7 reasons why travelling will make you a happier person

“To know your friends, travel with them. To know yourself, travel alone”.

 

Travelling, to think of it,  is same as reading a book. Travel gives us time to think, ideate, observe and learn new things – culture, food, history, to name a few. Just like your favourite book, once you start travelling, you just can’t get enough of it. Even before your current trip is over, you start planning the next one. Reason? You get inspired to live better, or perhaps, happy to be living a better life and giving back to those in need.

 

Here are a few reasons why travelling will make you a happier person.

 

 

  • Getting some time to yourself.

 

Traveling offers you a divine breathing space that is often lost in the day-to-day existence. Taking a few days off, to take advantage of the peace and quiet and to simply ‘be’, allows you to let go of stress and tension and just enjoy being in the moment. Traveling with a partner gives you a chance to spend quality time with them, which can really help strengthen the bond and let go of any bitterness.

 

  • You become more interesting!

 

Traveling comes with a lot of bizarre, funny and sometimes serious situations that people can often relate to, more or less, and makes you feel interesting. Making someone laugh with your embarrassing stories, or telling them about your heroic deeds is an easy way to instantly bump up your self-esteem. You don’t need to be a regular traveller to have a few mesmerising stories to tell.

 

  • Being away makes you appreciate what you have.

 

Being away from things which you often take for granted – home, family, close friends – makes you appreciate them more. Every provision you have back at home becomes a luxury – whether it be homemade food or the warmth of a hug. Calling home isn’t a chore anymore, but something to look forward to; no one enjoys listening to your envy-inducing travel stories more than your parents.

 

  • Unexpected situations train to you be mentally and physically stronger.

 

Journeys are filled with unexpected twists and turns that require agility & quick decision. No matter how perfectly designed your itinerary is, things tend to take a surprise turn time to time. Whatever may arise, there is a way around the problem. Decoding the problem and finding the right solution to it give a big boost to your self-confidence and therefore your happiness.

 

  • Learn. Learn. Learn.

 

Whether it’s learning a new skill such as changing a flat tire or learning a new language, travel presents ways in which you enhance your knowledge which no book can. Education, not only in the form of skills, but also learning about different cultures, lifestyles, and traditions gives you greater insights on improving yourself. Learning makes our brains more active, which psychologists have found increases our level of happiness – particularly when learning something we find enjoyable.

 

  • You make new friends.

 

Curiosity and Survival: The two elements which should be a part of any trip you take, become all the more fun when strangers convert into friends. Whether it’s sharing a taxi or asking for directions, these stranger-converted friends help us make your journey smoother and give you beautiful moments to cherish. When people are away from home, there seem to be less awkward boundaries to cross and making friends becomes much much easier. Social interactions make us happier and increasing our social circle means that we’re talking more and meeting different, interesting people, which hopefully means we’re learning more, too.

 

  • The effects of travelling are long term.

 

Besides the happiness and nostalgic factors, travelling can make you a much more contented, composed and relaxed person in the long run. Of course, most travel enthusiasts are constantly planning their next trip, but when you’re at home, past journeys leave you with the memories and personal skills – such as confidence, broad-mindedness, friends and a more worldly perspective – that makes you, as well as the people around you, happy.

Next on your To-Do List: Save up and Travel.

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