For most, traveling as a kid only happens in the company of one’s parents or on school field trips. It’s only usually after months of working that people get to travel on their own because by then, they’d already have the capability to fund the trip, not to mention the independence to wander off on their own.
However, there are some young travelers who can’t be contained: they go off wandering around the Philippines even when they’re still in college. While their classmates are partying the night away, they are busy exploring and discovering new places.
Five young travelers share their insight about traveling:
Why do you travel?
Brenna (philippinetravelogue.com): I travel because I love the feeling when I’m out there. Traveling, getting to discover places, going on risky adventures, testing my limits – that thrill you get when you’re out there – I love it. It’s when I feel most alive, most inspired. I also feel travel has changed me especially about my outlook in life. Traveling challenges me so much that I can crawl out of my comfort zone now, without having to feel so insecure or scared about the many things I used to be scared about.
Ivan (ivanlakwatsero.blogspot.com): Why not? Traveling has become my life now. It's my passion ever since. Take it away from me and it's like you separated puto from dinuguan, Romeo from Juliet, Jack from Jill, and Popeye from his spinach, certainly I can't live without traveling.
Lloyd (www.thelostboylloyd.com): My love for travel is actually a result of my love for flying and aviation. I booked and booked cheap flights and then eventually developed a passion for travel and exploring places. I travel to see, to experience, to escape, to think, and most of all, to appreciate our country. Every time a plane touches down, I feel so ecstatic at the thought of a new place, of new sights, of new experiences. And I feel so empowered. I’m proof that travel isn’t restricted to the rich and to the older ones anymore.
How often do you travel?
Chino (www.juanderfulpinoy.com): I make it a point to travel every two months. However, it's very tiring. If time permits, I would definitely spend the rest of my weekend out of town. I am surrounded by so many people who really travel a lot so I must say I was influenced by those people who like taking a vacation somewhere and explore places. Weekend getaway, exploring nearby museums, etc. I think almost everyone would like to travel every few months but unless you have money or you have a job that involves in traveling, then it wont be realistic. Realistically, just a weekend break is what I do, visiting nearby cities. I would like to say I take a plane trip for five times average per calendar year. I have never been out of the country yet. But probably I am making numerous bus trips this year 5-10 more plane trips this year.
Ivan: I travel a lot every summer break, semestral break, Christmas break, even lunch break. I travel as long as I have time and money.
Lloyd: I try to travel twice a month or more, especially during the summer. During school season, I put my studies first though, so I travel less.
How do you balance your school schedule with your travel schedule?
Lauren (pandelicious.wordpress.com): I haven't found the balance yet. But school is still my priority, I've had to make a few sacrifices like brainstorming while in transit, and simply saying No when I know I'll be doing something more important. I do maximize the time off that i get but now I can’t go on long trips yet because my class is six times a week so when I get days off i hurry and make a (half-baked) plan and then do my best to execute it right.
Brenna: I count how many absences I have. Every subject in school has a maximum required number of absences. I make sure not to absent especially when I know I have a trip coming up. Otherwise, weekends are the best especially this semester because I don’t have Saturday classes.
Chino: It's hard when you don't know how to manage your time. I must say I am very particular with schedules and time so I give plenty of time to think over my future schedules, when my trip would be available and make changes as needed. I really don't leave anything until the last minute. I must say I am well organized when it comes to my travel schedule but there are some times that I have to give up my travel schedules because I am compromised with the school requirements and at the same time at work. So it's really difficult to travel, go to school and work simultaneously. I also consider my aspirations and my future. My primary goal is to finish school and focus on my career if there is really one. But I also consider my interest and I want to be realistic. Traveling is what I enjoy so I compile all my travel experiences. Just know your priorities and from this point, tweak it, adjust when necessary until you know how to balance your schedule. I’m sure you can handle anything if you set priorities.
How do you finance your travels?
Ivan: I'm very thrifty if not frugal. I don't spend that much if it's not travel related. Usually, my savings from my daily allowance, i.e. for a month, can already finance several quick day trips or at least an overnight trip.
Lloyd: When I have an upcoming trip, I forgo other "teenage" expenses, like clothes, movies, eating out, or partying. I pool in all my allowances (and sometimes skip lunch) just so I have money for travel.
Lauren: How I wish I can say savings but usually when there’s a cosmic alignment between my schedule and my wallet anorexia then that’s the only time I could travel, Usually that could happen when I get my allowance and I try to subtract some sort of fund for future travels and try to scrimp on things I would usually spend on.
Brenna: I write. I’m also a part time freelance writer. I don’t like asking my parents for money so I try to save part of my salary for my travels.
How do your parents feel about you traveling?
Chino: I would say I am so glad that my parents are very supportive. At first they won't allow me to go unless someone in the family is with me. I started traveling when I was 16. I always convince my parents to trust me. Then I will show them that I am very independent, that I can do things for myself. But sometimes there are instances when it is difficult to convince them. Their point of views are different from mine. They may not agree with you but its not to spoil your excitement, it's to protect you because they love you.
Lloyd: I can say my parents are supportive of my passion, as long as I put academics on top, especially now that school has started again.
Brenna: They don’t like it. They don’t tell me that straight to my face, but they don’t really understand why I love to travel. They’d rather I buy a car with my savings than travel. However, I make good grades, I work and I’m of legal age, so they can’t really do anything about it.
What advice can you give students who want to travel?
Ivan: Go out and leave behind your milk bottles. Start to become independent. Traveling is fun and addictive, do it while you're still young and fresh. Only proper time management will help you keep traveling and studies balanced.
Lauren: If you are reading this article then you must have some sort of wanderlust pestering you inside. My advice is if you have that itch go ahead and just do it. Traveling is many great things and more but you will have to make sacrifices. Us students, we have to be creative about how we go around the world, specifically by budget. If you insist on everything to be up to par with what you have at home, that’s fine, but you won’t get to travel much often, research too, many don’t realize how much hard work traveling is and try to be somewhat fit. If you can take some sort of self defense class not only will it be useful on the road but also for those walks and hikes and carrying you’ll be doing. Get friends that are interested in traveling too because they can help you from planning your IT to letting you borrow some of those expensive travel gear you might need and alerting your family should you need help. That's it really and just have fun do the things you feel you ought to do and keep your head cool and working at all times. Be careful and always have a contingency plan. I may be paranoid at times but it's always best to be on your guard when on the road.
Chino: If you are an adventurous type of person, save money for yourself and some for your trips. Remember you always have to know and set your priorities. Don't waste your time and explore the world. We all love adventure and the world is at your feet. Just always feel the freedom of the road.
Brenna: Don’t waste money drinking and partying out too much. Traveling is way better. Many of my friends complain they don’t have money. But they do when it comes to partying and drinking. So if they really want to travel, save, save and save. Trust me, when they’re actually out there, it’s worth a million times every penny they’ve spent.
Lloyd: Like I've said, travel is not restricted to those who have the money and to the older ones. Students can travel even on allowance money. For starters, it's easy and affordable to taste Binondo's cuisine or go to Laguna to explore its heritage churches. It just takes courage, motivation, and passion that will eventually be developed. Remember, however, to never forgo academics for the love of travel.