Travel takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.
Challenging yourself
You might feel like you are stuck in a rut in your daily life or perhaps craving new experiences and challenges. Travel is the ideal place to test yourself. It pushes people to their limits and pushes them outside their comfort zone. A person discovers how resourceful they are when exposed to new places, people and experiences.
Perhaps it is navigating your way around a busy city or ordering food when you don’t speak the language. You will feel pride when you finish your trip successfully. Overcoming challenges will bring you joy and energy for future tests. You will understand how capable you are and build your confidence.
Learning
Learning is a significant reason why people love to travel. We want to experience something unfamiliar and leave with new skills or knowledge. Travel is a masterclass in discovering how the rest of the world actually lives, in all senses.
Every destination has something unique to teach visitors. Immersing ourselves in a completely different world is a potent learning experience.
Individuals often travel to learn something specific: a new language, a different cuisine, aspects of a different culture or a deeper appreciation of spirituality. By actually experiencing this learning in real life, not reading it in a textbook, it will remains with you for a long time.
Expanding your perspective
Meeting people from other places will show you that your world view is not the same as everyone else’s.
You cannot imagine how different life is in another place until you personally experience it. A different environment will help you discover and consider fresh ideas you have not previously thought of.
We can return home with different notions and possibilities. By being exposed to new places, people and cultures, you will develop a wider world view. This will create a well rounded, global citizen. This is a wonderful reward and pivotal reason why people love to travel.
Building and strengthening relationships
The shared experience of travel brings people together. A family getaway, a romantic trip or long weekend with friends can strengthen important bonds. With the demands of today’s lifestyle, and relatives spread across the country and world, families have precious little time together.
Whatever your travel experience looks like, it is an opportunity to connect with each other. It may even smooth over any family niggles and create happier relationships. Couples, too, need to bond with each other away from home and work demands. Sharing travel experiences can ignite fresh sparks that last long after the couple returns home.
Travel is a special way to deepen friendships as well. Whether it is a ski break with friends or a week-long beach getaway with your family, travel will remind you why you became friends in the first place and how rewarding it is to spend focused time together.
Travel is also a great opportunity to make new friends – either fellow travellers or locals.
Escaping
Whether it is a demanding job, a bad breakup or a bereavement, travel can be a huge relief from the stress and unhappiness that come along with those situations. People desire from their travels what they don’t have back home: fabulous weather, breathtaking scenery and the freedom to do exactly what they want. Experiences they cannot normally have, at a slower, relaxing pace.
Stepping away from the workplace is good for you both mentally and physically. When you return, you will have had the mental space to look at issues with a fresh perspective. Travel has the power to let you not only escape but also heal. A new location with fun distractions can work wonders. You will return home more at peace and restored, prepared for future challenging situations.
Relaxing and rejuvenating
Even if not escaping problems, everyone can benefit from a break from our usual regime of all work and no play. You may not realise how much you need to disconnect from the ever-present pressure of being available by phone, email or social media. Travel is exactly what you need to rejuvenate yourself.
A relaxing natural setting and good weather are common ingredients for the R&R-focused trip. But everyone’s idea of the perfect rejuvenating vacation is different. One person might want to trek through a rainforest. Another may want to lie poolside at a Mexican resort.
What should you do when you’re there? Nothing, really. Relax and be present in the moment. Let sensations like the lapping water and the warmth of the sun, along with the sound of waves, recharge your batteries.
Celebrating
There is always a wonderful reason to take a trip. A special occasion is made even more special by celebrating away from the hectic pace of life at home. It’s also a good way to gather family and friends from distant corners to mark the milestone. Celebration holidays provide a lasting benefit as well – shared memories for a lifetime.
Value your life
When you feel somewhat stuck in your daily life, it is easy to lose sight of what you have and forget or not recognise what is special about our own homes.
Travelling, exploring and creating experiences in other locations can highlight what is positive and meaningful about our own homes. Absorbing other cultures can create a deeper appreciation for our everyday lives.
