Whether you’re a regular at the airport or your furthest journey has been to your cottage two hours away, everyone has a dream destination. Here’s five reasons why your passport is more valuable than any textbook you’ll buy this semester!
1. Appreciation
Living in North America, we have all the luxuries right at our fingertips. From the newest phones and the most popular movies to that great new pub across the street, there’s not much we’re lacking. When we see the lives of those who don’t have the same opportunities as us, we begin to see the world differently. Being young, many of us haven’t had to face much more than the occasional first-world problem, but seeing the struggles other people face with such things like hunger and access to education puts our problems with diets and staying motivated to attend class in perspective.
2. Traveling will open your mind
There’s no doubt that Toronto is multicultural, but there’s a difference between eating at a Chinese restaurant on Queen Street and devouring a dish of Nesi Lamak in Kuala Lumpur. There is no substitute for immersing oneself in the atmosphere, people, language and food of a different culture for the ultimate travel experiences. Diving into a foreign lifestyle will help foster a broader understanding of different customs, while creating a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our home!
3. History & Architecture
What’s the story behind the Taj Mahal? Why hasn’t the tower of Pisa toppled over yet? Each landmark will take you[CC2] to a whole new world. With wars and love stories, adventures and discoveries, every landmark is the pride and joy of its surrounding regions. Maybe you can name all Seven Wonders of the World, but it is the secrets behind their success that make these landmarks so historic. Of course, once your plane touches back down at Pearson, you’ll remember that nothing quite trumps our own CN Tower and Skydome!
4. Hands-On Education
It’s likely you’ve seen a Gondola and read all about them, but would you rather sit in a classroom and hear about one or experience riding through Venice in one yourself? Traveling around the world will allow you to actually do, rather than hear. You can learn all about the world by taking part in La Tomatina in Bunol, Spain or water rafting in Costa Rica and (pun intended) soaking up the experiences the world has to offer!
5. Peace of Mind
Traveling will also teach you the most important lesson of all – living. As students, we get so caught up in GPAs, classes, exams and debt that we sometimes forget to pause, relax and enjoy life. Traveling can take us away from the stress of the urbane lifestyle and give us a chance to spend time not only learning, but also living. It keeps our minds fresh by diverting our attention towards a new way of life, helping us develop as students, as travelers and, most importantly, as human beings.Â
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