Travel has changed my life for the better in many, often unexpected, ways. For me, getting out and exploring new destinations is exhilarating; there’s nothing more exciting or rewarding than discovering a new place.
People have their own reasons to travel and their own styles. Some travel with reckless abandon, living in the moment, being spontaneous. Others may do extensive planning and research; the thought of the unknown is panic-inducing for them.
Whatever your style, the world is wide and begging you to explore it. But in case you need a gentle nudge, here are a few reasons why you should prioritize travel in 2020.
To Learn
Travel will expand your horizons, making you a more well-rounded human being. Meeting people from other cultures will teach you that the way you look at the world is not necessarily the way everyone else does.
You might travel to learn something specific: a new language, a new cuisine, even a new skill. As a bonus, you’ll take away more than that particular goal. You’ll get a crash course in economics, history, sociology, and politics in a way that could never happen in the confines of the classroom.
To Have Adventures
Swimming with Hawaiian Green Turtles a mile off the shore of Waikiki Beach, hiking to an 11th Century Moorish Castle in Portugal, learning to surf in Costa Rica; these are experiences worth having. We’re wired for adventure, to push gently beyond the limits of our comfort zone. Travel may be the best way to tap into that.
To Meet New People
With the powers of social media, people you meet on the road often become lifelong friends – either fellow travelers or locals. The shared experience of travel often brings people together in a way that can’t be found at home.
To Boost Happiness
Despite the obvious – you don’t have to go to work; travel gives you the ability to step outside the daily grind and away from routine. New places and experiences help rewire your brain to improve mood. Bonus: you’ll get a significant boost to self-confidence as well.
To Get To Know Yourself
You’ll learn plenty about yourself in a new place, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Navigating a new city, using public transportation, even ordering a meal in a restaurant with unfamiliar cuisine will challenge you in a positive way. The more time we spend away from our regular routines, the more we tend to embrace the unknown and rely on our instincts.
There has never been a better time to travel than right now. The dollar is strong, flights are cheap, social media provides limitless inspiration, and adventure is within reach.
There’s just one question. Where will you go in 2020?
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