The world is a big place and stepping out of your comfort zone is not always easy, in fact it can be scary. Experiencing a new culture can be intimidating and unusual because it is like stepping into a whole new world of perspectives. The food is different, the land is different, the smells, the people-basically everything you are exposed to on a daily basis is distinctively changed when you travel across the world.
For as long as I can remember, I have been someone fortunate enough to travel the world. I have been immersed in different cultures and been exposed to the diverse groups of people that make up this world. The ability to travel is a rewarding gift because it shapes the person you are. Having first hand experience with different cultural foods, and the different people which whom these cultures are made up of is unimaginable.
When you travel to a new country, you broaden your perspective on the world. You are exposed to new morals and values. Exposure to multicultural will make a person well rounded and more accepting. You discover new social norms and habits that may differ from your own. You also realize how fortunate you are. In some countries plumbing, electricity and technology- ‘things’ we take for granted are not available to the common people in certain areas. Kids do not grow up owning X-box devices, cell phones or iPads. They have to use their imagination to pass the time and interact with their family and neighbors because they do not have materialistic objects to keep them busy.
Traveling is a humbling experience. You quickly realize that the bubble you live in is far from being the only way of living. The people you encounter along your journey may have a completely different outlook on life. This is because all of our lived experiences vary and the opportunities put forth shape how we view the world.
My favorite part about traveling has always been the relationships I make with the people I meet. You meet people from various ethnic backgrounds and share stories about your upbringing and home-life. You compare, contrast your understanding of the world. These brief moments of friendship are what make the trip more memorable. Even when there is a language barrier, somehow you will always find a way to surpass that challenge and communicate with one another. You may exchange Facebook friend requests to keep in touch, or e-mail but in some cases staying in touch is not possible due to where they are from. But regardless of that outcome, you will appreciate your culture more but also understand the additional cultures that are comprised.
You can learn a variety of new skills from traveling to different countries. You learn to be more open-minded but also independent. Since you are in a completely new and unknown environment you learn to navigate your way around the area you are in. You communicate with the locals, try their new foods and visit historical monuments. These are all memories that will last a lifetime. So if you have the chance, take a leap and be adventurous. Travel the world while you can and embrace every moment of it.
