Elizabeth WaddingtonIf you feel the urge to travel the world, give in to that siren song. Many of us dream of exploring the world and couldn’t imagine a life just confined to one place. If you believe travelling gives you some sort of purpose, and is a transformative experience that can enrich your life in many different ways, by all means, go out there and see the world. While it’s still natural to feel a pang of separation from your loved ones, remember that your journeys can actually strengthen your bonds. In fact, travelling can positively affect both you and your loved ones. Still clinging on to that guilt feeling? Here are reasons to convince you and your loved ones to let you go.
Also read: 10 Brilliant Responses When People Ask Why You Travel So Much
Travel makes you more empathetic
Travel gives you the opportunity to meet many, many different people, to experience different cultures and get to know locals with a wide variety of different backgrounds, situations and beliefs. In meeting a range of people and getting to understand the issues they face, their dreams, their joys, their fears, you can hone your empathy skills. You will become better and understanding the emotions of others and putting yourself in other people’s shoes.
Travel expands the mind
While staying in one place, you may well feel a tendency towards becoming rather stuck in your ways. Travel expands the mind, allowing you to get out of that rut. Your loved ones will see an improvement in your ability to start new patterns of behaviour. In other words, your loved ones will surely appreciate the fact that you are more willing to change and adapt to any changes that come your way.
Travel broadens your horizons
Travel not only improves your ability to cope with change in routine and make you more flexible, it also makes it easier for you to see a range of different points of view. Travel broadens your horizons and forces you to look at the world in a different way. You will be better able to see more sides of an argument, which your loved ones will surely come to benefit from in due course.
Travel improves your communication skills
When you are travelling alone, you invariably meet a wide range of different people, not all of whom speak the same language as you. You will learn how to talk to people like you and people with whom you have little or nothing in common. You will learn how to communicate in other ways to work around language barriers. Your whole family will benefit from your new and improved communication skills, which can strengthen the bonds between you.
Travel gives you many memories to share
Last but not least, travel will give you plenty of stories to tell and memories to share with your loved ones on your return. The stories and anecdotes you tell will educate, inform and entertain your loved ones – another way in which bonds can be strengthened when you do get home.
Travel boosts your creativity
Once you’re out there in the world, you’re exposed to new cultures, sights, and sounds that can spark creativity. Whether it’s through photography, writing, painting, or simply coming up with new ideas, travel can ignite your passion for art and cultivate your imagination. Your loved ones may even benefit from your newfound creative pursuit, whether it’s through creative problem-solving or simply enjoying your artistic endeavours.
Travel enhances your self-confidence
Overcoming challenges, navigating unfamiliar territories, and interacting with diverse people can significantly boost your self-confidence. With this newfound confidence, you can positively impact your relationships with your loved ones and become more assertive, resilient, and capable.
Also read: Why It Is Important to Have a Circle of (Travel) Friends
So, do not feel guilty. Get out there and travel to make yourself a better person for you and your loved ones.
