Self-Improvement — Travel #ILLUMINATION

3 Reasons Why You Should Travel More Often

Unexpected benefits of traveling the world.

“TRAVELING — IT LEAVES YOU SPEECHLESS, THEN TURNS YOU INTO A STORYTELLER.” — IBN BATTUTA

If you are in pursuit of Self-Improvement, know that one of the best ways to facilitate personal growth is through travel. It doesn’t matter where you go, just go.

As I mentioned in my introduction, my family often moved when I was a child. I have lived in tiny villages, small towns, and major metropolises. I learned new things wherever I went. The more I traveled, the more I grew, and the more I got addicted to traveling. It is in my blood and my DNA.

I was still a teenager when I came to the USA. I had preconceived notions of Western culture, and they weren’t positive just as most Americans don’t have favorable opinions about people in the Eastern world, especially if they have never been there.

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countiries.” ~Aldus Huxley

It took me a little while to shed my preconceived notions. I have my dad to thank for that. Some of the people I know who came here around the same time still live with the old mindset, as do some of my American friends who have traveled abroad. Travel is only a tool for self-improvement just like any other means. Not everyone benefits from the tools at their disposal.

When was the last time you went someplace away from home?

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrowmindedness.” ~Mark Twain

When I decided to walk from Chicago to Santa Monica along Route 66, many of my friends were concerned about my safety. Not only that, but many people whom I met along the way also warned me to be careful about going to the next destination. Those who don’t travel are fearful of others. What they don’t know is that people are the same wherever you go. I have been a regular traveler all my life. I knew there was no reason to be fearful.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but having new Eyes.” ~ Marcel Proust

When you travel, you see and meet new people. You try new things and eat exotic foods, and discover new ways to get around. The more new things you see and learn, the more you realize that people are not much different despite all their seeming differences. Travel helps you change your perspective.

“When you change the way you see things, the things you see change.” ~Wayne Dyer

The takeaways

I have learned many valuable life lessons by being a frequent traveler. Here are my top three.

1. Travel is a xenophobia killer. It allows us to see our common humanity and eliminate hate and prejudice.

2. You expand your knowledge base. The more you travel, the more you learn about the world we call home.

3. Travel enables you to see things from the eyes of other people. It alters your world view and gives you an expanded perspective, allowing you to make better decisions.

When setting off on a journey, never take counsel of those who have not left home. ~Rumi

Day seven of the 30-day challenge. My theme: Self-Improvement.

As always, Thank you for reading. Here are some of my travel escapades.

I am a self-proclaimed weirdo, Jack of Many Trades and Master of Some. I live the Freedom Lifestyle — life on my terms, and help those who are interested in doing the same. (Join the Tribe)

“You can let others tell you what it means to be successful, or you can decide it for yourself.”