Why You Need to Travel and Explore the World
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Everyone should consider travelling and exploring the world an enriching and transformative experience. It offers countless personal and professional benefits and opens up opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
When I left school, I attended an agricultural college and studied for a National Diploma in Equine and Business Management. During my time on this course, we travelled to Europe for two weeks to learn about the breeding programs of horses on the continent, such as in Germany and Poland. We also visited Holland and Denmark. Travelling, meeting different people, and learning about different cultures really help you grow on a personal level; you learn and experience so much from travelling.
When I was 19, I worked in America for the summer. I was fortunate enough to have family there. My mum’s cousin found me a job working with horses, about an hour from where they lived in Jersey, and a place I could stay. I loved the house I was staying in, they had a swimming pool, and not everyone in the UK has one of those or the weather for it; they also had horses out in the paddock next to the pool. I felt like I was living in Dallas. If you’ve ever seen Dallas, the TV series with the Ewing family, you will know exactly what I mean.
Travelling and working abroad help boost your confidence while gaining experience and meeting new people you wouldn’t usually meet in your town. I travelled while in America, and the experience made me want to travel more.
In my 20s, I did kickboxing for a few years and then took up Muay Tai boxing. The Gym I joined arranged a two-week trip to Thailand, where we would travel and train in different Thai boxing Gyms. The experience was great fun; even if I returned a little bruised and sore, I met some lovely people and visited so many beautiful places.
I remember my mum telling me stories of when she travelled to France when she was younger and worked picking Grapes in the Champagne district. She told me the experience was so much fun because of the people she met and the places she visited on her days off.
My Mum is not a big drinker, but I imagine the free champagne with lunch every day couldn’t have been bad. She was quite active during her youth and often went cycling or hiking on holidays. Not that long ago, at 78 years old, she volunteered in Nepal, teaching in a school for a month through a company called ProjectsAbroard, https://www.projects-abroad.org, so don’t let age put you off travelling. Even her cousin, at 80, was often jet-setting off here and there.
Disclaimer This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Projects abroad.
When my father was younger, he worked as a chef on a Cunard cruise ship and always travelled to different destinations. He told me he cooked for the queen on one Occasion and kept the menu. When my siblings and I were young, we always went on holiday as a family each year, not always abroad, but when we grew up, my parents travelled together worldwide; the stories and experiences they share with their children and Grandchildren are amazing. Money can buy you material things, but investing in life experiences stays with you for life and is something you can look back on, as well as photos and treasures you collected along the way.
I’ve travelled quite a lot over the years and still want to travel much more, so let’s delve into why you should travel and explore the world. But before you go anywhere you haven’t been, consider checking foreign travel advice to make sure wherever you are travelling to is safe and to get advice about where you are travelling. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
1. Broaden Your Horizons
One of the most compelling reasons to travel and explore the world is to broaden your horizons. When you step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new cultures, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s diversity. You learn to embrace different perspectives, customs, and traditions, which can significantly enhance your worldview.
By experiencing different ways of life, you become more open-minded and tolerant. You also develop empathy and compassion for others as you witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of people from different walks of life. This expanded perspective can profoundly impact your relationships and ability to navigate and thrive in an increasingly globalised world.
2. Learn and Grow
Travelling and exploring the world is a constant learning experience. It allows you to step outside the confines of a classroom or textbook and learn about history, art, culture, and geography in a tangible and immersive way. Whether visiting ancient ruins, exploring museums, or conversing with locals, every interaction becomes an opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding.
Travel fosters personal growth and self-discovery. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to adapt to new environments and situations. You become more resilient, adaptable, and resourceful as you navigate unfamiliar territories and overcome obstacles. These skills are valuable in travel and various aspects of life, including your career.
3. Gain a Global Perspective
Travelling and exploring the world provides a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective. It allows you to see firsthand the interconnectedness of our world and the shared challenges and opportunities we face as an international community. By experiencing different cultures and witnessing the impact of global issues, such as climate change or poverty, you develop a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it.
This global perspective is increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. It enables you to navigate cultural differences, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to positive change. A global perspective is valuable whether working in international relations, business, or any other field.
4. Break Out of Your Routine
Travelling and exploring the world allows you to leave your routine and experience life differently. It offers a break from the monotony of daily life and provides an opportunity for adventure, spontaneity, and exploration. Whether hiking through a rainforest, wandering through bustling markets, or trying new cuisines, each day is filled with the excitement of the unknown.
5. Create Lasting Memories
Finally, travelling and exploring the world allows you to create lasting memories that will stay with you forever. Whether it’s witnessing a breathtaking sunset over a mountain range, forging deep connections with fellow travellers, or experiencing the kindness of strangers, these moments become cherished memories that shape who you are.
These memories also serve as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the world. They inspire you to continue exploring and seeking new experiences, even after you return home. The memories you create while travelling become a part of your narrative, adding depth and richness to your life story.
I hope you feel inspired and think about where you would like to travel. If you’re not in the position to travel right now, then maybe you can start taking steps, whatever they may be, to make plans for when and where you hope to visit in the future.