Why is Travel Important to Life?

There are many benefits of traveling. I for one started traveling extensively 20 years ago because I wanted to learn more about other cultures and see new things. I felt that each time I went somewhere my senses were in over-drive – things were more colorful, smelled different, and I was in perpetual awe. This was something I wanted to continue to experience so I started making it a goal – to visit a new country every year. Now, I have traveled to around 50 countries and many multiple times.

Benefits of travel

Many Americans don’t venture past our borders yet, traveling has various benefits, from gaining new perspectives, experiencing different things, to providing a change of scenery that can open-up your creativity. For me, it is important to take time to travel and explore for numerous reasons. I find it allows life to take on a vibrancy that I may not get in the normal day-to-day. A recent study found that a month of travel can also help you make better decisions, improve your productivity at work, and improve your mental health. 

Self-awareness

Travel helps you to become more self-aware. When you are more cognizant of yourself and others, you are more likely to handle situations in life better. For example, you may become less prone to frustration, worry, or fear when stressors arise and thus avoid reacting negatively. By cultivating your self-awareness, you can live more fulfilling and purposeful life. 

Health Benefits 

Travel has numerous health benefits. While the usual daily routine can put stress on our body and mind, breaking the monotony of everyday life can help us connect with ourselves and the world around us. While it is hard to determine whether travel alone is the sole cause of improved health, studies have shown that pleasure travel can lower  stress levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve your outlook.

Immersion in a new culture

Traveling opens your mind and enables you to experience other people, cultures, and foods. It can also make you think about your own culture and heritage, both differences and similarities.  While traveling, many times, I will stay in an apartment so that I can experience the neighborhood, or I will join a local family for a meal, or even volunteer. This allows for more opportunities to engage with locals and provides a more authentic travel experience.

Experiential travel can give you a more global outlook and make you a more informed person. I have found that by asking questions around traditions, local customs, and even basic greetings it gives insight into the history of its people.

Memory-making

One of the most exciting things for me when I travel is seeing new sights – from different architecture to natural wonders. It often gives one an opportunity to immerse into another language, try new foods, and experience activities you may never have tried before. On vacation, I have done everything from zip-lining to cooking, to downhill biking to scuba diving, to camping, dancing, horseback riding to Segway touring! Yes, adventure awaits, and travel provides a chance to get out of your comfort zone.

Cooking in Morocco;

Market in Morocco

If you have the means, travel is a great opportunity to enhance your life! The journey may even make you a better, healthier person, and you’re sure to leave with a more profound understanding of the world around you.