Travel isn’t just about the fun and excitement of discovering new places,
although that’s certainly part of it. The money you spend is an investment in
yourself as travel provides many benefits, mentally and physically. It can even
help you grow as a person.
I can’t remember a time when I haven’t wanted to travel, with a strong curiosity
about new and different places. Fortunately, that passion has been scientifically
shown to enhance well-being in many ways, and it’s generally much cheaper than
paying a therapist and comes without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
How can travel help you improve your well-being?
Boosts Self-Confidence
One of the natural by-products of traveling is greater self-confidence.
Anytime you put yourself into unknown territory, it helps build more
confidence, creating an internal shift with every new experience. Each time you
do something new or take a risk, even if it’s small, like driving on the
opposite side of the road while navigating unfamiliar streets, it provides the
opportunity to boost self-confidence.
Develop Better Problem Solving Skills
When traveling, especially in a foreign country, you’re bound to run into
problems you wouldn’t encounter at home, from different traffic signs to trying
to communicate in a different language. That helps you to develop better
problem-solving skills as the brain builds new connections with every new
experience – even new sounds, tastes, and smells. It can improve your ability
to “think out of the box,” as one study revealed. Research
by INSEAD and Kellogg School of Management professor Adam Galinsky focused on
individuals living abroad and suggested that it boosted creativity resulting in
better solutions to problems.
Emotional Strength
If you’re lugging a heavy suitcase around, it will probably make you
physically stronger, but traveling doesn’t just mean bigger muscles, it builds
emotional strength. When faced with all sorts of unfamiliar situations and new
people, it teaches you to be more patient, flexible, and emotionally strong.
There are nearly always some inevitable bumps out on the road that can’t be
controlled, whether it’s traffic, flight delays, or an unexpected storm. When
you’re forced to surrender control by being in a situation where things don’t
always go as planned, no longer will you see small issues as major tragedies.
You’ll be better able to deal with the bigger problems and uncertainties in
life.
Appreciate More
As the saying goes, you never seem to appreciate what you have until it’s
gone. That means leaving things behind, from your comfortable bed to your
friends, family, and the comforts of your usual life like enjoying coffee at
your favorite cafe but it’s only going to help you develop a greater
appreciation for them. Once you’re home, you’re likely to feel more grateful
for what you have.
A Greater Desire to Explore
Once you travel, it sparks an even greater desire to explore the world and
the many different people and cultures in it. The more you discover and learn
about the world around you, the more it expands your mind while bringing joy to
your spirit.
Changing Your Perspective or Confirming Your Beliefs
Many people have a certain perspective on given cultures or views on life
that develop while they’re growing up, based on what is heard or seen by those
around them. By traveling somewhere new, your perspective will most likely
change, or it could confirm what you already believe, which helps you to
understand yourself better. Either way, it’s an opportunity for growth.