I know many of us may be at the start of our career, working full time, or even pursuing a degree. Whatever your case may be, just know that you should take advantage of your passport and start booking those tickets! You should definitely save up some time and money for traveling--trust me, it will be worth your while. Essentially, here are some basic reasons as to why you should travel outside the US at least once.
1. You meet lots of new people.
Even if you're not a social butterfly, traveling millions of miles away will force you to meet new people. You will have to ask people for directions, good restaurants, and tons of other stuff too. If you're traveling to a place where a language is foreign to you, be sure to pick whom you speak to wisely. It is better to have a travel guide or a friend from that country who speaks the native language so that your travel experience there can be outstanding.
2. New experiences.
Prior to meeting new people, you may find out that not all of them are going to be your friends. Some of them will turn out to be bad apples, people who wish to use you, sell you merchandise (annoying vendors), or even try to mug you. On the other hand, there are tons of genuine people you'll run into as well. Always make sure you're being wary of your surroundings. Wearing a casual baseball cap and shorts outfit is always a great way to blend in with everyone else and to avoid standing out as a traveler.
3. You learn how to budget yourself.
Money, money, money. It's all about money when you're traveling. You use the money you've earned, to make the most out of your experience across the seas. However, realistically, you know that your money supply most likely isn't endless so you will have to learn how to better manage your money while traveling.
4. You become more independent.
I cannot stress this enough. Traveling will bring you more liberty, and independence--especially if you travel solo. You will not only pull yourself out of your comfort zone, but you will learn the beauty of self-reliance. You will pack alone, go out alone, do whatever you please on your own without having to deal with anyone's irritating commands over you. You will learn how to make your own rules, and face challenges that you've never thought you could surpass on your own. You will slowly evolve into a warrior.
5.You create valuable memories that you’ll never forget.
Believe it or not, once you travel outside the US, your life will change, completely! You will be exposed to a brand new culture, and lifestyle that you've never lived through before, but it will make you better. Although traveling may seem like a lonely journey, even when you're with a friend, the overall outcome of it will pay off in the long run. You will have precious memories, visit wonderful places, and take thousands of pictures that will bring you nostalgia in the near and distant future. You might even find a sweetheart that you'll end up breaking up with by the time your trip is over. But all in all, you will remember every single one of these memories that will fill your life up with joy.
Ultimately, these are the most crucial experiences that will enhance your life. Remember, there are hundreds of different languages, people, and foods out there; so be sure to try as many as you can during your time abroad. Normally, I would suggest spending approximately three weeks in one foreign country just so that you may enjoy your place of stay. Jumping from country to country under an abrupt time frame is always a fun idea as well; however, your experience will be rushed instead of fulfilling. And so, traveling will make you better. But beware, it may get addicting.