If you've hatched the idea to take an extended period of time off after school, or quit your job to travel the world, though are nervous to tell your parents or loved ones, than this is the post for you.
1. Pick a Public Place – Your parents will be much more likely to respond in a dignified manner if you're sharing the news in a public setting. I let the news slip out at a delicious dinner with my parents at L'Auberge Chez Francois, a popular French restaurant in Great Falls, VA.
2. Share Your Plans During a Celebration – You are excited about your news. You may have been living with the dream for several years already, however your parents may not have a clue. By choosing a celebratory time, such as during a holiday get-together, you are automatically countering a certain degree of anxiety which will naturally arise. After all, your news may be against the backdrop of love, laughter, wine drinking, and presents. The aforementioned dinner with my parents at Chez Francois was to celebrate my 27th birthday.
3. Test the News on a Supportive Relative or Friend – Unless your parents are life long hippies, they'll likely find the idea of their son or daughter leaving the perceived safety of the homeland for the dangers of the world a bit scary. During my new age Aunt's visit to VA, I mentioned my travel plans over a Greek dinner. Her immediate reaction was positive and supportive. Hearing her encouragement gave me the added confidence to share the plans with my parents.
4. Emphasize the Positive – Parents fundamentally want what is best for their children, and more specifically, for them to be happy (at least that is the ideal). Chances are that if you're passionate about the idea of a backpacking trip around the world, this tip won't require extra effort. Ensure you have a few counterpoints to the typical concerns of cost, safety, and difficulty finding work upon return home.
5. Do It Sooner Rather Than Later – The sooner you share your plans with your parents, the more time they will have to absorb it all before you leave. While not a parent myself, I'm sure they would appreciate the time to let it sink in. Involve them in the planning, and you may find they quickly become your most ardent, proud supporters! This will come in handy when you line up their home as your de-facto residence upon return.
Good luck!
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
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Friday 21st of January 2011
I agree with chris it does depend on the culture your from although parents are now more relaxed than a generation ago i guess if its a girls day out than we do tend to be a little more careful than say with the lads. I guess its important to have a good time when your away but most importantly keeping safe should be at the top of the list when it comes to priorities.
leslie
Friday 21st of January 2011
I had to tell my parents I was quitting my job to travel RTW in 2008 but fortunately they were supportive. With the economy in tatters now I think it would be a lot harder! I like your tip #1 -- "Pick a Public Place" -- perfect if you have violent parents. lol
Dave
Friday 21st of January 2011
haha Leslie, I was thinking more about parents who might shriek or have a tendency to yell ;)
Brooke
Friday 3rd of August 2007
Yeah I agree to telling them sooner than later. When I first told my mom it was like "oh its so far away, she's not really going." But during that time I was able to really show her that it can be done and lots of people do it, etc. It was probably a lot easier process to slowly ease into the idea than to call up and say "hey I'm leaving in a mont to go RTW!" hehe.
Dave
Saturday 4th of August 2007
My plans to travel the world suddenly seemed like no big deal after my brother told my parents he joined the Marines (before talking to them about it). I thanked him for that one!
He's probably going to Iraq in the Fall, and I think it might be easier for me to deal with it by traveling abroad myself, then sitting at home worrying.
Brooke
Friday 3rd of August 2007
Yeah I agree to telling them sooner than later. When I first told my mom it was like "oh its so far away, she's not really going." But during that time I was able to really show her that it can be done and lots of people do it, etc. It was probably a lot easier process to slowly ease into the idea than to call up and say "hey I'm leaving in a mont to go RTW!" hehe.
Dave
Saturday 4th of August 2007
My plans to travel the world suddenly seemed like no big deal after my brother told my parents he joined the Marines (before talking to them about it). I thanked him for that one!
He's probably going to Iraq in the Fall, and I think it might be easier for me to deal with it by traveling abroad myself, then sitting at home worrying.
Michael
Wednesday 1st of August 2007
Nice post Dave. It is always challenging to reveal to your loved ones that your to where they consider a crazy and most dangerous place. I think this is actually what shackles many people within their own lives even though they want to break free and travel.
Unfortunatly, some families can be much more reluctant and difficult then others and for those people my heart goes out to them.
Write On! Michael