25 Reasons Why Travel is Good For You

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There’s a reason why there are so many quotes about travel. So many books about travel, both fiction and non-fiction. I can’t tell you what I did three days ago at work, but I can recount in great detail my first day in Vancouver in 2006. Thinking back to classes at university, I couldn’t tell you much of what I learned on any given day. I can however recall minute details of my first trip to China and how I felt on day one. Travel broadens the mind, invigorates the soul, insert overused idiom here! But in my opinion, as cheesy as these quotes and sayings can be, they are true. I feel like I’m a better person having traveled the world.

Here are some of my top reasons to travel:

1. You get to see somewhere new – it might seem obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway. If you travel, you’ll get to visit new places. Seeing somewhere new is good for your sense of adventure. A change of scenery can break the monotony of everyday life, and a trip is always something to look forward to.

2. New food – my favorite thing about traveling is finding new food to try. I’ll admit I haven’t always been the most adventurous at trying new foods, but I know what I like. Desserts are my kryptonite. The first two places I always scope out when traveling somewhere new: a supermarket and a bakery. If you have those, you’re good to go.

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3. Independence and some alone time – I’m all for traveling with my significant other, my friends, my parents. But every now and again I just want some time to travel by myself. I think solo travel is something everyone should do at least once. I can eat where and when I want, no compromises on what to see or do, and it’s relaxing to just spend time with myself. Read more about solo travel and how to be prepared.

4. Meet new people and make friends – Even if you are traveling alone, it doesn’t mean you have to be solitary the whole time. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and meet new people. When I was younger staying in a hostel was a great way to meet people. Now, I will probably join a tour one day, or go to a local bar or restaurant. Years later I’m still friends with some people I met while traveling. Bonus: I now have new places to visit when I want to see them!

4. Experience other cultures – Sure it’s the cliché answer, but it really is a great part of traveling. Seeing somewhere different from what you’re used to. I have tried new food, local traditions and experiences, history and language. To be more aware of other cultures is to learn that everyone is different and that’s OK and what makes us all unique.

5. You’ll have fun stories to tell – You don’t have to be the person that starts every sentence with “well, when I was in Thailand…” but I can guarantee that by traveling you’ll end up with some awesome stories to tell. I’ve had some things happen while traveling I never thought I’d want to relive. But with enough time I now have a crazy story to tell and laugh about.

6. Learning to save – Wanting to take a trip can give you a purpose to save money. You’ll have something to work towards, a reason to skip your daily Starbucks latte and make coffee at home instead. One thing we do is put $10 in a vacation fund each time we eat at home instead of dining out. It’s a great way to save.

7. Lessons in adulting – If you think filing your taxes is a complicated process, try filling out visas and dealing with immigration. If ever there was something travel taught me, it was how to make sure I don’t have to file the same paperwork three times before I get it right. I also took it one step further and went for permanent residency in Canada, then citizenship. That’s got to be at least 3 university credits in immigration law right?

8. Photos and memories – Travel allows you to experience so much and you’ll end up with a lot of great memories. You’ll also end up with a photos. Thousands of photos. I print some as nice artwork around the house, the better ones at least. Every now and again I’ll be looking for something and come across some travel photos that bring back so many memories. Plus now with a travel blog I can finally say I put them to use.

8. Having fun – if ever there’s a good reason to travel, it’s that it is fun! I get a lot of enjoyment out of even just planning a trip, finding different things to do in a new place. I can’t be the only one. But then actually taking a trip full of activities and adventure is one of those things that just makes me happy.

9. Creativity – Sure, I’m a travel blogger so naturally traveling will get my creative juices flowing. But I think travel can inspire anyone whatever they’re into: art, cookery, languages. Writers may find a change of scenery does wonders. I know I do, and not just because I get to write about where I am. But that my brain is a little more relaxed and tuned out of the everyday mundane work, eat, sleep, repeat cycle I often get stuck in.

10. Getting lost – If you haven’t figured it out by my blog name, I have to say that getting lost is one of my favorite things. When you’re in a new place and have no idea where anything is, does it really matter if you take a wrong turn? That you take an extra 10 minutes to find somewhere? If anything you’re probably going to discover somewhere wonderful you never would have seen otherwise. Google maps are overrated, spend a day getting lost next time you visit somewhere new.

11. Relaxation – Healthy mind, healthy body. Work and everyday life can cause a lot of stress, sometimes more than you realize. It is so important to unwind and relax, and what better way than by traveling. I’m not a sit by the beach kind of person, I get bored way too easily. I used to cram so much into a vacation, but I’m finally coming around to sitting and doing nothing every now and again. Sit with your book, people watch from the sidewalk cafe, and snooze by the pool. You deserve it, and so does your mental health.

