Do you know of anyone who has been given the funds or the tickets for travel, as a gift?
Even if they would want to, how many parents would actually lend their kids money for a year abroad, no strings attached?
Quote from
His Dudeness
If I was very wealthy, I would give my daughter things like that. Seeing the world is educational.
In England, and I'm positive in America as well, if they do well in school and get the right grades a lot of parents will give their children a cash gift. Some of these kids will use that money to have a gap year travelling.
Quote from
workshyandshameless
I have met a lot of Americans travelling here in Europe who were given this trip to Europe from their parents as a High School graduation present. The trip to Europe seems to be a traditional graduation gift from American parents who can afford it.
Reply to this I have met a lot of Americans travelling here in Europe who were given this trip to Europe from their parents as a High School graduation present. The trip to Europe seems to be a traditional graduation gift from American parents who can afford it.
I think a lot of the young travellers I see in Central America might fit that description. They're not all American, but most are. I had to smile to myself the other day when I was in an internet cafe and couldn't help over hearing a girl on the nest monitor to mine talking on skpe with her parents. She was earnestly explaining to her mom why she needed another cash injection into her bank account. More money must not have been forthcoming because her voice reverted to a whingy ten year old's trying to eak out a bit more pocket money, ultimately she lost her temper and hissed a few expletives down the phone then hung up.
When I see young people travelling I think how fantastic must it be to see the world at such a young age. The furthest I got from England aged 17/18 was a camping trip to France, and even that seemed exotic. If I'd of had kids myself and the money to send them travelling I would. The old adage is true, that traveling does broaden the mind.
Here's a story with an example, starting with a plug for my mates project in the Gambia.
My mate 'Devon' from Manchester has recently built a ecolodge in the Gambia www.jinacklodge.com It officialy opens in September. There are other lodges on this peninsular but they are all owned by Europeans and the profits don't benefit the local village in any way. Where as my mate's lodge is working as a cooperative with the village with the purpose of benefiting the community long term. Its all my mates money that has built the lodge, he's not a rich guy and its a noble thing he's doing out there, check out the website.
Anyway Devon's son is a typical English teenager, always feeling hard done to because he thinks he doesn't have enough ipods, trainers, phones, anything and everything the TV says people should have at age 18. But a trip out to the lodge while it was being built and spending time in real Africa changed his perspective a little. Experiencing the genuine hostpitality of the people of this village who have very little is humbling, I know as I've been to the lodge myself. And seeing what he already had as opposed to what many people have not gave him a greater sense of balance. The whole African experience changed him and made him mature some. So I think its a great idea for parents if they can afford it to pack their kids off travelling. Not only will they have a ball but they will learn something more of life than they can learn on beach in Ibiza.
Reply to this I have travels with friends, and trips with the family. Members of my family are encouraged to join me on my trips with some subsidy from me. The last time I traveled with my niece to Turkey and Greece, I footed the bill for the 5 day Aegean Cruise. Traveling is very good education, as well as a great way to bond with family and friends. The other time I traveled with my other niece and her husband and 2kids aged 5 and 2, they took care of airfare while I footed all hotel bills. It was a fun-filled month-long trip which we all enjoyed. And the little ones have since become aware , and very respectful, of other cultures.
Reply to this I'm amazed at how many young people are simply GIVEN money and cars etc. by their parents. I've always had to work for anything I wanted. Perhaps because my parents had to do the same when they were my age though.
Reply to this She was earnestly explaining to her mom why she needed another cash injection into her bank account. More money must not have been forthcoming because her voice reverted to a whingy ten year old's trying to eak out a bit more pocket money, ultimately she lost her temper and hissed a few expletives down the phone then hung up.
I sympathise with those parents. If I gave my child the gift of travel, I would be hoping it would broaden her horizons, rather then cause her to not be able to manage her budget and to take the money I gave her for granted. I would worry that my spoiling her would make her unable to appreciate what a job can pay her.
My mother gave me my first plane ticket out of Ireland as a gift. She thought if I work in London for a year and have a nice social life, I will come back ready to knuckle down at university. Instead, I was bitten by the travel bug. My mother hates the travelling I do and I bet she rues the day she started it by buying me that plane ticket. :D
Reply to this My parents gifted me with a trip when I turned 18. Since then, I have worked hard and saved good for the subsequent trips. I'd like to think my dreams of traveling to far-flung places drove me to work hard and be responsible with my money. I am hoping this rubs off on my family. So far, so good.
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