It is no secret to anyone who knows me that I believe travel is a valuable way to build character, explore new cultures, grow as a person, understand that universally we are more alike than different. I think time spent travelling is possibly even more valuable than a couple of university degrees and I am pretty fanatical about education.
So it is with a mixture of pride and excitement and trepidation that I am helping my son to plan some overseas wanderings. He has not travelled overseas alone before. And I am nervous for him. Thrilled, but nervous. He is about to turn 19 and, to my mind, that is still pretty young!
He is still deciding where to start. As a novice traveller, I have suggested he steer clear of Asia initially. Yes, it is on our doorstep and cheap. But it can also be very confronting for a young traveller. I want him to build his confidence before he takes on the challenges of backpacking around Asia. He went to Vietnam and Cambodia with me a few years ago and struggled with the poverty. The smell and pollution and noise and different cultures were a shock to a 15-year-old.
So his attention has been drawn to both Africa and Europe. I have some contacts I can offer in Europe – and contacts who can offer contacts. He is fast learning that as a backpacker, lobbing on people and asking to sleep on their couch is going to happen a lot. And it will either pay off or it will not. But it is cheap and safe and may even include the benefit of a home-cooked meal and a chance to do some laundry. As long as he does not overstay. I suspect he may learn that lesson the hard way.
But more and more, he is talking about Africa. At a party this weekend he was told by some experienced backpackers to trust his gut and he tells me his gut is saying Africa. Our close family friends are South African. He has the benefit of at least having a starting point there and a couple of contacts. Our friends are happy to make the introductions.
However, my heart is a little torn. South Africa is dangerous. And he is young and inexperienced. And I want to go with him and explore the “cradle of creation” too.
I am so excited my son is about to embark on a journey which will change him in incredible ways. Which will broaden his already very broad way of thinking.
I would love any advice I can pass on to him. Any websites he absolutely must check out before he goes. Information I would not have thought to pass on or flat out just don’t know. Tips any of you who have embarked on a similar journey can offer.
I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say. Thank you in advance.