Why Travel Makes You an Awesome Person

Photo by Dariusz Sankowski on Unsplash

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

Whether getting away for a 2-3-week vacation, putting off that looming 9-to-5 job, or have the luxury of calling yourself a digital nomad, travel changes you. From pre-trip to post-trip, you’ve turned into a better problem-solver, improved your creativity, increase your flexibility, and yes, now have a whole bunch of memories to fondly look back on.

No matter how old you are — twenty-something millennial or seventy-year-old couple —travel feeds your wanderlust and, as you’ve probably guessed it, makes you an awesome person. But how awesome are we talking about? Read on to find out!

1. You Are More Connected

From traveling, you get to connect with a new place, new people, and a new culture. Instead of just scrolling through amazing travel photos on Instagram, you’re actually living them.

Plus, if you go solo, with work, errands, and other to-dos out of the way, traveling gives you the time to really reflect and connect with yourself.

2. You Are More Open to Change

At a moment’s notice your flight gets delayed. You miss the train. You’re lost while trying to find said tourist attraction. You end up ordering the wrong food.

These are just a few examples of what travelers face on their adventures. Traveling forces you to be more flexible and open to the unknowns — because, as the examples show, the unknown does happen.

But don’t just take our word for it. According to the Guardian, research shows that the more countries people live in, the more creative they are. In other words, they are open to new ideas.

Which then makes sense why travelers can not only roll with the punches but also come up with creative solutions to get them from Point A to Point B.  

3. You Are Happier

Research also reveals that spending your money on experiences than material goods will make you happy. How’s this so? Your new TV or computer will only stay new and “sparkly” for only so long.

After a while, the new factor wears off. Your excitement and happiness towards that object now fades because, as the research mentions, it isn’t new anymore.

Experiences, meanwhile, help make you you. This is what makes them more meaningful. So, what are you waiting for?

Even if you don’t have the travel budget to go to another country, you can still feed the travel bug by taking a more local trip. But if your budget will stretch to international travel, then you should make the most of it! Consider a private jet database to start that new experience off in luxury. There is nothing wrong with standard flights, but a private jet will give you a much more luxurious and laid-back experience. Of course, you can also fly just within the U.S. on a private jet too. You can check out exclusive flights like Charter flights to Houston Texas | Stratos Jets Charters for pricing. At the very least, it gives you a chance to compare airfares. If you are not in the position to travel the world on a first-class aircraft, why not try making an extra fund and trying it once? Maybe it can make you learn more and try harder in life if it has a positive impact!

Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

4. You are More Curious

If you want to catch that next plane to Argentina they’re may be more reason why. People who have a case of wanderlust may actually carry a certain curiosity gene. Known as DRD4-7R, the gene that roughly 20% of the population has is associated with high levels of curiosity.

But that’s not all. Not every wanderlust-er has the same type of curiosity; researchers actually have classified curious-gene carriers into five specific “curiosity types,” which Mashable outlines: Curious Pathfinder, Curious Epicurean, Curious Culturalist, Curious Spiritualist, and Curious Challenger.

Photo by Liam Simpson on Unsplash

5. You Ditch the Stereotypes

Traveling opens your eyes to a new language, new food, and a new culture. Because, let’s face it, before you arrived at your destination, you had many preconceived notions. What’s beautiful about traveling is that it forces you to confront them.

You eat that dinner you’re skeptical about? And it’s delicious! Locals seem very blunt but they’re friendly! And guess what? The locals probably stereotyped you.

If you’re American, you may have come across several of these common stereotypes: super rich traveler, partier at all hours, arrogant and entitled tourist, and wanderluster who only speaks English.

At the end of the day, traveling gives everyone—tourist and local—a more realistic view on each other and their cultures. And, you know what? You’re probably more alike than you thought!

6. You Face Your Fears

Zip-line in the Amazon? Climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Even ask for directions in another language? Whatever your fears are, you’ll encounter situations on your travels that forces you to confront them. And, you know what? You’ll come out on the other side more confident and stronger than before.

Now, after traveling, you won’t hesitate to book that backpacking adventure with friends you’ve been putting off. You will apply to that job you’ve been questioning yourself about. And, you may even ask that specific someone out on a date.

7. You Change Your Views

Yes, traveling can have some life-altering effects on you. We’re talking as extreme as making you question your tried-and-true beliefs.

Maybe a social cause you didn’t think twice about before your travels has influenced you to take action? Or perhaps an in-depth conversation with a local is making you rethink your stance on agriculture?

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Final Thoughts: Ready to Get Your Wanderlust Fix?

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to dust off your passport, book that long-awaited flight, and plan those travel arrangements. Because, let’s face it, you have much to gain from your wanderlust experience. Where’s your next adventure? Leave a comment below.