Millions of people around the world spend a good amount of time and money just to hit the road and travel either around the country or abroad. Stories of people leaving their corporate careers and dropping everything just to travel have become common online and although there are others who think that these decisions are irresponsible and show a complete disregard for the future, the people who have actually experienced going away to strange and wonderful places for the first time would agree that traveling, even with all its financial and physical requirement, will always be worth it.
If you’re still hesitant to plan out a trip this year or in the near future, this article will give you exciting reasons why you should finally book that ticket and why the experience is good for you, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
So what are the benefits of traveling?
1. You get to break free from the hassles of daily life.
One of the most common reasons why people travel is to escape from the stress of daily living especially if they live in a big and busy city. Most of the time, responsibilities at home and at work can be really overwhelming that we forget what it means to relax and slow down. Traveling will remind you that you have to relax and take it easy.
When was the last time you went on a vacation? Treat yourself and you’ll realize the bigger reward of a refreshing journey. In addition, taking such an invigorating break is proven to boost one’s productivity and creativity.
2. You will finally know why getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing.
You’ve probably heard from others how getting out of your comfort zone can be good for you. If you are always living and making decisions within your personal comfort zone, you are limited to explore and eventually discover new and exciting things. Travelling will help you confront your greatest fears of being in an unknown place full of strangers and in living a day or two being open to surprises and gaining more confidence as you face the unexpected hurdles of traveling.
3. You’ll experience a whole new and bigger world – literally and figuratively.
If you think about it, the worlds that we will ever know will be through the things that we personally experience. Travelling will help you realize that there is a bigger and a totally different world out there and you should not limit yourself to living through the same reality over and over again. One destination is different from the other and each can teach you a different lesson. This bigger and wider world can help you bring forth a better and more open understanding of the world and our relationship with others.
4. You’ll experience the wonders of different cultures.
Traveling abroad, for instance, can be really scary especially if it’s your first time to get out of the country. However, many first time travelers dared to go out and experience cultures that have either shocked or amazed them. Imagine experiencing a world totally different from your own, and meeting people whose perspectives can be the total opposite of what you have known all your life. Many times, these could be thrilling and at the same time, mind-opening.
5. You’ll meet new people.
The perks of travel are not limited to the amazing and magical places that you can visit but also the encounters that you have with new people. Meeting travelers from different walks of life can be exciting and life-changing. Be open to these familiarities and be willing to let even a complete stranger inspire you with their own stories and their personal passions.
There are a lot of opportunities to help yourself grow and be a better person through your relationship with others and traveling can be your golden ticket.
6. You will be able to fully know and discover yourself and the things that you are capable of.
What happens to a person during and after long-term travel? Several studies suggest that this activity can alter the person’s mind and help them know their own weakness and strengths just by going on a trip alone or with a friend. Understanding your limitations can take a lifetime, but traveling helps you see a different side of yourself especially when faced with unexpected and challenging scenarios while on the road.
7. You’ll learn several qualities that will improve how you deal with the daily demands of life.
Patience, trusting your instincts and being more optimistic are just several qualities that traveling can teach a person. How many times have you experienced delayed flights and detours while on the road? How many times did you feel annoyed or anxious that maybe things won’t turn out the way you planned them?
Probably after experiencing these negative emotions, you later on, realize that patience and positive thinking are less exhausting and more helpful in finding solutions to these problems. Every day, we are faced with the same obstacles and learning how to deal with them is a big thing.
8. You will realize how exciting and beautiful your world is.
Problems and stressful demands from work and life itself can leave us pessimistic and sometimes anxious about anything and everything. With these negative emotions dominating our thoughts, we tend to see the world as dark and hopeless. Travelling can change that.
Experiencing new things and witnessing a more beautiful side of the world through the places and the people you meet while on the road will lead us to a better appreciation of what life can offer. You’ll realize that in spite of these problems, there are still a lot of beautiful things around us and we should focus on them especially during difficult times.
You may also read: 12 Tips to Overcome Boredom and Loneliness
9. You’ll understand life more by living it to the fullest.
Who am I? Why am I here? We always ask these questions every time we try to understand the meaning of life and why we exist. All we have are these questions, and the older we get, the more complicated (or less simple) they become. Living your life to the fullest can, in a way, make us understand why we are here and what we should do with what we have.
One of the ways to fully enjoy life is to experience the world through going to places and being open to these experiences. Soon you’ll realize that by doing so, you have experienced life through the stories of places and people that you meet along the way.
Many people like to travel, not only can enjoy the different scenery but also cultivate emotions and relax. The process of travelling can not only satisfy our vision but also contribute to our physical health.
Staying in a familiar place for a long time will inevitably make people feel uncomfortable. Proper contact with the new environment will play a decisive role in human survival and development.
In fact, I met my wife while travelling in Lijiang.