I don’t need to convince you that travel is awesome. Why else read a travel blog? Sure, travel is fun, exciting, relaxing and (insert any number of other adjectives here). But –  I also firmly believe that not only is travel enjoyable it is also important. It can be life altering, transformative and plays an important vital role in our development as humans. I encourage everyone to travel, whether abroad or in your own backyard. Because whether you are young, old, purple or green travel is important to us all. Here’s a few reasons why:

Travel gets you out of your comfort zone

Travel challenges you, it shakes you up, and it breaks up the mundane. We all get comfortable with our routines, our jobs, and all the familiar places we frequent on a daily basis. And it is very easy to stay within the confines of what is familiar and safe. Travel to new places can be scary and stressful because it takes you away from your comfort zone. But don’t worry, this can be a very good thing! When you step out of your comfort zone – that is your chance to grow as a person. You find out how you react to different situations, to different people, climates, food, etc. It is an opportunity to figure out things you are comfortable with, and things you can’t live without. Try new foods! Dance the tango! You never know, you might even surprise yourself and learn that you like things that you never thought you would!

“Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end…because in the end, it shows you a whole new world.” – Manoj Arora

Travel is the perfect way to experiment and challenge yourself to experience something new. Why? Because even if you absolutely hate being out of your comfort zone, it is only temporary. You know that as soon as your trip is over, you will be returning to all the things that are familiar. It’s like exercising your tolerance muscle, and it’s so so good for you. However here’s a warning: if you are like me, if you exercise this muscle enough….you just might catch the travel bug. And once you are sick with wanderlust – returning home to the familiar is the biggest let down of all. You can’t wait to go again!

Travel hones your problem-solving skills

Traveling sometimes is a crap-shoot. As in real life, shit can go awry real quick. Missed a train? Flight cancelled? Make a wrong turn and get lost? Get caught in a rainstorm? There are countless things that can go wrong during your journey. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. It is in those moments, when things are going to shit, that you have the opportunity to grow and learn how to problem solve.

Sometimes, those mishaps can be blessings in disguise! Maybe you get lost and find a some great little restaurants off the beaten path. Or maybe since you missed your train, you sit in a café and make friends with a few locals while you wait for the next one. Sometimes it’s the imperfect moments in our lives that breed the most amazing adventures.

“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

Travel helps you unplug

In a world where we are all connected all.the.time it can be hard to believe that travel can help you escape. But if you truly take a vacation – as in you are not working remotely on your vacation – putting aside work and everyday obligations can really help to hit that reset button. For me personally, when I’m away, parts of my brain wake up and creative juices start flowing. I have clearer thoughts, more intense emotions (like crying over gorgeous sunsets and delicious meals), and I feel way less stressed. You know that endless to-do list you have? The work, the groceries, errands, the normal life stuff that swirls around in our heads on a daily basis? On vacation (even for a little while) you can let that shit go. It’s an opportunity to brain detox. I know it can be hard, but it’s healthy for our souls.

If you’re really serious about getting away from it all, go somewhere you don’t even have cell service. Go hiking in a remote area, or don’t get that international access plan on your phone when you go abroad. Take away the temptation to stay connected, and those constant pings and notifications won’t interrupt your detox time. Travel level: expert.

Travel broadens your horizons

It sounds cliché but it does! Both figuratively and literally. Not only does travel allow you to see and experience different landscapes, different climates and different cities, but you also have the opportunity to experience cultures other than your own.  Seeing how other people in the world live, work and play is not only eye opening it’s a cultural growth opportunity.

When I visited Bolivia on my first international trip, I was humbled to learn how people outside of “first world” countries lived. There was begging, poverty, and people who lived in thatched huts with dirt floors. On the same trip though, I met some of the happiest people ever. They welcomed me into their homes and showed me the most gracious hospitality. When I did return to the US, it was culture shock to realize we take so many conveniences for granted.

Similarly when I studied abroad in England, I was embarrassed to learn just how much I didn’t know about the world compared to my international classmates. They knew far more about the US (geography, politics, you name it) that I did about any of their countries. It opened my eyes to the way people live all over the world, and how similar and different those cultures are. In these deeply divided times we live in, gaining a bit of perspective on other people’s cultures just might be the healing balm we need to build tolerance and appreciation for our fellow man.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain

Travel makes you appreciate home

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Being away from home in unfamiliar territory can really make you appreciate it when you do return. You might suddenly appreciate things you didn’t even know you missed. I didn’t even know I cared about stores that were open 24 hours until I returned from Europe – where in many places, the sidewalks roll up at 5pm. The soft unique fluffiness of your own bed will never feel as good as it does when you return home from a long vacation. Ahhhh… Or maybe you needed a little break from your kids? I’m sure you were grateful to leave them behind for a little bit, but you were probably bursting with happiness to return and snuggle those little monsters. Sometimes the best way to appreciate something is to leave it for a little while. Traveling affords you that perspective, without giving up home.

Overall – travel truly is important. Not only for the nurturing of our own souls and fostering personal growth – but for our growth as a society. Travel is important to bridge the gaps between our different cultures – worlds apart.