The world is a big place. So big in fact that it holds hundreds and thousands of different cultures, languages, and people. Although it may be impossible to visit every country and every culture in one lifetime, it is important to travel and see the world because it has so much to offer. Some people are intimidated by the idea of traveling because it “seems like a lot of work” but the experience itself is so rewarding in many ways. The world is not only big but beautiful, why not explore it?

Traveling introduces you to different cultures. Many of us grow up in households that are strictly one culture. We are used to the same traditions for the same holidays and celebrations day in and day out. Although it does not mean we do not love our own culture, traveling allows us to be immersed in another culture that might be completely opposite of our own. By doing this, we are able to gain new insight into how other people live and what other people value, which in turn expands our horizons. When we learn how other people live, we are able to connect with them on a different level because we understand their culture. Traveling allows you to accomplish that much better than reading it out of a textbook!

Traveling brings you to new people. If you never leave your own country, your own state or even your own city, you may never know what or who is out there. Traveling is so great because it almost forces us to come into contact with people we never thought we would know or meet. Meeting new people enhances and enriches our lives because we can form friendships and relationships with people that will last a lifetime. The friends we make on our travels may be very different from us but because of the differences they add so much to our lives for the better.

Traveling teaches you that you are a part of something greater than yourself. As you embark on various adventures to various places, you are constantly reminded that the world is a big place and you are only a small part. But instead of feeling like you are an unimportant small part, traveling allows you to feel like you play an important role in the world you live in. At the same time, it reminds you to stay humble because the places you visit never cease to amaze you with their beauty and easy strength that takes your breath away. You begin to deeply appreciate the world around you and all it has to offer.

Traveling enhances individuality. Learning about different cultures and meeting new people adds to each person’s individual experiences. You are the only one who has had these exact experiences and each person takes something different away from each experience.Therefore, the more you travel the more individual you become. You have your own unique stories to tell from the places you’ve been and the things you’ve seen that not everyone may know about. Embrace your newfound individuality because it is and forever will be part of your story.

So if you ever are debating about whether or not to take that spontaneous trip, go for it! You won’t be sorry!