Some (not so obvious) Reasons to Travel
Everyone knows the obvious benefits of traveling – the physical experience of where you went, what you saw, and what you did. But, there is a much deeper journey that occurs simultaneously. Immersing yourself in foreign experiences opens your eyes to how other cultures live and puts you on the road to self-discovery. Even if you live in a diverse community with an active social life, nothing can compare to the unique benefits traveling offers. There are many things to be gained from going abroad, here are a few things to look forward to other than the great photo ops.
Improved social skills
Some people are lucky enough to have the gift of gab, but others need a little nudge to get out of their comfort zone. Being out of your conditioned environment allows you to be more authentic and open to expressing yourself, which inspires others to do the same. You quickly learn to get comfortable talking to new people and easily turn strangers into friends. Even in places where your native tongue isn’t commonly used, you adapt and learn how to communicate with all types of people.
Gain confidence
Once you conquer communication, you gain confidence in your ability to do anything. You stop allowing your fears to hold you back and face challenges head on. Maybe a stunning view from a mountaintop curbs your fear of heights or tasting a native delicacy opens your palette to foods you’d otherwise avoid. You’ll be so impressed you accomplished feats you never thought possible, which in turn encourages you to continue setting goals and pushing your limits.
More laid back and adaptable
You know the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going?” Well, travel is just the right hands-on experience you need to fully understand that. Things happen, flights get delayed, the weather changes, and you find yourself in situations where nothing seems to go as planned. But, these situations help you grow. Just because your day doesn’t go as planned doesn’t mean it is ruined. You learn to embrace life’s uncertainties, go with the flow, and welcome the opportunity to make the most of it because you’re confident it will all work out in the end. With the right attitude, things can turn out better than initially planned!
Better sense of home
When we think “home” we think of our house, our hometown, or even our country. But, the more you travel, the more you realize home is so much more than that. Home is where the heart is and as you leave a piece of your heart everywhere you go, you realize home is this planet, home is humanity, and become more conscious of how to live your life harmoniously with others.
Greater appreciation of life
Life is a beautiful gift. As you experience more of the world, you become overwhelmed with appreciation for all the incredible cultures you’ve been exposed to and the amazing people you’ve been fortunate enough to meet. These experiences open you up to new insights and you begin to see the world, and yourself, differently. You realize that traveling is an investment in yourself and the value you get from it far outweighs the cost.