If you’re ever in need of a getaway from your mundane lifestyle, or in need to step back for a moment to breathe and reflect on life, one thing you can do is to travel. With a total of 8 regions and 195 countries, the world is indeed a vast place that is yet to be explored. So, if you have the budget and time, take this opportunity to explore the world and widen your perspective about the world, and about life in general.
Why should I travel?
Why not? Yes, you can choose to live life in your own country and learn about other cultures through the internet and in the comfort of your own home. However, wouldn’t it be great if you’re able to learn and experience other cultures by being in their own country instead?
What are the benefits of travelling?
Just like everything else, traveling has various benefits to us as well. Traveling benefits will definitely affect us in the long run, and it is a good way too. Here is why:
Traveling the world helps open your eyes and learn about the world
Sure, with everything at the tip of your fingers, you’re able to learn about the world from the comfort of your own homes. However, sometimes the things you learn online might be limited, hence another choice you can make is to travel to the country you’re interested in, and be absorbed in it culture and history.
At the same time, by being in another country, you’re able to broaden your perspective on the world. Different cultures, history, language and lifestyle will help you understand better about how special and unique everyone is. You can choose to stay in your neighborhood until you grow old, but your perspective about the world will be limited because you have no experience on what it’s like to live elsewhere.
You will build meaningful relationship with others, as well as your social skills
When traveling to another country, or any country of your choice, you have no other choice but to interact with the locals, or new acquaintances along the way. Traveling pushes you out of your comfort zone to embrace and see the beauty of others and the world in a different place, which leads to you picking up certain tips and tricks while boosting your social skills abroad.
Being able to build meaningful relationships with others will make your traveling experience a little bit easier as you can navigate through the city, state or country with the help of a local acquaintance. You will likely be able to know about hidden stories and history that you never heard or read anywhere else.
Traveling gives you the space and time to reflect on your life, and pushes you forward
This may sound cliche, but most people find traveling does help clear the fog up in their brains from the mundane lifestyle they used to have. Reflecting on life goes hand in hand with broadening your perspective, because when you are able to see the world in another point of view, you will begin to reflect back on your life and about how far you have come since then.
When you have the time to embrace the beautiful scenery, immersing yourself in another culture, it simultaneously helps you push forward and makes you think about what you want your next step, or next goal to be. Traveling clears up your mind a bit to give space to what really matters, and helps you appreciate your life and existence a little bit more too.
Traveling does sound intriguing, but I don’t know where to start
Well, you can start by listing down places you’ve dreamed of visiting, and activities you want to try while you’re there. As aforementioned, there are 8 regions and 195 countries to choose from; but it also depends on where you’re from because certain countries limit the choice of countries you can visit.
If you have been particularly interested in Europe, where famous places like the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and many more are at, then here are some places that you can consider visit on your first or next trip:
Paris, France
Ah, yes, the city of love. Paris is home to several museums and monuments, including the world-famous Louvre and the d’Orsay. There are free walking tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours are the greatest means to see the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Sacré Coeur, and the rest of Paris’s artistic treasures. You can also take a stroll around Montmartre or The Latin Quarter, or even have a drink at one of the city’s greatest pubs, or go to see a play at the Lido de Paris or Moulin Rouge!
Athens, Greece
Athens is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, and the fact that it combines ancient and modern architecture and culture makes it an intriguing and one-of-a-kind tourist destination rich with myths and stories dating back to the period of the Greek Empire. Many tourists would want to visit Athens due to its majestic landscape too, so you can consider Athens a palace to visit on your next trip. You can climb to the top of the Acropolis for breathtaking views of the city, then admire the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus while you’re there.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city of art, celebration, and good times, with a cultural history that spans the ages, beautiful beaches, and a thriving nightlife. Its features include the Sagrada Familia, one of the world’s top tourist attractions, as well as Park Güell and Casa Batlló. With the sports lighter around Sagrada Familia, you are able to enjoy the beauty of the historical building at night too. Still, there is a lot to do, so it’s probably a good idea to research Barcelona City Passes to get the cheapest prices and see the most attractions.
London, United Kingdom
One of the world’s most renowned and cosmopolitan cities, London has almost 2,000 years of history, is rich in arts, science, architecture, politics, and active nightlife, and is thus at the top of most tourists’ “must-see” lists. To make sure the greatest landmarks, such the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye, are seen, you can sign up for a free walking tour or get on a bus trip.
When you’re there, go ahead and visit the Kew Gardens, London Zoo, any of the city’s numerous museums, or a musical performance are all great ways to take a break from the city’s hectic pace. The historic Stonehenge, the relaxing waters of Bath, and the picturesque streets of Windsor, home to the magnificent Windsor Castle, are all within a day trip distance from London.
