You learn new cultures.
The most rewarding experience about traveling to unknown places is to learn about a new culture. This includes learning about the food, the language, society, fashion, values, religion, the list goes on and on. Seeing the world first hand provides you with an education you will never be able to get in the classroom. I don't care if you take "world history" and ace it, anyone who has travelled and has no formal education knows so much more than you ever will if you don't see it for yourself. There will definitely be times when you'll experience some of the craziest culture shocks, but that is the best part of it all.
To open your eyes.
If you haven't traveled to a different place, all you probably know about it is whatever you see on the internet or TV. You may find out that everything you know about a different country is totally wrong, but you will never know unless you are open to the opportunity. Use this as a reality check, let it sink in. See things for yourself, not through the media, and not through this article.
Establish meaningful friendships.
Who would have thought? You will meet knew people from very different walks of life! Granted you will probably not exchange your e-mail or Facebook with everyone you meet, however there will be a few with whom you do. Not only will your circle of friends expand, but you will have a few places to go back to. Which could also lower the cost of future adventures if you don't have to pay for a hotel everywhere you go. On the other hand, you could also meet someone that lives near your hometown. That is actually how I found out about sorority recruitment and found my home away from home. The possibilities are endless.
Discover things you didn't know about yourself.
It will be inevitable to learn more about yourself while abroad. When you get away from a daily routine and all the stress that may come with it, you will find yourself devoting time to what you really want to do. You may not know exactly what it is you enjoy doing outside a scheduled lifestyle, but when you get away and break that cycle you will figure out how you really want to spend your time. So go ahead, pack your essentials and go find yourself!
Because why the hell not?
Just stop making excuses! I have heard every excuse in the book. Take a loan if you have to, get a second job, ask your boss for a well deserved vacation, research a country for inspiration, start budgeting, whatever you have to do. The possibilities of what you can do abroad are endless. In the end, would you rather sit in your old age talking about your daily commutes to work and school? Or that one time you looked up the next international flight and bought your ticket?
