Traveling is one of the best experiences for a teenager’s developing mind, because trying new things helps us open our minds and see new perspectives.

Even for busy families on a tight budget, travel is possible. A visit to a local town or an unfamiliar neighborhood in your city uses minimal time and money, and can be fun and eye-opening. You can also save up money to go on a bigger trip, maybe somewhere international.

I’m a teenager who is curious about the world, and that’s partly because every few summers, my family saves up money and plans ahead to go somewhere special. While traveling, I’ve learned so much about different cultures, foods, languages, animals and how much the world has to offer.

One of my favorite experiences was going to Tokyo, Japan, when I was 11. I visited tourist locations like Shibuya Crossing — the most populated crosswalk in the world. I tried traditional Japanese food, went to temples, and even watched real sumo wrestlers train in the dojo and learned more about the sport, which was such a unique experience.

Photo of sumo wrestlers in Tokyo courtesy of Waylon Heikenin.

Even just walking around was so eye-opening, because my mind was stimulated by new sights. It opened my perspective on how I perceive the world. Experiencing new things like riding the most time-accurate subways, visiting temples, and just simple things like touring a new city all make the world around you feel bigger.

You can “travel” right here in Pittsburgh

Traveling comes in many forms from flying internationally to driving across the country, but it also includes visiting local neighborhoods around your city. Some of my fellow members of SLB’s Youth Media Corps have created neighborhood guides to places like Crafton, Franklin Park, Ambridge and Shadyside. These can help you have the experience of traveling — discovering new things to see and do, and new places to eat — right in the Pittsburgh area.

One of my favorite parts of Pittsburgh is Squirrel Hill. The diverse cultures and foods that you’ll find in Squirrel Hill make that area unique. I enjoy spending time walking and visiting local shops within Squirrel Hill’s wide array of options. One of my favorite places is Kyo Matcha — a matcha-themed bakery with all types of snacks, from ice cream to matcha cream puffs.

Enjoy regional adventures

Weekend road trips are another affordable way to embrace travel with kids. (Check out many Kidsburgh road trip guides right here.)

One road trip that I loved was driving from Pittsburgh to Chicago. It was around a seven-hour drive. Chicago is a big city that offers many things to do. We went to the Navy Pier — a waterfront attraction with restaurants — visited the Field Museum, and much more. Road trips can save families a lot of money, especially if you pack snacks for the road and choose options like staying at camp grounds or at motels that offer free breakfast.

According to Pacific Neuroscience, “Not only is travel joyful, it stimulates creativity through exposure to new experiences.” They also explain that “new experiences simulate visual scanning and spatial navigation skills, engaging the parietal lobes.”

There are also mental health benefits: “Travel is also linked to stress reduction and increased happiness,” they say.

Planning can take a bit of effort, especially if it’s a long-distance trip. But in the long run, the benefit of traveling for your health is much greater.

Before going to Tokyo, my family had to do much planning for what activities we were going to attend, which sites we were going to visit, and finding a budget-friendly hotel. In addition, we had to carefully decide how much we need to pack and what time to get to the airport. The early planning prepared us for a better and more enjoyable trip, and it was a learning experience for me and my sister.

Photo courtesy of Waylon Heikenin.

Best of all, our travel experiences have helped us reflect on other local cultures and appreciate more about what we have. Visiting places like an isolated village on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia or the bustling, modernized city of Shanghai in China helps me understand the mix of diverse cultures and lifestyles around the world. These experiences help me appreciate the quietness of a local village as well as the opportunities of a big city.

Each time I come home to Pittsburgh, I feel where I live is the perfect mix of both.

Traveling in a teen’s mind is not just fun or stimulation. It is a truly rewarding experience where teens gain information and learn new things. So get your kids involved in conversations about travel, whether you’ll be hitting the road this summer or just dreaming and planning for a future adventure.

Young people may be nervous about getting outside their comfort zone, so let kids plan a trip with you. Everyone learns when you accept their input and have an open and positive attitude. You can begin by planning a day in a Pittsburgh neighborhood you’ve never visited before!

Looking for nearby destinations? Check out seven great road trip ideas right here, including weekend trips to places you can reach on one tank of gas. And if you’ll be flying, we’ve got details on the new Kids Play Area at PIT.