I would argue that travel is vital to our health as humans. If you are able to travel, I believe that you should. Travel is a powerful experience that has the ability to transform you in profound and wonderful ways. It can open our hearts and our minds to new experiences and cultures and teach us empathy for our fellow human beings and other living creatures of this beautiful world.
“Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living” – Anthony Bourdain
Broadens Perspective
Traveling, even locally can broaden your perspective on life. By seeing how other live, new cultures, new social norms, and even food. Getting out of your bubble opens your mind to the possibilities that exist and expands your ability to be creative.
Some of my favorite travel memories are meeting the local people and going on adventures with them. I have ridden on the back of a motorcycle to a remote beach in the DR, and fished with locals in Belize. These memories stand out to me because I got to meet new people and see how they live life. It enriched my experience and are now some of my favorite travel memories.
Deepens Empathy
“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” – Danny Kaye
Travel deepens empathy for other humans and even animals of the world. It forces you to see how others live in this world. It sometimes shows you the injustices that others face. Travelling to a poorer country than the one you live in shows you how people can survive on so much less and still be happy.
Meeting and interacting with locals deepens your knowledge which in turn deepens your empathy for others. I have found that the more I travel, the more I believe we are all alike where it matters. We all want happiness, and family and friends. We all need to eat and sleep, and to feel safe and secure. All of these things join us together as humans. No matter how different our cultures may be we all have to work, and eat and play. This really allows your mind to broaden and make room for empathy.
Boosts Creativity
Travel can be stressful sometimes, you may find yourself in a place where you don’t speak the local language. However, this in turn boost your creativity. You must find ways to communicate, whether that is through google translate, or learning bits and pieces of a new language. Figuring out how to navigate an unfamiliar place also boosts your critical thinking and creativity skills forcing you to learn and adapt.
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to try out the local foods. Try something you have never tried before. Travel opens up a whole new world of food possibilities.
“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.” – Cesare Pavese
Boost Productivity
Travel allows for rest and relaxation. It allows us to get out of work mode and into vacation mode. We all need breaks from work, in order to be our best and most productive selves when we are at work.
I am a firm believer that we don’t get enough vacation days off in the USA. Most people only get two weeks off per year, which just isn’t enough to get the rest and relaxation that we need to be productive at work.
I also believe that unless you have a really, really good reason, you should solidly disconnect from work while you are traveling. My partner had a job for about 5 years that required him to be on call 24/7, which meant our vacations were often interrupted with work calls. He was never able to fully disconnect from work and this led to a bit of burnout. Thankfully the job he is at now, he is able to disconnect and fully enjoy our precious vacation time.
Educational
There are so many ways that travel can be educational. Sightseeing is educational, museums, historical sights, and even new food can be educational.
“Experience, travel – these are as education in themselves.” – Euripides
Travel is educational because it exposes individuals to diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of the world. It allows people to step outside their comfort zones and engage with new perspectives, broadening their horizons and challenging preconceived notions. By visiting historical landmarks, museums, and natural wonders, travelers gain firsthand knowledge that textbooks cannot provide. Additionally, navigating unfamiliar environments enhances problem-solving skills and adaptability. Whether it’s learning a new language, tasting unique cuisines, or experiencing local customs, travel offers endless opportunities for personal growth and intellectual enrichment.
Stress Reduction & Improved Mental Health
Ok, here me out on this one. Travel can be at times, stressful. Which is why I wrote an article on how to practice self care while traveling. But overall, travel allows for rest and recuperation.
Research shows that your mental health may improve for up to five weeks after your return.
Travel reduces stress by providing a break from daily routines an it immerses you in new environments, which can help reset your mind and body. Also Engaging in leisure activities, such as sightseeing or relaxing on a beach, promotes mental well-being and rejuvenation. Additionally, travel often encourages physical activity, whether through walking, hiking, or other forms of exploration, which has been shown to reduce stress levels. The combination of novelty, relaxation, and physical movement creates a holistic escape that refreshes the mind and fosters a positive outlook.
“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled.” – Mohammed
Check out my other posts on travel here.
- Beck
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