Many people travel abroad at some point in their lives, whether it's after graduating high school, during college, adulthood, or even after retirement. Yet, there seem to be an ever growing number of people who don't have the urge to leave the country. With the world in the condition it's in, many people fear leaving their home country. These people are missing out on so much that life has to offer, so here are 11 reasons why everyone should travel abroad.
1. It gets you out of your comfort zone.
Traveling can be stressful, especially if it's your first time abroad. The plane ride can seem like a lifetime and depending on how you travel, you may not even fall asleep. You'll be irritated and anxious, but it'll be worth it.
2. You get to practice your language and communication skills.
Most people travel to countries where they've studied the native language. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your dedication to this language. Don't worry about messing up, the locals are usually very kind and helpful.
3. You get to see different famous attractions.
No matter where you go, there is always something to see, whether its the Cathedral in Toledo, Spain (above) or Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. You may never get another chance to see these famous attractions, so visit them while you can.
4. You learn about different cultures.
Whether it's by interacting with the locals, observing everyday life, or learning the history of the area you're in, you'll learn a lot about the culture of the country you're visiting. From everyday rituals in Japan to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain (above) you can always learn something new while traveling abroad.
5. You try new and interesting foods.
You may think you've tried a food from a different country, but you haven't until you've eaten it there yourself. You also get to try new foods, like conchillo, the local delicacy in Segovia, Spain as shown above.
6. You make memories with your friends.
While traveling abroad, you probably will have a few friends with you, and the memories you make while on your trip will stay with you forever.
7. You experience being completely responsible for yourself.
While you are with other people, most likely friends, they won't be checking with you every five minutes to see if you have your wallet and passport. While traveling abroad is safe and you should be having fun, you are in a foreign country and people will know you are a tourist. Just be smart and you'll be fine.
8. You learn about yourself.
While you're off on your adventure, you'll have plenty of in-between event travel time. This is the time when you reflect on the trip and how you feel. Chances are you've learned a few things about yourself you never knew, like you are confident enough to talk to strangers in a second language or you actually enjoy going to museums.
9. You realize how large the world actually is.
You never forget the moment when it clicks how large the world is. Mine was when I was standing on top of the Las Arenas Shopping Mall in Barcelona, Spain. It was about midnight and I was overlooking the city. It's hard to describe, but for a moment, you feel insignificant compared to the large, amazing world we live in. It's a feeling I can't wait to experience again.
10. You'll want to do it again.
On your flight home, if you can't sleep, you'll be thinking about the entire experience you just had. Whether or not you were ready for it to end, you'll have this underlying feeling of wanting to go again. And thus, your traveling addiction is born.
11. You'll appreciate being home.
No matter how much you can't wait to go abroad again, you'll be glad to be home. You're back in your comfort zone with family and friends with a great story waiting to be told. No matter how amazing traveling abroad is, the feeling of being at home is something you'll always miss.
