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It is true that travel broadens the mind, but it also broadens the body and soul. I have lived on four continents (and strangely, along three deltas: the Nile, the Mekong, and the Yangtze). Here’s why people love to travel — and what you may be missing if you’re not taking time to explore the world.
What Does That Mean?
While traveling, I had to adjust to new physical surroundings, adapt to new mindsets, and integrate into new social groups. This experience enriched my life in many ways, especially regarding all the great friends I made en route.
1. Break The Cycle
“Most humans crave routine,” admits our opening poster. “It keeps us efficient, organized, and ultimately comfortable.” They say too much routine numbs our souls, so sometimes, we just need a reset. This is the way.
2. Who Am I?
“Travel is an excellent value and way to find yourself,” confirms the next commenter. However, be careful where you travel or whom you invite along; you may find yourself a rather impatient person.
3. The Half and Double Rule
A piece of my travel wisdom: When you have decided on the right number of clothes and an agreed travel budget, you must do two things: Halve what is in the suitcase and double what you budgeted. You’re welcome.
4. The Discomfort Zone
Traveling away from loved ones is never easy, but being in foreign lands makes you appreciate what you are missing and value who you love most. All youngsters should visit a developing country, if for no other reason than to make them value their own.
5. Empathy Will Heal the World
Empathy is so underrated and is sadly lacking in society today. “Travel is so important,” adds the next commenter. “You will discover new things (and) you will meet people of different cultures.” In an increasingly alienating world, these are valid words.
6. Traveling Companions
“To know your friends, travel with them,” says another intrepid commenter, “To know yourself, travel alone.”
I can’t help but think this is a famous quote but no less true, nonetheless. To find the right life partner, go traveling together — though no five-star hotels; make sure you rough it. You will see their true character soon enough.
7. Choose Wisely
A more self-care-based approach arrives in our thread next. “Traveling is a good remedy for anxiety (and) depression,” opines one gentleman. However, if you are losing hope, choose wisely. Daytona Beach during Spring Break or Vegas during Labor Day will not be healing much.
8. A Valuable Currency
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before,” says an enthusiast. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
Based on this estimate, I should be ready to retire soon. Memories do not feed a family, but they feed one’s imagination and heart if feeling down.
9. A Cultural Magpie
Understanding how other cultures operate is a wonderful way to enrich our existence. For instance, I lived six years in East Asia and now have a renewed respect for the older generation. I also lived in the USA for three years, which gave me more of a growth mentality and can-do attitude. Moreover, I saw the street kids in Cairo laughing off abject poverty.
10. Eat, Pray, Farm
Finally, an idyllic Eat, Pray, Love moment. What can we learn from our travels? “I learned from a Greek farmer on an island,” recalls a backpacker, reflecting on his adventures as a young man. He was invited to live in their cottage, overlooking the ocean. “They invited me to stay with them—for a month!”
I can’t think of a better place to develop one’s character than on a farm overlooking the Mediterranean.
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