Does Travel Make Us Better People?

If someone were to ask me what has influenced my life the most, I would probably say, “My family and friends” or “My education,” but I have never really realized how much travel has influenced me, my life, my decisions, and helped to create the person I am today. People think that it is not necessary to travel, and wonder how it can benefit them, and I am surprised when I talk to some people, and they say something along the lines of, “I’ve never been out of the country,” or “Yeah, I’ve been to a few cities around the country but that’s it.” It’s mostly shocking because I grew up around people who have endless opportunities and options in life. I started traveling when I was a baby, and I’ve loved it ever since. I can’t imagine my life if I had stayed in one place forever.

Traveling doesn’t always have to be a luxury, many of my friends have gone on mission trips for their church, or to simply get a new perspective on life. I definitely believe that one has to experience life in a different area of the world, to understand the life of another human being. The learning of other languages is also a plus of traveling. My love for Spanish has helped me when I go to Mexico and Spain, and helps me in the most unexpected times. Traveling can help us communicate and find other understandings in life. It broadens perspectives and makes people more independent. I can be, at times, a very anxious person. And I know if I hadn’t had these experiences of travel, I would never be able to go on an airplane by myself, let alone travel across oceans with little to no help.

I used to be very dependent, and I know other people who were the same. But, it’s amazing that something as simple as going on an hour long plane ride, can make an eight hour plane ride a piece of cake. These experiences make it easier to work alone on projects, work problems out without asking for assistance, and just being an overall more independent person. Traveling also teaches responsibility. And it’s not just about the car ride or plane flight. It teaches time management, being able to get to the airport on time, pulling out of the driveway in time to make the necessary stops, and seeing all the important landmarks and attractions. It teaches awareness, keeping all of your luggage together, making sure you have all of your belongings, etc.

Travel is a way to bond with family and friends, make memories, learn new things, whether they be educational, or new street smarts. You can learn how to navigate through different aspects of life that you never thought possible. Travel is something that once you start, you might never want to stop. It’s almost addictive, but if you ask me, traveling is one of the best drugs available. So, if you ask me, to be a well-rounded person, travel is definitely a necessary part of life, and surely makes us better people.

~BCB~

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-kepnes/travel-is-awesome_b_4344632.html