Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.
-Mark Twain
In the past few months, we’ve hosted half a dozen visitors to our home here in Switzerland and shown them around town and other destinations in Europe. Our friend, Courtney, came on her first international trip in April. Monica’s family just left last week from their first international trip in 28 years. In between, we’ve accommodated a few travelers from Couchsurfing. One thing they all had in a common was that spark you only see when someone has undertaken a trip and is in the process of discovering a new place and new people.
Our story began with traveling when Chris came to visit Monica in Atlanta where we started dating followed shortly after with a road trip as Monica moved to Louisville, Ky. We’ve both shared a love of traveling since we were very young, and we continue to honor that love through our many trips today. We’re passionate about travel, and we want to share that passion with others.
So, here are our top 10 reasons everyone should give traveling a shot.
1. You discover beautiful places that you will remember for a lifetime.
2. You meet so many different types of people. Some you will love, some will make you realize why you love those other people, but, overall, you will discover that all types of people live in every nation. Generally, we are much more alike than different.
3. You develop an understanding and respect for how others live. You will be amazed at what you learn and how your preconceived notions are deconstructed.
4. You open yourself to new possibilities you’ve never even imagined.
5. While traveling opens your eyes to the faults of your home, it also creates an attitude of gratitude by making you appreciate what you have even more. The stark contrast between classes can amaze you.
6. It’s fun.
7. Travel challenges you to push yourself and see where your limits really are. Most of the time, you’ll be surprised at just how far you can go.
8. Travel teaches you valuable skills. You learn how to adjust and communicate to cope in different cultures, sometimes in new languages and sometimes by other means when communicating in the local language is not possible. The skills you develop in travel can be used in a variety of areas in your life, increasing your creativity, adaptability and decision-making skills.
9. You learn how to live on a budget. While your dollar may allow you to live as a king in some nations, you may have to watch your budget in others and live below your usual means.
10. You learn new lessons that you can apply to your occupation, such as new sales techniques, new customer demands or a new way of thinking. The more you travel, the more you will be seen in your business as the guy or lady who “thinks outside the box.”
We understand traveling is not everyone’s cup of tea, and there is nothing wrong with being a homebody. Everyone enjoys the comforts of home. Traveling, however, is like exercise. You should engage in it as much as possible for a healthier you. As in exercise, start out small and build up. Try a trip near home first, see how it goes. Once you’ve learned the basics, start expanding to more challenging locations. Immerse yourself in the new place by trying the different foods, speaking with the residents, and partaking in any local events.
Though there are hardships with traveling, the benefits far outweigh them. Why do you travel (or not)?
-Chris & Monica
