Is Travelling Really Worth It Any More?

The clocks have finally gone forward. It’s getting lighter outside, the weather is gradually getting warmer, cherry blossoms are blooming, the smell of freshly cut grass is lingering in the air, and the birds are chirping louder than before. This can only mean one thing…  summer is here! I don’t know about you, but I want to be travelling wherever the sun is.

I love to travel and think it’s incredible to experience other parts of the world, with different cultures, to dive into and explore life through a different perspective. Travelling doesn’t have to look like the luxury holidays you see on Instagram. There are unforgettable experiences to be had beyond that. However, we can get so comfortable in our little corners of the world, a little too comfy, perhaps even complacent.

What if you pushed past that wall into the unknown (cue Elsa from Frozen)? It’s a little uncomfortable, right? It’s unfamiliar, and you may get homesick at times. On the other side of that fear, it is also exhilarating, freeing, mind-opening, world-expanding, and truly beautiful (as cliché as that sounds). Why limit our own potential? Who wouldn’t want to feel new emotions and experience new things in life? Life is about just going for it, which can be scary but is rewarding. The opposite is feeling stagnant at home, not particularly impressed with your current situation, feeling like you have so much untapped potential, and full of regrets and ‘what ifs’.  

Benefits of Travel 

Travelling is not just about adventure; it’s about making sensible decisions and ensuring your safety. It’s about having the most fulfilling experiences that will fill you with serotonin. Here are a few reasons why exploring different parts of the world is not just a life-changing experience but a necessary one for your bucket list!    

Meeting New People 

There is so much to learn from others and many opportunities to meet new people and create new friendships when travelling. Even just a short interaction with some locals at the market or passing conversations in shops or on the streets can lead to gaining insight into diverse perspectives and cultural exchange.

If you are travelling solo, whether for a short or long trip, meeting new people can offer cultural exchange, broaden your horizons, and create long-term friendships. Solo travelling also provides safety and support while you are away.

Learning Languages  

Travelling opens you up more and influences you to learn a language. Learning new languages is an incredible skill, making you practice patience, determination, resilience and adaptability, which you can use daily.

Language learning comes with the territory of travelling to different places. As it is travel etiquette to at least know some essential words and phrases of your destination, you could find yourself inspired by the language and want to continue learning in more detail. The language allows you to understand people more deeply and connect to the cultures and traditions more intensely, adding more meaning and enhancing your understanding.

Uncovering New Cultures 

There are so many beautiful and fascinating cultures around the world, some of which have barely been tapped into or fully appreciated. Travelling allows the opportunity to embrace different cultures, learn about the history of cities and small towns, and explore the rich heritage that comes with it.

Self-Growth and Improvement  

I know you’ve heard the saying, “People find themselves when travelling.” There is a lot of truth to that. When exploring different parts of the world, you’re constantly learning.

You gain confidence in yourself and your abilities, realise what is important to you, and things you usually stress about don’t seem as serious. This is as you gain a higher perspective through not being as cemented into your own thoughts. As you grow, you truly discern what’s important in life and what you want for yourself.

A Traveller’s Bucket List 

Travelling offers eye-opening, impactful, and fulfilling adventures, whether a short trip every now and then or a long trip covering more areas. Be engulfed with the endless possibilities, the journey with different cultures, people, and languages, and the journey with self. Take that leap of faith, as what you will gain from it are once-in-a-lifetime gems that cannot be replicated in any other way.