Author Jonah Leher once said, “We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our minds has changed, and that changes everything.” We learn more about the world through travel than we ever could through pictures in a book or on the internet. But even more than that, travel is the best way to learn about yourself and the things that are important to you.
Seeing the world means different things to different people. For some, it means spending a week at a relaxing, all-inclusive beach resort. However, there are other types of travel that can benefit you long after you arrive home. These are the trips where you fully immerse yourself in new cultures, get exposed to a different way of life, and learn to see things from a new perspective. Here are three reasons why this type of travel will ultimately make you a better person.
Travel makes you more open-minded.
When we’re at home, we fall into routines. We prioritize certain things based on what we value the most, we associate with the people we’re most comfortable with, etc. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing … it’s human nature to have routine. However, travel can push you out of your comfort zone toward new experiences and people you may not have met otherwise.
So, what’s the point? Why does it matter whether you’re exposed to worldviews that differ from your own? Simply put, it broadens your horizons. You’ll find that everyone comes from different backgrounds, has different opinions, and sees the world in their own unique way … and you’ll learn that that’s okay—it’s even great!
Travel makes you emotionally stable.
If you find that you’re stressed or unhappy with your daily life, a trip may be exactly what you need. One study found that those who travel tend to show an increase in emotional stability compared to those who don’t.
Taking time away offers you a chance to gain some fresh perspective. Sometimes putting physical distance between yourself and a situation and getting lost in a new culture for a little while is the perfect way to gain clarity. You might just come back to your own life with a new mindset.
Travel helps you become a better problem solver.
Nothing can replace experience. Sure, you may have to problem-solve here and there at home or at work, but there’s nothing quite like the quick thinking that must happen while you’re on a trip. From figuring out directions in a new city (perhaps with a language barrier), to finding a “comfortable” way to sleep in an airport, issues will come up and you’ll have to think on your feet in order to solve them.
Travel has the power to improve your life … and so do positive affirmations! Read this post for four positive affirmations to repeat daily.
