7 Reasons You Should Travel Internationally in Your Early 20s

So you graduated college — congratulations! Perhaps you received your degree in May or just a few weeks ago after the final Summer courses session. Or maybe you haven't graduated yet, but you're very, very close. You've probably been applying to big-dog jobs like crazy so you can take a strong step out into the real world. Totally awesome; we admire your ambition! However, it might be time to reflect on what you really want right now. Yes, a well-paying job is great, but there's plenty of time for that — your whole life, in fact! — and there are other choices to consider besides leaping head first into a 9-to-5 profession.

Let's be blunt. You should carve out two weeks, three weeks, or even a month or more to travel internationally before making another move toward your pending career. Here's why.

1. You're young.

We're definitely not saying you have to be young in order to travel, but being in your early 20s is to your advantage. At 21, 22, or 23, you're probably not tied down with a job or family yet, which makes an international trip so much easier.

2. You deserve it.

After endless nights cramming for finals, spending way too much time on homework, and enduring those classes that just made you want to cry they were so taxing, you deserve a break. A big one. In another country — like Greece, Mexico, Brazil, or Australia.

3. Traveling could provide career inspiration.

You may not know what you want to do with your degree yet, and that's OK! In fact, visiting another country could deliver serious career inspiration. You never know when or how it'll happen, but it certainly doesn't hurt to get the experience under your belt.

4. You'll learn more about the real world.

You've probably heard countless scary stories about the harsh realities of the real world. Traveling internationally is a way to ease into it. While the trip will, of course, be fun, you're also going to be responsible for figuring out all the details: airfare, hotel fare, commuting costs, food expenses, tour selections, miscellaneous spendings. Every element is important, and all the planning will give you a little taste of adulthood.

5. It's invigorating.

Learning about new cultures, customs, and lifestyles is completely eye-opening. Your findings will offer you a refreshing take on your own way of life, and you'll bring that information home with you to share. Heck, you could even start a blog about it.

6. It's a step in the right direction.

. . . And with adulthood comes independence. Whether you're traveling alone or with a friend or family member, any foreign country can be a little intimidating. We have faith you'll rise to the occasion and embrace your newfound autonomy.

7. You have everything ahead of you.

There is no one rule for what you should do right after you graduate. So why not explore the world in which you live while it's right in front of your face? Go, go, go.