Why You Should Travel Outside Your Country
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or your age, traveling will always have something to teach you. Whether it’s a climate you do well in, or the types of food you prefer, traveling is not only a great way to learn about places and people around the world but about yourself as well. Here are several reasons why you should start planning a trip abroad today.
1. Step outside of your comfort zone and expand your horizons
It can be strange to travel to a place so different from your own, but that is exactly why you should do it. Stepping out of your comfort zone opens you up to new experiences that you might never have had before. It will give you an opportunity to expand your horizons to learn and try new things and meet new people.
View sacred temples and old cathedrals with a new perspective or explore old streets of a town whose buildings have been around for five hundred years. Everything will be new to you so take advantage of it to gain a different outlook on the world around you. Use traveling to give you a chance to grow and enjoy the experiences and make memories to last a lifetime.
2. Gain cultural sensitivity
Traveling outside your country also means being exposed to different cultures. As they say: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Whether it’s taking a siesta in Spain during the afternoon or wearing a traditional summer Yukata to a festival in Japan, immersing yourself in the daily activities as the “locals” do is a wonderful way to enrich your travel experience.
Gaining a sense of cultural sensitivity also helps to promote a feeling of respect and understanding of the people and the country you are visiting. So, before you do anything, read up a bit on the culture, buy a travel guide on the country, read travel blogs, check the information from the tourists bureau, and ask family and friends who may have lived or visited the area. You will be happy you did!
3. Learn a new language
Not only is being multi-lingual a handy skill to have, but it’s also fun to be able to speak a foreign language. Is there a language you are interested in learning? Traveling to that country is a great way to get exposure and learn some language basics firsthand. You can easily pick up phrases such as please, thank you, or even slightly more complicated ones such as asking for simple directions or ordering a meal.
Many college students choose to study abroad. This allows them an opportunity to advance their foreign language skills and the chance to earn foreign language credits while studying outside of the US. It’s a popular choice for many so if you’re a student it may be worth looking to see if this is an option at your school.
4. Gain self-confidence
If you are traveling alone, a trip abroad is a great way to gain confidence in your abilities to navigate the world. You will have to be self-reliant and resourceful to guide you through your travels while being attentive to your safety and well-being. This can be especially challenging if there is a language barrier.
Of course, this doesn’t mean to treat the trip as some sort of survival mission where you’re cut off from everyone you know however it does force you to take full responsibility for yourself while you are enjoying the big wide world. Even if you are trying to limit your contact, please call your family or friends because they will be excited to hear about your travels and it will give them peace of mind to know you are well and enjoying yourself.
5. Different Food
Let’s be honest, one of the best parts about traveling is the food. Sushi and tempura in Japan, pastries in France, curries in India, delving into the local delicacies is one of the most significant aspects of experiencing culture, traditions and people.
Research the most popular restaurants, walk down to a local market, the local’s recommendation on hole-in-the-wall hidden gems that only they know about. Turn your trip into an international food tasting event for yourself.
