There are endless benefits to travel. It’s fun to spend a new someplace new, but if you’re really making the most of that trip, you’re getting a lot more than momentary excitement. Traveling, particularly to places that are much different from the place you call home, can write on the slate of who you are. A lot of the things you think and feel while you’re away will change the way you think and feel when you finally return. These changes can make you a better, stronger person.
- You Become More Independent
Traveling solo or in a small group can enhance your independence. You need to take initiative in creating new experiences. You won’t be able to rely on your network, because you’ve left them back home. When you’re at home, you’re adhering to a structure where you take every aspect of your life for granted. When you’re in a completely new place, you don’t already know everything. You need to figure out customs and traditions as you go.
- Your Social Perspective Shifts
You’re going to be interacting with a lot of people you’ve never met before, and you probably won’t meet most of them again. You don’t have your social media accounts to make these interactions – you only have the people in front of you. You’ll be making new friends who will value different things. They’ll have concerns that are deeply important to them that you’ve never considered before. Forget what you hear on the news about a place – you’ll have the words of the actual natives to shape your social perspectives.
- You Become More Empathetic
If you’re traveling to an exotic location, you’re going to be thrust into an entirely new culture. A lot of the people might speak a different language from you. You’ll be an outsider in a strange land, and that experience might allow you to better understand what it’s like for someone who is learning to live in the country you live in. You’ll be quick to spot and accommodate cultural differences and truly understand how overwhelming it can feel at times to be subject to those barriers.
- Your Personal Tastes Change
At home, you’re all about pizza and onion rings. In India, you might be all about baingan bharta. When you’re hanging out in your apartment, you might live in sweatpants and t-shirts. In Morocco, you might be inspired by rich textiles in vivid hues. In your car, you like to listen to alterative hits. In South Korea, you can fall madly in love with k-pop. Being immersed in pop culture from other countries can expand your tastes, giving you a greater appreciation in different art forms.
- You Can Become a Better Professional
Companies love businesspeople who are travel savvy. Business extends around the globe, and someone needs to represent a company overseas. If you’re an experienced traveler who has seen many parts of the globe, there are many businesses who would love to work with you. Being a smart traveler can open doors for you to take your job all the way across the planet. If you’ve been looking for that promotion, or even an entirely new opportunity, travel just might strengthen your resume.
If you’ve ever wanted to travel, you don’t need an excuse. You have every reason to pack up your bags and explore the planet. It may be costly, but the benefits combined with the experiences are priceless.
Author Bio
With her great interest in business, digital marketing and self-growth, Camilla Dabney supports Canadabiz.net as a Content Coordinator. Whenever not working, she enjoys spending her time traveling around the world, jogging and rock climbing. Feel free to follow her on her Twitter.
