There are few things as rewarding as traveling. It’s one of the most exciting things you can do, and it’s also something that you will remember for the rest of your life. I recently had the opportunity to live in London for four months while studying. I was lucky enough to visit several other countries while abroad, and it was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had.
While it’s not always practical to pack up and leave for extended periods of time, there are a lot of opportunities to travel both domestically and overseas. Traveling is easier than ever. With the right planning, it can be done on even the tightest of budgets, and the payoff is definitely worth the investment. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make traveling a priority.
1. It’s refreshing.
The number one reason traveling is so great? Your travel destination is not wherever you usually sleep, eat, work, and play. It’s a whole new place with endless sights and activities for you to explore. It’s really easy for life at home to get stale, so try to get out there and see more of the world. Or at least the next few towns over.
2. It’s easy.
Okay, so it’s not always a cakewalk, but travel is becoming much simpler. Of course, I will always recommend doing a fair bit of planning just to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Keep your travel documents together, make sure all your reservations are made and confirmed, make sure you know how to at least get to your lodging from the airport/bus station/train station/side of the road. With a few little details like this covered, though, it’s really quite easy to get going.
3. You’ll learn new things.
About yourself, about other peoples, about other foods, about the world you live in. Traveling is possibly the most fun anyone can have while learning. It’s fascinating to learn about the world outside of your small community, so embrace the option to do so.
4. It’s customizable.
As long as you’re traveling without a structured group or guide, you’re totally in control of what you do with your time. How great is it to be able to do whatever you want to do? Traveling gives you a great excuse to let loose and explore your interests.
5. You’ll meet new people.
Traveling is a great way to meet new friends. If you’re the backpacking type, it’s often very easy to find groups of people who are heading the same way as you. Hostels, for those who are budget-conscious, are also good way to meet new people, as many travelers there are traveling alone or in very small groups. There are tons of opportunities to meet both fellow travelers and locals.
6. You’ll gain skills.
Learning new skills can be any of a number of things. It could be that you learn parts of a new language or how to tie the perfect sailor’s knot. Or maybe you gain the skill of time management simply by planning your day. A great aspect of traveling is that you often gain new skills without thinking about it as work, or even without knowing it at all.
7. It gives you something to look forward to.
Sometimes, it’s really nice to have something on your calendar to look forward to. Just a little reminder that in two weeks’ time, you’re going to be on a plane to an exciting new country or road tripping to the West coast. That anticipation and excitement is almost as nice as the trip itself.
8. And something to look back on fondly.
Pictures, memories, memorabilia, whatever you want to remember your trip by. Traveling is great because even when the trip is over, you get to relive every moment of it again in your mind.
9. You’ll experience new things.
Traveling is a great way to experiment with new things. Whether that’s zip lining, rafting, getting pampered, or just relaxing on a far away beach, you’ll get to try things for the first time.
10. It’ll make you a better person.
Going to new places is a great way to round yourself out. Well-traveled people are more interesting, more knowledgable, and, often, more fun. Surround yourself with others who share your passion for travel and your interest in becoming a global citizen. You’ll find yourself changing for the better as a result.
Featured photo credit: Ho John Lee via flickr.com
