Once you have graduated from university, you are probably stuck wondering what to do with yourself. If you do not want to look for work straight away, a fantastic way to spend your time is by travelling. You could travel locally or spread your wings abroad.
One thing to remember before you set off on your journey is to research the country you are going to and find out about possible risks, such as the cholera outbreak in DRC or the war in Yemen. Do not be perturbed by this information, rather see it as enlightening to what is happening in the world around you. If you are still unsure if travelling is for you, below are just some of the reasons why you should travel after graduating.
You will discover the world… or at least some of it
As a student, you most likely did not have the time or opportunity to travel, but once you have graduated, you now have this time back. Travelling after graduation will allow you to discover some, if not all, of the world.
You will also be exposed to different cultures and issues both good and bad, such as cholera in the DRC or the colourful cultures of Kenya. When you travel after graduation, you will be able to see parts of the world that may not have been exposed to or have been able to visit. You could try ramen in Japan, see the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or soak up the sun in Australia. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to fully research the country before you arrive.
It can enhance your resume
It might not sound like it, but travelling is a good way to enhance your CV for when you do decide to apply for jobs once you are back home. Travelling can help to mature you, and open your eyes to different world experiences, building your interpersonal skills which are vital for the working world.
If you decide to volunteer or work while you travel, this will add immensely to your CV as well. Travel requires you to use your initiative and can build your problem-solving skills too, both of which are qualities that employers are looking for in young employees. You can also build your communication skills by learning a new language and your planning skills will be honed too.
You have minimal responsibilities
As a recent graduate, you will have little responsibilities to tie you down, unless you have financial constraints or family obligations. This means that you can go travelling without having to worry about bills, repaying loans or looking after a family.
Bills and debt know no boundaries, which can make travelling once you have settled into a job and adult life even more difficult. You might feel as though you should start looking for work as soon as you graduate, but the opportunity to travel may never arise again, so you should do it now while you are not tied down to anything too serious, such as work, bills and loan repayments.
You could discover your passion
Many college graduates have studied topics they enjoy, but finding your true passion career-wise can be difficult. Travelling can help you to slow down and take note of activities or topics that truly inspire you and make you want to take action, whether it be helping prevent cholera in Kinshasa or saving animals in Brazil.
This passion does not have to become your career, it can stay as a hobby that helps you to relax and unwind after a long day at the office. Visiting different countries or even simply visiting a different town in your own country can introduce you to unique activities or causes that you may not have known about or considered before. While this is possible while you are at university, travelling provides you with more unique opportunities and experiences.
It helps with real-world transition
Making the leap from graduate to working professional can be scary and daunting, especially if you are not taking time off after university. At college, you are surrounded by people who are close to your age, making it difficult to interact with other people and see the world from a different perspective.
Travelling requires you to be independent, adaptable and mature in almost every situation, which is a great help in transitioning into the ‘real world’ after being a student for so many years. You will also most likely not have had to work within a strict budget, but travelling can help to teach you this skill, as well as how to fend for yourself in the world, without someone nearby to ask for help if you need it. You will learn how to be confident in yourself and you will build the skills you need to be successful in life.