part0058

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, travel leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful.”

For most of human history we have lived isolated from each other – the average person in historical times probably never traveled more than a few hundred miles from their home in their entire lifetime, and since communication was so limited in those times they probably never experienced any other culture than their own. It’s only in recent times that communication has advanced to the level where it’s possible to talk with someone on the other side of the planet, but as great as that is there is still a magical quality to physically experiencing other cultures and meeting people of different creeds in the flesh.

Travel is, as at it has always been, one of the greatest eye-openers available to us all. Not only is it fascinating and a potential source of a great deal of personal pleasure, but it can give you a great new perspective on life itself through discovery of how different people go through their lives. The rich tapestry of human experience has a great deal of variety of sensations and experience, as well as unique views of life and different solutions to problems, and only through travel can you gain an understanding of them.

Make travel a passion. If you are still young and without a ton of responsibilities, take a year – or more – off just to see the world, and don’t worry about comfort. Sleep on couches, in hostels, on floors – don’t worry about comfort. As you grow older, make a point to continue to travel. Make meeting new people all over the world your biggest priority – it is through them that you will truly grow to gain a better picture of the world as a whole .

Plan and book your next travel adventure. Try opposing the culture you’re most accustomed to – ie. If you’re from the city, go to an isolated location. If you’re from the countryside, stop in a new town or city. If money is a concern, plan a trip in your country to a part you are yet to explore or save up for the holiday 2 years in advance.