“Travel while you’re young and able. Don’t worry about the money, just make it work. Experience is far more valuable than money will ever be.” David Avocado Wolfe could not have said it better. You gain so much more than pictures and souvenirs when you travel. We live on such a beautiful planet with such different cultures and landscapes that you would never even know about. There is a whole world out there waiting for you to explore, and I definitely recommend it.
Traveling allows you to fully immerse yourself in the different cultures around the world. Eat like the Italians in Italy, drink beer like the Germans in Germany, and dance salsa in Latin America to name a few. Traveling broadens your horizons and allows you to gain new perspectives. Make the most of your travels by getting out of your comfort zone, whether that means ordering local foods you have never heard of before or going on a crazy excursion such as zip-lining through a forest.
Traveling to countries not as economically stable, such as the Dominican Republic or Costa Rica, really opens your eyes and get you to appreciate what you have. Seeing how these people live first-hand really reminds you of how lucky you are.
Traveling allows you to meet amazing people from all over and see their similarities and differences to you, even though they are from opposite sides of the world. The technology and social media we have today allows you to stay in touch with the people you meet abroad. The local people will also know the best things to do and see in their country. Keeping in touch with these people will also potentially give you a free place to stay when you go back (wink, wink).
Traveling allows you to learn new languages from around the world. I understand that two weeks in Europe probably won’t make you fluent in Italian or French, but you will learn how to correctly greet the local people in their language and immersing yourself in a foreign language is the best way to learn. The locals will also appreciate your willingness to learn how to interact with them in their country.
Traveling gives you lifelong memories and stories you will be sharing for years to come. After my freshman year of college, a friend and I backpacked through Italy, France, and Spain. Not only was this still to date, the best trip of my life, but I learned and gained so much in those three weeks. I am still, 2 years later, telling stories and sharing my memories from that trip.
Traveling with friends and family can bring you closer. Not only are you just spending a lot of time together but the adventures you go on together can strengthen your relationship.
In all, traveling makes you wiser; your travels will allow you to grow into a well-rounded person, open to more opportunities. Before you have a family of your own or any career obligations, use your youth to travel. Experience new places, new people, and new foods that this world has to offer. I promise you, you will not regret it.
