I’m amazed by how many people that have not left their country to see what the world has to offer. But here are 3 reasons why I think everyone should travel overseas at least once in their life….
1. HEALTH
Many people say they can’t afford to travel. But travel may be a small price to pay to improve your overall health. Studies have shown that traveling has many health benefits, including:
• lower blood pressure – even decreasing the risk of a heart attack by 50 percent!
• reduce stress
• reduce symptoms of depression
• improve sleep quality
• improve mood
• improves relationships and marriages
A lot of these health benefits are due to the amount of physical activity you do while travelling e.g hiking, biking, or simply by all of the walking. I walked nearly 20km in one day while sightseeing in Paris. And we all know the simple science of…
Exercise = Endorphins = Happiness!
We live such high-pace, stressful lives that we don’t allow ourselves time to heal. Travelling allows us to slow down, avoiding burning out and helps us regain enthusiasm for life.
Which brings me to my next point…..
2. SELF-DEVELOPMENT
The biggest influence travel seems to have on us is our overall confidence. By conquering the unexpected obstacles and situations you encounter while travelling, you are building self-confidence. In a survey by Booking.com, nearly two-thirds agreed that traveling increased their confidence. You will also discover things about yourself during your travels. You may realise that you are more confident or maybe more cautious, more adventurous or fearful.
Travelling helps us leave our comfort zones and face some of our fears. If you are afraid of certain things like heights or fear of water, this is the perfect time to conquer those fears. Once you do it, you will feel invincible. Give yourself and your fears a chance and try something new on your trip! Not only will you will try new things but you will meet new people from a variety of cultures. You will create life-long friendships and meaningful relationships along the way.
Not only will you create life-long friendships, but the memories you will create during your journey are life-long and incomparable. Not matter how trivial or how many years pass, it’s still great to whip out your interesting travel stories.
3. EDUCATION
While you travel, you will learn about:
History Languages Geography
Sociology Architecture Food
Fashion Art Politics
Travelling educates you in a hands-on way and teaches you certain things that no classroom will.
Thanks to the internet and social media, we are living in a world where it is becoming imperative for us to understand cultures and behaviour. For example, siestas may seem lazy to some but to Spaniards, family time is more important than maximizing work time. Being aware of cultural values and norms helps you understand people on both business and personal levels.
Travelling also opens your mind. Unless you’ve actually been to a country, all of your beliefs and views have been formed through what you’ve heard or seen through media. Travelling turns your ideas of places into well-formed perceptions.
So instead of reaching old age and wishing you had done that life changing trip, go ahead, get online and book that trip. It doesn’t have to be around the world, just go somewhere new! The travel bug is contagious, that I’m sure once you start, it will be hard to stop!
So go on….Learn, develop and get healthy! It’s the best investment you can make and it will change your life!