As this summer begins to wrap up and I prepare for the upcoming school year, I can often be found surrounding myself with pictures of far off places and adding to my endless travel bucket list. ”Ok- so I’m going here next summer, here over winter break, and oh maybe I’ll study abroad here in a few semesters!” I guess you could say it’s my way of relaxing. I’m certainly not an expert in world travel but I like to think, whether you’re driving to a different county or flying to to another country, there are some pretty good reasons to explore the world we’re so blessed to live in.
- It’s a good way to relieve stress.
Now I’m not talking about the family trips to Disney world with toddlers when I say this. I mean when you really immerse yourself in what you’re doing in a new, exciting place it's hard to think about your to-do list at home. This can be hard to do if you’re travelling during the school year, but trust me when you stop breathe in fresh air at a state park or take a picture of an ocean sunset that math assignment suddenly becomes less daunting.
2. Meeting new people
Who doesn’t love new friends! Meeting new people just gets way cooler when they’re from a different place too! There are so many perspectives and ideas we can get from simply getting to know people in other places.
3. Exploring different cultures
There’s something truly special about learning how other people experience life. Whether you’re discovering a new town festival with different traditions or a immersing yourself in strange foods and a new language, different cultures are exciting! I personally love a good pop vs. soda debate or listening to music by artists I’ve never heard of. I’d like to thank travelling for introducing me to Reggae and Cody Johnson.
4. Bonding with the people around you
Chances are, unless you’re really daring, you won’t be travelling alone. The people you encounter new places and cultures with share a bond with you and that’s pretty spectacular. Maybe you’ll get to know some amazing people on a Washington Leadership Conference trip or get closer to your siblings on family vacation. The memories you make with these people are cemented by a shared experience.
5. Appreciating your home
Despite how much I love seeing new places and experiences other cultures, there’s no way to describe the smile I have on my face when I get to see Iowa cornfields again. Sometimes getting away from home is what it takes to truly appreciate what you are so blessed with. The thing about travelling is that you just keep wanting to do it, but you also appreciate your own piece of the world a little more each time you leave.
Maybe you’ve never travelled out of the state or maybe you’ve got a long list of exciting places you’ve been. Either way, if you ask me, it’s worth it to take a step outside your comfort zone sometimes. It doesn’t have to be super far away. Sometimes the biggest step is deciding to just go- the memories and experiences will happen along the way.
Ally Babcock
North Central State Vice President
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