It’s not surprising that many people cite traveling the world as their ultimate goal. People who experience new places, food, cultures, and people are well-rounded, more intelligent, and happier than people who haven’t done much traveling. Yes, traveling can be expensive, particularly if you’re relying on flights to get to your new destination, but if there ever were something to save up for, it’s seeing the world. Even if all you can manage is driving to the next state over, you are opening your horizons and exposing yourself to more benefit than you could ever imagine. If you’re not yet sold on why you should go buy a ticket right now, consider the following benefits of traveling.
Traveling Opens Minds
Most people who are stubborn, set in their ways, and unwilling or unable to see things from different perspectives have not traveled much. They have not been exposed to other cultures, other people, or other ways of doing and seeing things. Experiencing many ways of living is critical for becoming a well-rounded and open-minded individual. If you never see a variety of successful ways to live, how could you know that your way isn’t the only way? To truly experience life and understanding of the world, you must travel.
People who are exposed to many ways of living are more intelligent. For example, kids who learn multiple languages are better problem solvers and have higher IQs, and people who travel learn that there are many ways to exist and thrive.
Frequent Traveling Allows You to See Unlikely Places
People who do not travel often typically share a few dream destinations such as Venice, Hawaii, Rome, or other such tourist-driven places. While there is nothing wrong with visiting these incredible places, the road less traveled also has a lot to offer. For example, South Carolina is not what most people would consider a dream destination, particularly if they already live in the U.S.
Yet, Beaufort, South Carolina, is a stunningly beautiful, historic place with ancient trees and buildings a century old. Sure, a flight to Sicily would be incredible but a short drive to Beaufort offers you the unique opportunity to see how minor cultural differences can change people’s perspectives. You would also get to experience vast swaths of American history in a city not clogged with tourists.
Studying Only Teaches So Much
You can study a country, culture, and language for your entire life, but if you never visit the subject of your research, you never will truly understand it. Documentaries on India and its ancient, beautiful culture are not hard to find. However, nothing compares to walking the streets of Bangalore, seeing swarms of people, and breathing the scents of delicious street food. Experiences like this are incomparable and educational. You never can get first-hand experience of a destination from books and documentaries. You must go and live the experience instead.
There are many, many reasons you should be putting your money into travel. If you have any desire to see a new part of the country or the world, do it. Even if it means driving a few hours to the next state, you should begin to plan your next trip. The more you see, the better off you will be in every aspect of your life. Do not wait. Now is the time.
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