5 Reasons why Traveling is so Important.

Why is it that some people cant sit still and must travel the world, while others are happy staying in the same city their whole lives? I’ve never understood that. Besides being fun, traveling is enriching and I truly believe everybody should travel to other countries at some point in their lives.

Why is traveling so important? I believe that travel is a powerful tool for making this world a better place. The more you travel and see how others live, the more you see that we are all, in fact, the same. Here are 10 reasons why traveling is so important.

1. Understanding Other People

The more you travel, the more you meet people from other countries, with other customs, languages, religions and beliefs. Traveling blurs the lines between “them and us” and helps you understand that we are all the same. We all have families, people we love, pets, we all laugh, we all cry, we all love to eat, we all love to dance. Bigotry, sexism, chauvinism, and many other -isms might disappear as you realize that we are all humans, we are all sons and daughters.

2. Putting Things into Perspective

Traveling has the power to change your whole narrative. There is so much more to this world than what is happening in your circle right now. Things you might not have known about before might become important to you. Things that worried you before, may not stress you anymore. You’ll wonder about the things you have taken for granted (like Michael took walls and plumbing for granted). You might feel guilty or powerless seeing the inequality and unfairness in some places. But hopefully those feelings will change you and maybe even call you to action.

3. Creating Lifelong Memories

The memories that are created when traveling last a lifetime. Travel gives the opportunity for amazing adventure. Before we had our daughter (which makes traveling a little difficult) Sam and I would not give each other traditional presents for holidays and anniversaries, but instead, we would book some sort of travel. The memories we created driving around Costa Rica, swimming in cenotes in Mexico or biking around Amsterdam are the best memories I have. I would never trade them for a necklace or a watch. I will tell our daughter these stories, and one day I’ll tell her children these stories.

PS. We are working on traveling with our daughter, she is still under 1 and we are still very scared of her having jet lag, but we have brought her to Puerto Rico and are going to Arizona with her next week.

4. Trying New Foods

(written by Sam)

Food is more meaningful than a lot of us realize. So, when you get the chance to explore the gastronomy of another culture, it’s more than just an opportunity to try something tasty you’ve never experienced before. There’s a rich history behind unique, signature dishes that gives a different level of appreciation to what you’re tasting. What’s more, food is something you can take home to your friends and family. Sharing this will help open up their minds and curiosity to the world outside of home.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard stories about a dish I’ve wanted to travel to just to taste. For example, I was recently watching a show on Netflix called “The Taco Chronicles” the first episode was all about Tacos Al Pastor in Mexico City. I have never cared to go to Mexico City before. But I was planning out a whole itinerary of taco stands that I needed to try in Mexico City.

5. You’ll Make Friends Around the World

One of the best things about traveling is the people you meet on the road. This is something that is really important to us at Culture Discovery Vacations. In fact, it’s one of our core competencies. Our entire business was created around friends and family. We work with friends and family and we treat you and each other like friends and family. As a result, all of our guests become really close not only to us, but to each other. The interactions you’ll have with locals and other travelers will provide insight into cultural traditions, beliefs and way of life on a level that you just can’t experience on TV or in a text book.

Traveling is so Important

So next time an anniversary comes around, or a big birthday. Consider celebrating in a different way, in a way that will enrich your life forever. Book a ticket, plan a trip, change your life. If Italy is calling your name, you might as well check out our Hands On Culture and Culinary Vacations. We dive into the cultures of the places we visit. Getting to know the locals and the customs, and living the way the locals do. Traveling is an amazing gift to yourself, to the ones you travel with, and to the places you travel to. Especially when you’re visiting small towns and supporting local business.