relaxing experience. For others,
a trip across the country or to another continent is the distance they need
to go to satisfy their urge to see the world.
Travel agents and tourism offices can give directions to points of interest,
either near or far.
Traveling as a student is a great way to learn about other cultures and
experience new things.
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia in a book is one way to learn.
And for some, that's good enough. But for those adventuresome types,
seeing things on paper just isn't always enough. Equipped with a full
set of scuba gear, being face to face with a coral reef is more their cup
of tea. Running into a shark of some sort would make the experience even better!
Stacey Heldman dove into the Great Barrier Reef and traveled around Australia
during a year-long trek. "I didn't run into a great white shark, but
what I did see I will never forget."
People who are seasoned travelers will tell you that if you're thinking
of traveling, can manage to take the time off from your life at home and can
afford to, you should go for it.
"I have yet to meet anyone who has been a backpacker and regrets doing
it. Try it, you'll love it!" says John Klunder. He traveled to Europe
when he was a student and worked for the summer. Recently he went again with
his wife, who shares his passion for seeing the world and meeting new people.
According to the Klunders, the people part of the whole thing is one of
the best parts. They can both share stories about people they met from all
over and stories these other people had to tell. Becoming friends with someone
from another part of the world is a great way to make geography really hit
home.
The money part of the traveling is something to consider as well. Getting
to where you are going will affect the cost of your ticket. Traveling by air,
road, train or boat are ways to go. Costs can go from $40 for a bus ticket
to a nearby city, to $2,000 for a return flight to Australia!
Unfortunately, Star Trek is the only place you would be able to beam from
one place to another, so be prepared for sitting in one place for a long time.
Be patient if you get delayed.
Just remember, you will eventually get where you are going. If you get
stuck in an airport, enjoy the scenery. It also gives you a good chance to
people watch.
While you travel, you can either take enough savings to cover your costs,
or work along the way. Taking traveler's checks is the safest way to
transport your money. If you want to work as you go, you must be of age to
obtain a visa, which is the legal paperwork required for you to work in another
country.
Some career areas that may interest travel enthusiasts include the following:
Travel Agent: An obvious choice. They spend time talking about
traveling, making travel plans and learning of new and exciting destinations.
Scuba Instructor: This is a job that requires specialized training,
but once you become certified as an instructor there is work in tourist destinations.
Tourists come to instructors to learn the basics, and then for direction on
dives to a whole other world!
Food and Beverage Server or Bartender: The skills gained in this
job are transferable from country to country. It's universal, because
hey -- people like to eat!
Travelers come in all shapes and sizes, range in age, and have various
physical abilities. For the independent type, traveling alone is an option.
For those who prefer familiar faces, there's always the option of traveling
with a friend or family member.
Travelers are people who like to broaden their horizons. Learning about
other cultures and seeing new sights excites and intrigues them.
People who travel on a regular basis do so for as many reasons. There is
not one typical traveler. There are as many types of people who like to travel
as there are places to see in this world.
Getting Started
To purchase tickets, students can get a better deal by getting an International
Student Identity Card. This card is the only card accepted in 93 countries
as proof of full-time student status.
For a small fee, the ISIC card gets you discounts on travel, accommodations
and admission to museums and cultural attractions. Since 1968, when this card
was first issued, over 20 million students have taken advantage of its benefits.
The ISIC card is a product of the International Student Travel Confederation.
This organization is a nonprofit confederation of student travel organizations
around the world whose focus is to develop, promote and facilitate travel
among young people and students.
Other associations that exist for some of the same reasons include the
International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF), United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Federation of International
Youth Travel Organizations (FIYTO).
Hostels are places that are set up for people who are traveling on a budget.
Hostels exist in over 60 countries, and provide a place to get a good night's
sleep in friendly and comfortable surroundings at an affordable price.
You do often need a membership to stay, which can cost $25 a year. People
of all ages are welcome, but if you are under 14, you need to be accompanied
by an adult.
The equipment that is required for traveling will depend on the destination.
Exploring buildings takes an inquisitive mind, some good hiking boots and
safety equipment. Talk to your family doctor to make sure you are up-to-date
on vaccines.
Going to another country or another part of your home country requires
more stuff. Making a list is usually a good way to start. Travel agents who
help with bookings can also give advice on this subject.
If you find yourself looking around corners just to see what's there,
or love to experience new things, you probably have a bit of the instinct
that travelers have.
Television and the Internet make far away places come to your living room.
However, for a true traveler, this just wouldn't be good enough!
Associations
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
Internet
:
http://www.unesco.org
Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations (FIYTO)
Internet
:
http://www.fiyto.org
Publications
National Geographic Magazine
Internet
:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Links
Lonely Planet
Publishes guidebooks for budget travelers
Northern California Hostels
Information on budget accommodation around the world
Hostelworld.com
Find a bed in over 170 countries
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