The trend of travelling to new locales is gradually catching on and
families are making planned trips across the country and globe. Interestingly, these
experiences are exposing youngsters to a world of new careers and their parents
are playing an active part in helping them make informed decisions with regard
to their future.
Jeremy Noronha from Assolna has been travelling on his own for the last
one year. He has already marked out the places he will be travelling to in the
next 2-3 years. “I have already been to the USA, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia, Nepal and currently, I am in Vietnam. I also went backpacking around India
twice,” says Jeremy, a Science student. “I’ve never liked the idea of a
traditional job and the internet has created so many opportunities. Travelling
is vast, but I believe in doing what I love. Right now, my travel blog earns enough
from affiliate marketing to cover all my expenses,” says Jeremy.
Savia and Plastino D’Costa from Benaulim make it a point to take their
daughters, Nikita and Kimberly, to visit different countries to broaden their
perspective of the world. In India, they have visited Kashmir and Ooty, while
also venturing overseas to France, Germany, Italy and Thailand. While Nikita is
in Class 12 (Science stream), Kimberly is in Class 9 at Manovikas English
Medium School.
“Our daughters can opt for any career of their choice, be it conventional
or non-conventional; we won’t stop them. Our main focus is to teach them to
handle life. In fact, we delayed our trips until they were big enough to be
able to carry their own luggage. My husband and I have the practice of
observing the way of life in every place we visit; now our children do the
same. For example, in Europe, we saw German work ethics, and in France, we
noticed their culture and how their farms are organised. In Italy, we were
amazed by their architecture, especially the Vatican. The children appreciate
the cleanliness and organised behaviour in certain countries. Each country we
visit broadens their horizon,” says Savia.
Nikita, who’s a student of Mathematics and Biology, adds, “There is
something new and unique in every place you visit and we pick up these traits
in our lives.”
Rajesh Khanna and his 16-year-old son Manav are enthusiastic about
adventure, be it kayaking in Goa or hiking and mountain biking in Manali.
Currently, studying in Sunshine School, Old Goa, Manav wants to pursue a
diploma in Adventure Sports in New Zealand, followed by a degree course in
Travel and Adventure in Australia. “I had already made up my mind about
pursuing a career in adventure, something that involves management, tourism and
handling an adventure business. I have already read about what the courses have
to offer in New Zealand and Australia,” says Manav, who loves watching shows
like ‘Man Vs Wild’.
“As a family, we've been climbing hills, walking and cycling around trails
and hill sides and going kayaking as often as we can. His most recent trail has
been a tough ascent and descent from Mount Liamuiga, a volcano on the island of
St Kitts in the Caribbean Islands,” says Rajesh.
He is very encouraging towards Manav’s career choice and feels that the
outdoors keep you healthy compared to a desk job. “It is a very active
lifestyle and there are very few distractions in terms of vices as you have to
be health conscious to continue with this career,” adds Rajesh.