Ten reasons to go travelling

Most people will at one point in life ask themselves, should I go travelling? At first, it can seem like a simple, uncomplicated question. Travelling, being independent, freeing yourself from the chains of your daily routine all sounds fabulous, and it really is. One word that describes travelling is inspiring. Travelling will take you to places you never been before, both physically and spiritually. Life is precious and for living to the fullest. Travelling gives you the perfect opportunity to both learn and grow. On the flip side, it can seem daunting, expensive and a waste of years of study. These are all points to carefully consider if you are planning your gap year or travel plans after you finish your university course. There are so many ways you can embark on a journey, whether it's a student gap year adventure, a summer break, or a semester abroad. Each of which, offers benefits that go way beyond the thrill of exploring new places. So what do you want to do? We’ve put together ten reasons to help you decide.  

1) Opportunities to embrace new cultures

No matter the destination or the location, whether you’re at the Taj Mahal in India, or trekking through the Amazon, you’ll be exposed to new and diverse cultures. Meeting new people and their way of life is a lesson in life that you can’t learn from a book; you have to go out there and actually experience it for yourself. Embracing new cultures will open your mind, and teach you a whole new meaning of life. This will bring an opportunity to break down stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity of our world.

2) Be inspired

Your monotonous daily routine can leave you wanting more; you want to feel inspired. But can you really be inspired sitting at a desk five days a week? It’s possible, but a gap year will provide certain inspiration. Being freed from your daily routine and on a journey that will differ vastly from one day to the next will see you no longer yearning for inspiration. Travelling could kick-start your life in a whole direction. Trust us, your horizons will be broadened.

Take a tech break

If you’re not lacking inspiration, then one thing we could all do with is a tech break. In a world where we are surrounded by more technology than we know what to do with, sometimes you just want to escape it all. The solution is quite simple, and it comes in the form of travelling. Ditch your phone and laptop for a cocktail, or a very large travelling bag, of course, it depends on your ideal way to travel! But the point is that having a break from the tech world allows you to experience things in a whole new way. Keeping your mind open and you connected to the things around you.

4) Bring out your adventurous side

Travelling may be inspirational, but it also provides the ideal opportunity to explore your adventurous side. You might find yourself swimming with sharks, walking on the side of a volcano, or standing beside the Niagara Falls. It’s time to forget your fears and let your adventurous side out. Travelling allows your personality to develop in a different way, one which might surprise you. This will enrich your life and provide you with some amazing stories and lifelong memories and friendships.

5) It’s fun

Travelling will blow your mind and change your life, but our most persuasive argument is that it is a lot of fun. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a group of friends, this is a trip where you will do things that you’ve only dreamt of or experience places you’ve only ever seen in books. Don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime where the possibilities are endless!

6) Reduce stress and recharge

The demands of student life can be stressful, and taking a break for student travel is an excellent way to recharge your mind and spirit. It is a great stress relief - a change of scenery, the absence of pressures, and the opportunity to relax in beautiful surroundings can significantly improve your overall well-being. You’re welcome!

7) Learn outside of the classroom

While lecture theatre and traditional education is undoubtedly valuable and gets us all where we hope to be in life, there are certain life lessons that can only be learned through travel and experiences. Travelling teaches you to adapt to your situations, solve problems, and make decisions on the fly under different pressures. It encourages independence and resourcefulness, which are essential life skills. You can also book onto join excursions that take you on an educational tour which will enable you to make the most of learning about nature and different cultures or even landforms. 

8) Discover yourself

We know it sounds cliché, but travelling provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery. When you're away from familiar surroundings and routines, the experiences and challenges you encounter while travelling can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, you'll develop these skills for life and they will serve you well. 

9) Build confidence

Travelling can do wonders for your self-confidence. You'll have to face situations that require you to think on your feet and problem solve. Situations will range from navigating unfamiliar cities to interacting with people from different cultures. Overcoming these challenges boosts your confidence and helps you grow as an individual.

10) Practical travel tips

Ok – so now you are hooked! Before you launch into your big adventure be mindful of these practical tips that will help to keep you safe and have fun while on your gap year travels 

1. Plan and Budget: Careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth journey. Research your journey, develop an itinerary, and set a lose daily budget. You can be flexible with your plans but having some framework will make your life easier.

2.  Safety: Prioritize your safety by being aware of your surroundings, following local laws and customs, and keeping your belongings secure. Keep an eye on Government advice as well.

3. Travel Insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself in case of unforeseen events like accidents, illnesses, or trip cancellations. This is an absolute must, you never know what might happen and having this reassurance is vital.

4. Travel Light: Packing light can make your journey more convenient. Be selective about what you bring, and consider the climate and culture of your destination. You don’t need half of what you think! Also the more space you have in your bag, the more trinkets and things you can buy when you are away.

So now what...

Travelling as a student offers a unique opportunity for growth. Expand your horizons, pick up life skills, and create memories. Step outside of your comfort zone and get exploring - you will never regret booking those tickets!