By Thamar Jones
In case you haven’t heard, I am a Belizean Traveller–an official Belizean traveler—so designated by the Belize Tourism board when they invited me to be a part of their new Belizean Traveller campaign!
Being a part of this campaign is a huge opportunity for me as it means I get to go on a series of sponsored trips and, in return, all I have to do is share my experiences with my media following via my various platforms–a sweet deal for a wonder-luster like me.
Travelling is wonderful in many ways and as a newly appointed local travel influencer, I began to think of all the ways travel benefits us. The list includes gaining new friends, new experiences and new stories.
Studies show that traveling can improve your overall health and enhance your creativity. Therefore, you need to take time out from your daily tasks, office responsibilities, hectic schedule and everyday pressures as often as possible and tour a new destination or your old favorite ones for an escape from the ordinary.
If you need more convincing, here is a list of even more benefits of traveling.
Improves Social and Communication Skills
One of the main benefits of traveling, especially to areas where your native language is not widely used, is that you learn how to communicate better with other people. Brushing up your knowledge on the most commonly used phrases or questions tourists ask can help you reach out to and relate better with locals.
Ensures Peace of Mind
We all have stress and tension in our lives. Traveling forces us to temporarily disconnect from our normal routine, helping us appreciate the people and things we have around. As per a famous saying, “we never know what we have until we lose it.”
Helps You Get Original and Creative Thoughts
It is believed that if someone gets out of their comfort zone, the mind gets more creative. To develop new neural connections that trigger original and creative thoughts, you must explore new places and break out of your daily routine.
Broadens Your Horizons
Traveling helps you connect with different people from different cultures. This gives you the opportunity to see issues and daily life challenges from a different angle.
Enhances Your Tolerance for Uncertainty
While traveling, you will find yourself stuck in situations where things don’t always go as planned. Such situations will help you learn to cope with the uncertainties in life.
Boosts Up Your Confidence
Being in a place where you do not know anyone will assist you to gain confidence and presence of mind. You will develop the ability to cope with obstacles, which will make you a confident person.
Gets You Real-life Education
Meeting different people from vast cultures and societies provides an education that is impossible to get in traditional schools or learning institutions. There is no substitute for the real thing.
Creates Memories for Lifetime
If you travel with friends and family members, traveling helps you build stronger bonds and make memories. You can also save memories of a lifetime by creating photo albums or sharing photos in social media.
Helps You Have Fun
No matter how young or old you are, there is always a time when the child in you wants to have some fun. When you travel, you do not care what you do at all and you can just break free from the norm.
Knowing Yourself
While traveling, you might find yourself stuck in situations you won’t normally experience in your daily life. This can help you understand yourself and how you react to such circumstances, preparing you for future similar situations.
Life is a wonderful gift. It really is and, as we travel and experience more of the world and life, we often become overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for all the beautiful moments we enjoyed and the people we’ve shared them with. More often than not, this is a realization that we can experience and take action from now while we’re still alive with energy rather than stacking up regrets by the time we’re on our deathbed. Rather than waiting until you’re saying “I wish I had”, live so you can say “I’m glad I did” From one Belizean Traveller to another!
