#travelchangesyou

What is so meaningful and inspiring about travel? Traveling has a positive impact on our lives. It brings along welcome change, and influences and inspires us in many ways. 

The word 'travel' itself has such positive connotations. It brings to mind pleasant visions of fascinating places—in fact, just thinking about travel can boost your mood. A lot of people maintain bucket lists of destinations they want to see.  Here are eight ways that travel can change your life. 

1. You get to discover and learn.

Travel offers multitudes of experiences. There are so many new things to see and discover in the world. You get to learn about things you never knew existed, and traveling helps you witness so many miraculous moments. You experience the joy and beauty of life through all the varied experiences.—which can help you to appreciate life more and give gratitude. 

  2. Travel tests you, and increases your tolerance

Travel often requires you to step out of your comfort zone. You have to try and bear with some challenging experiences. Your tolerance and patience may run low at times, but endurance of some difficulties is often what brings the most special memories. All of this will change you as a person.  Travel offers you the chance to try new experiences. Have you ever thought about mountain climbing, or high-altitude camping? Some people get a thrill out of challenges like this, and testing the limits of their physical endurance. Did you know high altitudes make it difficult for oxygen to enter our vascular system? It makes breathing strenuous, testing your physical tolerance. If this type of challenge is your thing, your patience and emotional endurance will also be test. Travel exposes us to many challenging situations that we must learn to adapt to—which makes you stronger and wiser.

3. You learn to appreciate different cultures.

Travel allows you to learn about and interact with different cultures and people around the world. It offers you the opportunity to appreciate cultural nuances, and learn about other languages, customs, and dressing styles. When you have a true cultural exchange that helps you understand different ways of life, it also helps you to reflect on your own worldview. You get the chance to befriend people of other cultures, enriching your social experience in the process.

4. You can acquire new tastes.

Travel helps you to experiment with your palate, as you try new foods or eat at unusual and exciting restaurants around the world. There are some very unique places to eat from hanging restaurants to underwater ones. The variety of food around the world allows you to try new flavors, acquire a fresh taste, and pick new favorites. You might have to be more cautious while eating out on the roads with kids; but with some care, you can teach them to appreciate different foods, too. Some countries offer excellent new roadside food stands, market stalls or food trucks that will delight the kids, and give a true local experience. Try a Chimney cake from the Czech Republic or Halo Halo from the Philippines!

5. Travel helps you come to terms with loss or deal with challenges

When you face grief or crippling fear, it can be a good idea to take yourself out of your normal surroundings. The change will help you see things from a fresh viewpoint. Travel may offer some consolation to a grieving heart, and helps many people get over that break-up, divorce, or separation. Travel may also help relieve symptoms of depression. If you have faced a significant loss, take a break and travel. You don’t need to travel far—just far enough to re-establish your peace of mind. 

6. Travel broadens your perspective

You get to see the joys and beauty present around the world. On your travels, you can check out completely different places, learning about the joys (and difficulties) of the local people. Traveling can really motivates you to look at your own life with an introspective lens—which can broaden your perspective. You feel more compassionate, patient, and less judgmental. 

7. It helps you acquire responsibility

On your travels, there are many things you need to pay attention to and take care of. You must be vigilant about your belongings. Travel makes you observant, and you have to be wary at all times. There are many things to plan and control. Travel conditions automatically help you acquire responsibility.

8. Traveling gives you confidence

Traveling will give you newfound confidence. You find yourself doing things you never thought you could. New places enlighten you, while unique and varied experiences enrich you. You discover what makes you happy and find your inner strength. All of this makes you confident like never before.  When you get back to your life after traveling, apart from mementos and memories, you bring new strength and confidence. You can resume your life with renewed zeal, and your fresh perspective helps you live better. Now might be an excellent time to set a new itinerary. Are you ready for your next adventure? About the guest author: