I have been blessed in my life to visit and live in several places. These experiances have helped formulate the type of person I am and I am extremely proud of that. I believe that everyone should travel during their life.
The definition of travel according to google is to make a journey, typically of some length or abroad. Travelling provides stories and memories that live with you for life.
I will never forget traveling to Canada with my dad. Taking in new cultures and experiencing something different. Preparing for the trip, we studied up on the northwest US and Canada. I got to learn about American National Parks and Canadian culture.
I believe that it is somewhat of a responsibility to learn about the world. It is a responsibility to step outside of your comfort zone and to learn about other cultures and beliefs. Whether it's travelling to a new state or city or travelling abroad, travelling teaches you that there is more to life then the cities you have grown up in. It teaches you the importance of respect.
As a 20 year old college student, I obviously don't get to travel as much as I want. But college has also taught me of the importance of friends and travel. Visiting a friends hometown and celebrating it through their perspective is one of the best ways to take in a new place.
Since college, I have taken in a Mardi Gras in New Orleans with my roommate (a local) and bummed around Chicago on a summer day with close friends. Friends can be the best tour guides. They can give you a local perspective that tourism books just can't. They can take you to their neighborhood and show you around their favorite lunch spot or park.
College teaches you to look at things from different perspectives. Approach traveling from that angle. If you feel like you can't afford to travel, look around the internet for that cheap megabus ticket or that cheap flight. Focus on cities that aren't across the country but visit that big city 2 hours away.
Life is too short to do nothing but work and come home. The earth was made to explore. Whether it's abroad or at home, experience other cultures and expand your horizon.
