The year 2020 was full of, well, surprises to say the least. And for those of us with the travel bug, we’ve been waiting patiently for the time to come to pack our bags again. Whether you’re looking to finally embark on your study abroad journey, looking to improve and test your professional skills working or interning abroad, looking for an adventure, or any other reason to get yourself out there, one thing is for certain: you may have to work on getting your parents’ approval first.
Easier said than done, right?
So, now you’re wondering how to go about talking to your parents about going abroad right now? How can you convince them, despite everything 2020 has thrown at the world, that traveling is safe and beneficial right now?
Thinking about how to start this conversation can be tricky, but we can offer you some golden words of wisdom to guide you through prepping for the travel talk.
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Should you go abroad in 2021?
There are many things to meditate on while attempting to travel during (or post) a pandemic. It’s a good idea to make a list of pros and cons first, to get you started on what you want to highlight in your conversation with your parents about traveling abroad.
The most glaringly obvious negatives about traveling right now center around the topics of health and safety. Amidst this pandemic, the fear of contracting COVID-19, or even passing it on to someone else is a top concern. Another con to think about while traveling during a pandemic is that some countries may be restrictive of what you can do and where you can go, so your experience may be limited.
However, despite any negatives that may deter you and your parents from letting you travel, there are pros to traveling right now. Many countries have strict safety and health regulations to keep you safe and clean during your stay. Naturally, many places have rules to follow too, but the rigidity of these orders can be viewed in a positive light, as it shows a country and its people are taking the health of others seriously.
To know you will be cared for and protected is important while abroad. Also, with the news of a few successful vaccines on the horizon and more accessible testing, we are learning more and more about the virus. There are signs that things can, and will, improve in the near future.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide how to present your argument on whether you think student travel during a pandemic is beneficial right now. Coming prepared to have a mature and well thought out conversation will certainly impress your parents.
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9 tips for talking to parents about going abroad right now
1. Consider your parents’ feelings
Considering your parents’ point of view can make for a smoother conversation.
Before you dive into giving your zealous speech on why you just have to travel right now, think about how your parents may react first. What have been their feelings about the pandemic and how do you think you should approach them?
It’s important to show that you understand how your parents may feel. Exhibiting this type of understanding and empathy will show your parents that you’ve given some deep thought to what you’re presenting to them and didn’t selfishly go into your argument.
2. Get your arguments ready
Make sure you have a well thought out plan of how you want to execute your “please let me travel abroad” argument. If you go into the conversation without doing any research to back yourself up, it may come across to your parents that you’re not being mature about the situation, or it’s not as serious to you.
You have to show them why traveling is beneficial to you, especially during a pandemic. How will your impending travel experience better you in the long run? Having the right argument will help when talking to your parents about going abroad right now.
3. Make a list of preparations together
Be collaborative! Tell your parents you are willing to sit down with them so that together you can come up with a plan to make sure you will be safe and healthy. By making some sort of list together it will prove that you value their input, and that when you go abroad you will be communicative with them.
Most importantly, ensuring you have that go-to plan may ease any worries or concerns your parents might have about you traveling right now. The trust you will build by being cooperative will make it easier for your parents to agree with what you have to say about student travel during a pandemic.
For peace of mind, choose your destination wisely.
4. Choose a safe-er destination
Picking the right place for you is integral to your experience. First, you definitely want to look at the countries that will be best for what goals, either personal or academic, you want to satisfy while abroad. Going from there, you then want to research the safety and health regulations these destinations have enacted in order to maintain optimal risk management for visitors.
Also find out what protocols your country’s embassy has in place in case of an emergency or if you get sick. It’s important to know what you can do if you find yourself in an emergency situation and what your rights and healthcare will look like abroad. Your parents will appreciate the information you’ve gathered when talking to them about going abroad right now.
5. Do your research
While the above information on researching the health and safety regulations of your new country is important to consider, it’s also vital to research some other things.
Some countries may have travel restrictions that prohibit you from going to certain places in and out of the country. While restrictions may be a deal breaker for some, doing the right research will prepare you for any surprises you may want to avoid.
Researching what laws the country may have, especially new ones put into place because of COVID-19 (such as a curfew), will make it easier on yourself so you don’t find out the hard way when you’re there. All of this investigation will show your parents that you are invested in traveling abroad and understand the importance of being safe.
6. Show you’re smart and responsible
Bringing your compiled list of research to your conversation with your parents will show them that you’re responsible. They will see that you have thought this all through and that your trip abroad is important to you.
Consider also putting together a packing list and include a section of items that will be helpful if you become sick or find yourself in an emergency. While it may be exciting to show off all the cool outfits and other items you want to bring abroad, your parents will be happy that you also considered your health and safety as top priorities.
7. Plan your financial options
Being smart about money shows your parents that you’re responsible!
Pandemic or not, reviewing your finances and creating a budget will help prepare you for your time abroad. Making a list and applying to some scholarships and grants is a helpful way to convince your parents that traveling abroad wouldn’t be as much of a financial burden as they may assume. Showing you’re financially responsible (and aware), is a key element to your parents agreeing with student travel during a pandemic.
Set aside an amount you’re okay with for personal expenses and socially-distanced excursions. Creating a plan for emergency funds is also a good idea. Going over your financial options with your parents will ease their minds over making a decision to let you travel abroad right now.
8. Consider what time is right for you
Maybe you’re finding it harder to convince your parents to allow you to travel abroad right now. Thinking it over, you can find a time you agree on together that will be best for you to travel. Whether that time is summer term, fall semester, or beyond, choosing the right time frame can help you and your family to ensure your health will be less at risk.
Going abroad at the right time can also be determined by how it fits into your current lifestyle. When thinking about how to tell your parents you still want to go abroad, consider whether traveling and living abroad is the right choice for you at that time.
9. What kind of travel are you doing and why is it beneficial?
When putting your ideas together to talk to your parents about going abroad right now, explaining to them why traveling will be beneficial to you will help your argument. Relaying the benefits that living and traveling abroad can give you will prove that this trip is meaningful.
As parents, they will want you to expose yourself to opportunities that will enable you to grow in positive ways. Deliberately showing them how you want to improve your life, and how travel can act as a catalyst for your growth will leave them impressed and leaning on the side of agreeing to your travel plans.
Telling your parents you still want to go abroad might not be an easy conversation
Do your research and prepare a good argument before diving in.
Having a conversation with your parents about traveling should excite and motivate you. However, trying to convince your parents that traveling during or right after a pandemic can be daunting.
You have to come prepared with convincing evidence that you will have a plan to ensure your safety, and passion to show them why traveling will positively benefit you. Most importantly, listen to your parents and empathize with their questions and concerns. Work together to make sure that your trip plans are foolproof, and that you are prepared for whatever challenges and surprises your adventure brings you.
Last year brought a halt to most travel for the international community, but with more testing, better science, and news of a viable vaccine, sitting on that cramped airplane seat may soon be attainable again.
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