Travel has always been part of my identity, or maybe more like my entire identity. We have all had those wonderful experiences of meeting a group of new people where you are forced to do icebreakers… “Tell us something about yourself?” I remember my first day moving into the dorms freshman year of college, we were all asked this question. As everyone answered, and it was nearing me, a bearded crusader (and eventual roommate) proudly said, “I have visited 47 states.” I could barely contain my smile as it came to me, and I blurted out, “I’ve been to 48!”

I share this to show how those of us who have traveled are eager to share how our lives have been impacted by it. I would recommend traveling to anyone who will listen…though I guess if you are reading this blog you likely have the same belief. But just in case you need more coaxing, here are a few of the reasons why I think travel is so important and beneficial:

• Understand different backgrounds and cultures

While I am not stupid enough to make any political statements on here, I think that everybody can always increase their compassion, empathy, and understanding. So many of the issues in the world today would either be eradicated or at least lessened considerably if we all thought from other people’s perspective before acting or passing judgement.

• Learn something new

This is closely related to my first part, as other cultures have a lot of worthwhile things to teach. Along with the “deep” topics that can be discussed and broadened, there are also simpler things like visiting museums, or historic areas from the past. And there are always great chances to learn about new food, and even to wow everyone back home with a new recipe!

• Try new things

I will talk more about this in a later post, but I think that everyone should strive to learn 3 new things every day – though please don’t stop there if you have more opportunities! These don’t have to be crazy difficult, world-changing facts or ideas, but with such a wide array of things to learn in the world, why not broaden your knowledge each day?

• Meet new people

People come from a wide array of backgrounds, have lived varied lives, and may look nothing alike, but from my experience, they are not that different. This is an important lesson to learn, especially for people who are either afraid, or at least wary, of others; interacting with them can show why this is silly. Apart from this, with the global world we live in, it is always great to meet another potential contact and friend.

• Work on planning, and learn to be comfortable in any environment

These two topics may seem counter-intuitive, but they are both important. Often, my family has traveled with great intentions of doing one thing, but because of some set of circumstances, we are forced to change. We have had cars break down on trips, decided certain plans require more time, and been lost in more places than I can count. This has shown me the importance of adapting in almost any circumstance. Sometimes this is easy, but other times, this can be a real difficulty, and requires a concerted effort by everyone.

• Because Travel is fun, amazing, and you want too!

All of this is great, and I have experienced all of these reasons, but there is one reason that is sooo much better than the rest…because travel is so much fun! Walking through the winding streets of Rome, or Venice; riding rollercoasters in The Mall of America; or helping build a school in the Dominican Republic: these are memories that I will never forget, and will cherish forever. So go travel! Enjoy yourself, and all of the positive learning experiences will just fall into place.