The 6 stages of traveling during your 17s

Getting ready

Make sure all your baggage is ready (sadly, last minute packing is not as good as you may think). Also, check if you’ll need a visa or a special permission to get into the country. Packing some snacks like chocolate and granola bars will help you to save money on food and save you during long walks. Check the climate before choosing the clothes you’ll take with you, maybe that cute crop top you wanted to wear won’t help on a day with -30°F. Don’t forget to say goodbye to your relatives and tell them how much you love them. Good luck!

First impressions

The city may seem too big and the people too different, but don’t let your first thoughts ruin your trip. Go to explore, eat as much as you can, take lots of pictures, talk to strangers and make new friends! This trip will be one of the best experiences of your life, enjoy it as much as you can.

Missing home

It doesn’t matter if your lasts 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years; you’ll miss home. Remember how happy your friends and family were about your trip and how excited you were with the count down, don’t let the nostalgia ruin your day. Home is just a phone call away and if that’s too expensive you can always send them an email, a text, a voice message or even post a picture on Instagram to let them know you’re okay.

Enjoying the journey

Everyone enjoys different things and I can’t actually tell you what’s good for you so I’ll talk about my experience. I’m usually shy and afraid to talk with new people, specially if I have to speak English, this trip gave me the chance to be more extroverted and outgoing. I loved all the places I had the oportunity to visit and the people I had the chance to be with. I sincerely hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoyed mine (or even more).

I don’t want to go back

Maybe you discovered a few things about yourself or even learned something new and that’s pretty good. Don’t be sad for the return, there’s a lifetime for you to come back! Remember this experience as one of the best times of your life, not everyone gets the oportunity to travel around the world at such a young age and you’re lucky enough to be able to do it.

#Jetlag

It doesn’t matter if you’re 17 or 77, you’ll be tired during your first days at home. Try to get some rest and lots of naps. Coping with the return might be hard, but you’ll be okay.

In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take. My advice: travel as much as you can as long as you can, all you need is a destination.