Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experiences that you may find yourself talking about for years to come. Not only will you likely get to see some interesting sights, meet new people, and try new foods, but traveling can change your outlook on life. Here are some of the best benefits of traveling that you otherwise wouldn’t experience from the comfort of your home.

1.     R & R: Depending on how you like to travel, vacations can be an excellent time to unplug, and reconnect to those around you with some simple rest and relaxation. Breaking away from the tired, old routines can help you reset and recharge like nothing else!
2.     Get a new world view: Even if you stay in your country of origin, you’ll get to see a different way of life and see more of where you are from. If you travel abroad, you’ll get to experience the expansive differences between a new culture and the culture with which you’re familiar. It’s eye opening to learn about different traditions from other nations and religions. With your newfound perspective, you will have a greater appreciation for the struggles and passions of others. It may even inspire you to find new solutions to old problems back home.
3.     Try new foods: There is nothing better than having local produce that is native to the region. It’s always more delicious than the ones you can find in a grocery store—that is, if you can find it in the grocery store. Along with different cultures come different culinary traditions. Try it all! See what the local people like to dine on. It’ll give you a more complete picture of what life is like in this new area. You never know; you may find a new favorite recipe to share with friends back home.
4.     Bond with your loved ones with a new experience: When you vacation with others, you share once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You are able to break away from the daily routine and share more of yourself with the people that you love. Being able to kick back and shed the stress from your usual day will let you reconnect to the people that mean the most to you. You will share more laughs and make memories together that will last a lifetime. 
5.     Improve social and communication skills: This is a practical benefit from your traveling experience. Odds are, if you travel to a foreign country, you won’t speak the native tongue. It doesn’t mean that you are unable to communicate; it just means you have to get creative with how you communicate. You’ll stretch your brain to figure out how to find out the information you need. You’ll have to learn new tactics in expressing yourself. From learning new words, to motioning hand signals, you’ll work new areas of your brain.
6.     Get the creative juices flowing: Are you feeling uninspired or stuck in a rut? Traveling can give you a fresh outlook and kick start the creative juices. By stepping away from what you are working on to experience something new, you are able to have the “Aha!” moments that drive your creativity.
7.     Embrace uncertainty: Are you someone who struggles with control? Are you constantly stressed out because you can’t seem to control the things around you? If so, then maybe a trip needs to be in your future. Not only will it help you unwind, but it will also show you that you don’t need to be in control. Sometimes the best things happen when we let go and realize that we don’t need to control everything.
8.     Get to know yourself: The most important benefit to any trip is remembering who you are. After time, you can forget to follow the passions that you once had. Traveling can be a great time to reflect and see if you’re still being honest with yourself and your life goals. After going through all of these new experiences, you can more clearly see who you are and where you want to go. Make a list and start checking off all of the destinations with each trip! You’ll be amazed at what you find.

There are so many wonderful benefits to traveling. From getting to see different perspectives, to learning how to better communicate with others, to trying new foods, traveling can help to open yourself up to new experiences and lasting memories. Traveling can inspire, educate, and bring a new sense of purpose to your life. If you’re feeling bored with the same routines of daily life, planning a vacation to an unfamiliar place could be just the break you need to refresh, renew, and appreciate.