Travel Isn’t a Detour—It’s the Education That Lasts

Travel to Europe is something I believe every parent should encourage for their young adults.

I recently arranged for my 20-year-old to head to Italy with a few friends over Thanksgiving break to meet up with another friend studying abroad in Sorrento. As with any group trip, there were logistics to juggle—coordinating dates, booking flights from different cities, and finding budget-friendly lodging that could fit everyone. These are college kids, after all, balancing work, classes, and limited access to major airports, so the details can get tricky.

My son, Noah, is especially motivated. He’s adjusting his class schedule, communicating with professors, and making it work. This isn’t his first experience traveling with friends either. Back in high school, while many classmates went to Aruba or Florida for spring break, Noah and his friends traveled to Austria to visit my daughter, who has lived there for the past five years. At 17 and 18, they had the benefit of an older guide who spoke the language and introduced them to the culture.

Several of my friends’ children are also studying abroad, and one plans to backpack around Europe after the semester ends. I love this. European travel is far simpler than U.S. travel, with easy access to trains, short flights, and ferries connecting cities and countries at a low cost.

I continue to encourage Noah to consider studying abroad himself—if not during his undergraduate years, then perhaps pursuing a master’s degree overseas. I’ve always encouraged my kids—and anyone else’s who will listen—to travel for school, for work, and for personal growth.

Travel teaches resilience, independence, and perspective in ways no classroom can. Encouraging young adults to explore the world is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

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