"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you - it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you... Hopefully, you leave something good behind." -Anthony Bourdain
Traveling the world is more than just getting a stamp in your passport. After traveling to another country, it amazes me when people tell me they have never left their state. If you are someone who has not traveled or if you simply do not want to, this is my list of reasons why you should get out of your comfort zone and go.
1. Expose yourself to different cultures
Looking at how other people live their lives and the traditions they hold with their families is truly magical.
2. Learn to appreciate the things you have
Going to another country, especially one that is poorer than yours shows you how good your life actually is. Most of us have food on the table, clothes on our backs and a family that loves us – these things are rare to find in some countries. Hold your family close and give thanks for all you have.
3. Learn a new language
There are roughly 6,500 spoken languages in the world today. Many of us are only able to speak one or maybe two languages. Going to country where they speak a different language helps you to gain knowledge in an unorthodox way. There are no formal classes once you get to the country, you learn as you go and you may be surprised by the words or phrases you have picked up along the way.
4. Gain the knowledge that we are all HUMAN
In the world we live in today, there is much judgement about race, gender, ethnicity, political views, sexuality, economic class and so many more. Taking a step back and realizes that every person who walks the earth has a brain and heart really brings the perspective that we are not so different after all. Respect people because they are people.
5. Try new foods
While traveling, one of the best things you can experience is the food. You will be introduced to foods you've never heard of before or some you have that are prepared differently. Having an open mind about trying new foods is key to enjoying the local cuisine. Trust me, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about eating lamb – guess what, it’s not that bad.
6. Make memories
Whether you know it or not, you are making memories that will last a lifetime. You will be sharing the moments you experienced for the rest of your life. You want to know why? Because these little moments changed you and you have to let the world know.
7. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone
This is the moto of my life. Growth can only happen if you take risks and you can only take risks if you go outside your comfort zone. It may be scary or uncomfortable, but your future self will thank you for taking that leap of faith.
8. Just Relax
You are on vacation away from the stresses of work or school – enjoy it. Kick back with a good book and simply appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer the world.
9. Make new friends
While traveling, you will create bonds with many different people. Whether it’s the people you are traveling with or someone you meet along the way, you are sharing these amazing moments together.
10. You will look at the world differently
Once you come back from your adventures, I guarantee you will look at the world differently. You will learn to appreciate all the little things that make people different. It may not change you in a radical way, but you will notice that you carry yourself a little differently – which is a good thing.
There is nothing quite like the experiences you will have when you travel the world. Any opportunity you have to travel, take it! See the Great Wall of China, the beaches of Australia, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and all the other beautiful attractions of the world.
