At one point or another, we all hear the call. We wake up one morning and feel an inexplicable urge to move, to get lost, to wander, to roam – a craving to pack up and explore somewhere unknown. The truth is, we travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us. Travel is the single best way to simultaneously connect with ourselves, our communities, and the world as a collective. Traveling anywhere is an enriching life experience on every human level. And just in case you needed more convincing, we’ve compiled a list of the reasons why global travel is good for you. . .
Great Reasons to Travel Now & In The Future
1. Opens You Up Tto Other Perspectives
One of the main reasons people enjoy traveling is that it offers a first-hand experience of other perspectives. Even if you’re not open-minded, some experiences are bound to be eye-opening. But if you are open and willing, traveling will be your literal ticket to becoming an incredibly well-rounded human being. Meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds will teach you that your outlook isn’t the only one – and you might even discover a few blind spots in your point of view. Taking in the sights and sounds could shape your vision and alter your state of mind – if you let it.
2. Helps You Discover Who You Really Are
From sabbaticals and student gap-years to pilgrimages and “rite of passage” treks – in many cultures and belief systems, the act of travel is seen as a sacred journey to self-discovery. And then there’s that age-old cliché of “finding yourself”. The truth is that it’s possible. Travel is quite often the momentum that propels you to take that first step, finally urging you to forge your path in life. In the grander scheme of things, this moment could uncover parts of yourself that you never knew existed.
3. Forges Bonds for Life
Encountering people during your travels is almost sanctified – these connections are often more meaningful than those we make during our day-to-day lives. The people you meet while you’re exploring the globe could become some of the most influential people in your life. They become lifelong pen pals or places on the map to revisit later on – these folks are your friends from the tribe of life.
4. Travel = Life Skills
When you’re in unfamiliar situations, you need to tap into unknown resources. Traveling is the single best way to develop skills – some that you didn’t even know you had. Whether you’re ordering a meal at a rural Indian street vendor or crossing a gorge in the South American rainforest – you’ll feel an initial moment of panic right before you solve the problem and smile when you realize that it wasn’t so bad, in fact, it was thrilling!
5. Language Immersion
If you’ve ever tried to learn a new language, you probably know that the best way to do this is by complete and total immersion – meaning you dive headfirst into a situation where you are constantly exposed to said language. Well, that’s precisely what traveling is. Seasoned globetrotters effortlessly dazzle people with their linguistic superpowers – and you can too. There’s something so satisfying about being able to throw around a few Italian phrases, knowing how to say “thank you” in Hindi, pulling out that travel-weary Spanish pocket dictionary, or stumbling upon a language you didn’t even know existed before. So, pick a language and then travel your way to fluency.
6. Travel Means Adventure
Trekking across the lush Andean paths in Peru, veering your way through traffic in Rome, bartering for the best price in the traditional Souq markets in Marrakesh, this is the stuff that leaves your entire being vibrating with excitement for weeks, even months or years afterwards. We are hardwired for the thrill of adventure, and travel is the best way to tap into it. And once you’re back to the real world, you can share your experiences with others and instantly become a captivating storyteller with the words, “Last year in Morocco . . .”
7. Travel Shakes Things Up
If you’re between jobs, schools, or relationships, a trip around the world travel could be the perfect way to transition from one of these life stages and into your next big adventure. Traveling shakes things up and will give you a chance to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and where you want to end up. If you’re stuck in a rut – we’ve all been there – a big trip might be just the soul food you’ve been searching for!
8. Travel Is the Best Education
Traveling is the single best life education available. There’s no better way to learn how to live in the big wide world than jet setting to some foreign country and taking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and more. Globetrotting offers an education that’s impossible to get in school and teaches you about economics, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an extensive way.
9. Travel Challenges You
If you’re the kind of person who dreams BIG, then you’re probably always seeking out new challenges. If your daily routine is getting monotonous and you’re in the mood for something completely different – then exploring a faraway place is just the 180 shift you need! Seasoned travelers will know that overcoming the challenges presented to you along your journey gives you a powerful sense of accomplishment. In this sense, traveling offers both equal growth and reward.
10. Traveling Is the Real-Life Stuff of Dreams
Whether you are jet-setting in the Caribbean islands, backpacking your way across Europe, or wayfaring across the United States, one truth remains that traveling anywhere in the world is what dreams are made of. You’ve been daydreaming about it for months, you planned every spot on your itinerary, or maybe you have a ticket booked and plan on winging it. Perhaps you’ve even had to pinch a few pennies to get here. No matter the route you decided to take, it will be more than worth waiting for the moment the airplane doors open and you take a step onto foreign soil.
How Do I Start To Travel Around The World?
Traveling is actually much easier than you think. In fact, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you spend a few weeks or even years exploring this beautiful planet, it’s essential to at least see what’s out there. Don’t be overwhelmed by the options. Start slowly by planning an itinerary: read our helpful guide on booking multi-city flights.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel Around The World?
According to AirTreks, a trip planning service, the cost for around-the-world travel averages between $20,000 and $30,000. But this doesn’t mean that having less money to work with equals that your trip won’t be life-changing. If anything, following a stricter budget, implores you to be creative with your options and be more mindful of your spending. Here is our guide to making your budget go further.
Of course, there will be miscellaneous costs when it comes to visas on arrival, souvenirs, laundry, replacing worn clothing, or buying new gear, and other unaccounted for items while you travel. It is advisable to have at least $2,000 set aside as “rainy day” spending money. Pre-trip expenses also need to be taken into account. The spending that you will encounter before you even set foot on an airplane, from flights to visas, vaccinations, travel, and health insurance, as well as travel gear. Planning in advance is the name of the game here.
No matter where you go or what you do, travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories. Besides, life is short, and the world is vast, so book that ticket and start collecting memories!
