1. Traveling will expose you to different cultures and lifestyles.
Whether you’re tasting decadent wine in the hills of Verona, or praying in ancient temples in the heart of Jerusalem, traveling will open your eyes to the wonders of the world. Many cultures and communities lead lives that for others are not the norm, and it is a rare and special treat to immerse oneself in a lifestyle that is different from her own. Getting lost in a new city will improve your sense of direction; doing as the locals do will enhance your adventurous side; and allowing yourself to be vulnerable and embrace a way of life that is unknown to you will make your life so much more fulfilling.
2. You will become more open-minded, thoughtful and aware.
Traveling will help you understand the impact of your decisions, both big and small. With wordly knowledge and experience, one can consider the feelings of others and genuinely comprehend that we cannot think only for ourselves. Rather, we have to be wholeheartedly aware of our surroundings, respectful of all those who inhabit this Earth alongside us no matter how different or foreign they may seem, and see the long-term repercussions of our choices. Even if you are American, be thoughtful and considerate of the other nations that you share the planet with.
3. Gain a deeper appreciation for the little luxuries in your life.
Experiencing life in other nations can be a very reflexive oppportunity that can generate immense gratitude and appreciation. For instance, third-world countries face extreme hardships that millions of people will never understand. When I traveled to Cambodia, a child begged me for one dollar in return for a beautiful bracelet. Such a miniscule amount of money meant everything to this country, and we must bare that in mind. While everyon’s problems matter, in the grand scheme of things, they might not be worth pondering over and stressing about. So long as one has food on the table and a warm place to sleep, mostly everything else will fall into place. We need to be thankful for the little things, because most people in this world do not even have that.
4. Establish an amazing Instagram feed.
Call it selfish, but it’s undeniable that traveling will provide amazing opportunities to snap memorable and unforgettable pictures of the world that will look even better with just about any VSCO filter! After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
5. Understand how our differences are vital to the successs of the human race.
Diversity is our greatest unifying factor. There are 196 countries in the world, each more spectacular than the next, and we must appreciate and celebrate our differences, so we can coexist and bring about the best of one another. Traveling reestablishes this concept and helps us understand how essential it is to protect our diversity so that we may continue growing and learning from one another and creating more enriching and fulfilled meaning.