12. Learn valuable lessons – Traveling is not always puppies and rainbows. I don’t care who you talk to and how much they love traveling, they still have stories. Stories that may shock you. Me included. I’ve learned things from all of them though. What scams to watch out for (taxis), how to bargain for things (shopping in Asia), to always keep an eye on your belongings (pick-pocketed in Rome), how to do something a different way (using chopsticks in China). Trust your gut if you feel like you’re in a bad situation, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

13. Experiences you can’t get at home – You may live in the best place in the world, but there are some experiences you can only get somewhere new. I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, looked out on Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, spent a day with elephants in Thailand, walked among the giant monoliths of Stonehenge and been pelted with coconuts by monkeys in Singapore. I love Vancouver, but even I know I can’t do any of that here. Want to meet elephants in Thailand? Here’s my guide to an ethical sanctuary near Chiang Mai.

14. Get away from work – The sad fact is that most of us have to hold down a full time job to be able to afford…well, anything. I may be a travel blogger, but I still have a full time 9 to 5. I live in an expensive city, and save my money to travel when I can. So when I do get away from work, you bet I’m going to enjoy myself and make it count. Until the day when my blog takes off and allows me to travel full time *crosses fingers* I’ll be working and saving, but living my best life when I put my out of office reply on.

15. Learn and use a foreign language – Like many people in school, I studied a language. I took French. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to put that into practice. Even if you only ask for a coffee and a croissant, there’s a sense of accomplishment alongside the sweaty palms and awkward interactions. I moved to China without knowing a word of Mandarin. But I can tell you that by the end of my 2 years there I was pretty comfortable getting by, and I’m grateful for the experience and new skill.

16. Achieving goals – Whether it’s learning a new language, experiencing something new or taking you out of your comfort zone, travel will help you achieve your goals. For an incessant list maker like myself, I love to check off places I’ve traveled. I think most of us have a bucket list with at least a few travel items on there. I see mine as a personal Pokemon-style gotta catch ’em all challenge. There’s satisfaction in getting a passport stamp too. I mean who wouldn’t love to also be able to say they filled a passport. I’ve been close, but still haven’t made it.

17. Learning the value of money – No-one will be more frugal than a person with a bucket list and a dream. Figuring out how I’m going to see all the places on my list and still cope with everyday expenses is my biggest challenge. I spend my life looking for the cheap flights and hotel deals. But even when you get on your dream trip you have to learn to live on a budget. I save money by visiting cheaper bakeries for breakfast. I’ll take a self-guided walking tour instead of the third museum of the day. Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan right.

18. Having gratitude for your own circumstances – It’s easy to take for granted what we have. I find travel often makes me put things into perspective. I had a choice of which hotel I stayed in, or which restaurant I went to dinner at. There are often times when I come across people who don’t have those choices. They don’t have what we have. But they are still wonderfully kind to me, a stranger in their country, and I realize how blessed I am.

19. Use different types of transport – Everything you know changes when you travel. Learning new transit systems, and finding your way around a new place is sometimes the most difficult part. But it’s also often the most fun. I’ve been places where I got to take a boat or a tuk-tuk, take a long plane ride or an overnight train. All an adventure and an experience. Check out these travel stories of using local transport – good, bad and otherwise.

20. Confidence boosting – There are highs and lows with travel, but if anything I usually come back from a trip with a new confidence boost. It could be trying something new, a new experience, or getting by in a new language. Maybe traveling on your own for the first time, or planning the whole trip for a group of friends. I always feel so good about myself for taking a risk.

21. A technology break – We’re constantly glued to our screens. Phones, computers, tablets. I can’t walk down the street now without someone bumping into me because their eyes are on their phone. But when I travel, I find I use my devices less. Sure, I take photos, but I don’t spend as much time watching Netflix or playing games on my phone. I take in where I am, and enjoy myself. I read more books and talk to people rather than living in my inbox.

22. Learning about new things – Wherever I visit I will hunt out a museum. I love to find out about where I’m visiting. The history of the place, the culture. I can read a book about somewhere, but I’d much rather go there and learn. Talk to local people, experience local traditions and cultures. I’ve learned some amazing things from traveling.

23. Exercise – I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling I walk so much. Usually because I get lost or fall for the it doesn’t look that far map deception. But all that walking is good for your health. At home I don’t do much, walk from home to work, maybe the grocery store. The occasional trip to the gym or bike ride is nothing compared to the exercise I get on vacation.

24. Makes you appreciate your home – As much as I love to travel, I also love to come home. Nothing makes me smile more than as the plane descends over Vancouver and I can watch the city beneath me. I chose where I wanted to live for a reason, and I’m always happy to come home. My bed is always going to be more inviting than a hotel room, and once my cat has stopped being mad at me for leaving, she’ll admit she missed me. Plus, when I get home I can start planning my next trip.

25. Making the most of life – Possibly the harshest realization is that we’re not going to be around forever. Life is short, and we should do what makes us happy. For me, it’s travel. I don’t want to get to my 80s and regret not taking a trip somewhere I wanted to go because I was worried about missing work. I believe that travel has way more benefits to my life than not going anywhere new. It keeps me motivated, and gives me a purpose.

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You don’t have to go far to travel. It doesn’t have to cost your life savings. I often visit places only an hour or so away from my city, just for a change of pace. I’ve been places where I don’t speak the language, I’ve been places that speak English. It’s all traveling. But I do

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