I want to travel the world… But why?

Please note: Due to the unfortunate circumstances that the world seems to have found itself in, I wouldn’t advice on traveling just yet. For your safety, it is best to stay at home until this catastrophe has passed us. Allow this article to bring some inspiration however for when things return to normal and you’ll have plenty to look forward to.

Do you truly need a reason to start traveling? Surely you’ve seen it when you open Instagram, your explore page is plastered with people posing on beaches, having fun in the sun. Or people standing on the edge of cliffs watching a mesmerizing sunset. You can but only be amazed at the things’ people experience for themselves and you start to think: ‘I want to travel the world… but why? and how?

Some people may already have that desire to travel rooted deep in their hearts, but still need that little push to actually get them going. They need a solid reason to do what they want to do, and I’ll admit that starting travel is a big leap, it’s a life-changing experience and may get some people nervous or even excited.

But I’m here to tell you why traveling is such a beautiful escapade that we all need to try at least once. So here are a few reasons why you should travel:

You’re only young once…

“Travel! Your money will return, but your time won’t”. -Unknown

I want you to really think carefully about this: What if I told you that every moment that passes you will never return, you will never get back? Will you be satisfied with just being at home, watching your life go by as you toil your days at a job you might not enjoy, or following the same routine expecting a change somewhere.

Surely there must be more to life, more to see than just the same old scene?

‘If only I did this when I was your age’ this phrase is one I’ve heard many a time and embodies the regret older people have for not having done something while they were young. It never really is too late to begin traveling, but why must you wait until you retire to start enjoying all the good things’ life has to offer?

You’re young, full of energy and ambition. The need to seek adventure flows naturally within us and we can’t allow that spark to dim. There’s too much to see in this world for one lifetime, so much to do and experience.

I understand that we may get caught up in our education and work, we have bills to pay or perhaps a family to feed; but why should that stop any of us from pursuing something that truly feeds the soul. There’s always a way.

There’s so much to see…

The world may seem small… from your bedroom window perhaps. But you open up the Insta, browse the YouTube and read these blogs of people that have traveled the world and you realize; what’s out there is waiting for you, the thrill and adventure you will never experience from that bedroom you’re always dreaming in.

Imagine the palm trees swaying in the breeze while you’re enjoying a stroll along the beach; the oceans sparkle in the high noon sun and its azure waters reflect the clear skies. The coast is lined with people looking for a cute tan, munching on roasted corn and playing Frisbee with their dogs.

And then there’s the rocky mountains that tower high above the clouds, the endless sea of trees surround them and the sound rivers flowing emanate through the woods. The night sky is illuminated by stars and a radiant moon as the air brings a swift wind of peace and tranquility, you sit at the campfire and feel at one with the world.

These are a few examples of what you can see, but these sights are what makes life worth living; the excitement we all want can be found by simply seeking it.

Travel enlightens you…

There’s only so much we can learn in school, but experience truly is the best teacher. I’ve learnt more while abroad than I ever could at home; being out there really helps open your mind and even your heart. The world has so much to offer that simply traveling could make you a more, well-rounded and interesting person.

Learn a new language while you’re away or be fascinated by other people’s cultures, you’ll learn that people’s background may differ a lot from yours and you’ll understand that not everyone sees the world the same way you do. Their beliefs and ideals are something we all can take away from and understand that there’s so much for us to learn than we ever could imagine.

Traveling not only enlightens us on languages and culture, but also teaches us history, geography and even politics. You’ll be taught how to handle your money, how to budget, means of transportation; you might even learn how to survive in the wild and so much more.

Your life will be full of awesome stories to tell…

“Traveling will leave you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” -Helaire Belloc

When I have children I want to be able to tell them of all the things’ I’ve done in my life, I want to inspire them and have them tell all their friends about how cool their dad is.

Just people hearing you’ve been to somewhere as close by as France will have them perk their ears and asking a lot of questions. Especially for those who have never visited these parts of the world, they’ll be curious to know what it’s like to have been there, and you might even spark inspiration in them to start traveling, I know I have.

I believe traveling makes you a more interesting person, there’s so much to experience that you’re bound to have a memorable story to pass around, you’ll be asked of all the things’ you’ve seen and done, the kind of people you’ve met, any drama you’ve gone through. It’s an adventure, and people will see it as exactly that.

A great sense of fulfillment…

Traveling the world is a great feat and is a goal many people feel proud to have achieved, there are some who may not be as fortunate to experience such a thing.

It’s not everyday you could climb a mountain, or perhaps go zip-lining through the jungle, exploring traditional markets seeking the best deals; it’s something that should leave you satisfied and pleased with yourself.

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine… It’s lethal” -Paul Coelho

Following an archaic routine doesn’t bring a lot of excitement in life and you’ll eventually wish for more; maybe you want to try a new restaurant instead, or play a new game, the old pattern becomes boring and leaves a lot to be desired.

Trying something new will freshen your life up a lot, especially when it comes to traveling. Traveling is full of challenges and new things’ to try out, and this will definitely fill you up with determination and a sense of pride when you look back at these moments.

Develop meaningful relationships…

Everyone has a story to tell and as you travel around, you’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The more you travel the sooner you’ll develop a sense of perspective on people and the world that you may never have thought possible just being in the same place all the time.

I actually found my soulmate while on the road, the one special person that I met thousands of miles away from home. An amazing woman I would never knew existed if I didn’t travel.

Of course, besides her have I made acquaintances with plenty other friends whom I’ve grown very close to and still keep in contact with today; if I ever went traveling again I wouldn’t have to worry about accommodation again, I’ll have people to visit and like minded friends to travel with.

Traveling is easier than you think…

“Ehh, but I don’t have the money for it, or the time. It’s kinda scary, what if something happens to me?”

Yeeeaaaaaa naaah, not really. Traveling is so much easier than you may think, and can be even cheaper than you can imagine.

Adventure shouldn’t be a luxury that only the rich should enjoy, in fact, I’ve known people who have traveled with almost no money at all and I think this is the epitome of the adventurous lifestyle. People I believe should all try it at least once in their lives.

Furthermore, this is the 21st century, taking the plane or train has never been a more convenient way to get around, it’s all a matter of planning ahead and having a dream to chase that helps make traveling a possibility.

Everything that happens is dependent on how you approach things’ and what it is that you want to do, whether it is to go partying in Ibiza, or browsing the markets in Marrakech. All you need to do is take that first step, as one of my favorite quotes go:

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step” -Lao Tzu

What’s the worst that can happen? Usually the worst case scenario is never as bad as you make it out to be, and you’ll never know what you’re missing unless you take it upon yourself to really get out there and see the world.

To begin doesn’t take a lot of preparation and research, just courage. It’s mainly a matter of following logic and finding out where you want to go, how to get there and the things’ you wish to do; as well as any prerequisites before you leave. And if you’re still stuck, there’s a whole community of travelers that are more than willing to help out.

In conclusion…