Traveling is good for you because it broadens your perspective and acts as a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Each journey brings unique life lessons that help us mature emotionally.
This process of self-exploration and learning contributes to profound and meaningful growth. It also provides valuable material for reflection and personal work, even after we return home. In fact, when the journey ends, the rediscovery of ourselves begins in the life we left on hold before we departed, but from a new and potentially transformative perspective.
SiVola, a Travel Tech Company specializing in organizing group trips, and Unobravo, an online psychology service and Benefit Corporation, explain the positive effects of travel to encourage more people to explore the world and themselves.
Traveling Is Good Because It Allows Us to Discover Ourselves (and the World)
“Traveling not only enriches our personal experiences and broadens our horizons through encounters with new places and cultures, but it’s also a privileged way to discover ourselves in deeper and more meaningful ways. It’s a unique opportunity to deeply reflect on who we are, what we desire, what our goals are, and what truly makes us happy. This process of self-exploration is essential to gaining a greater understanding of ourselves and growing as individuals,” says Dr. Valeria Fiorenza Perris, Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Unobravo.
In short, putting ourselves in situations where we experience new places, diverse cultures, and different people helps us discover the most intense and authentic parts of ourselves. Traveling is an incredible lever for enhancing our lives, and its benefits extend to all areas of life, without exception.
As Sergio De Luca, CEO of SiVola, states: “Witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights, the sunset in Death Valley, or the vastness of the Great Wall of China, to name a few, are experiences that change our worldview and create moments we carry within us.”
So, what are the tangible benefits that travel can have on our “self”?
Read below to find out 5 reasons why booking a flight and setting ASAP can be a great idea for rediscovering yourself.
5 Psychological Reasons Why Traveling Is Good for You
1. Traveling Is Good Because It Takes Us Out of Our “Comfort Zone”
Traveling offers a valuable opportunity to step out of our comfort zone. It pushes us to explore new and unknown territories, challenge ourselves, face fears and uncertainties, and exceed our limits. This process of challenge and discovery enriches us as individuals and promotes personal growth.
2. Provides a Boost in Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Traveling has the power to profoundly transform a person, not only by expanding their cultural and geographical horizons, but also by strengthening their self-esteem. When we venture into unfamiliar places, we are forced to test ourselves, confront new challenges, and adapt to unexpected situations. Realizing that we can face and overcome these challenges makes us feel more confident in our abilities.
3. A (Re)Discovery of Social Skills
Traveling encourages us to overcome shyness and make new acquaintances. Especially when traveling alone, we are more inclined to connect with others. Group trips, for example, can encourage overcoming the fear of interacting with strangers, offering the opportunity to socialize more easily compared to other settings. Interacting with new people allows us to improve our communication and interpersonal skills, making us more sociable and open to new encounters, while also boosting confidence in our social abilities.
4. A Recharge of Mental and Physical Energy
People often seek a break from daily life, and travel is a way to relax and recharge their energy. New places and landscapes can provide a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing us to distance ourselves from problems and find a balance that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday routines.
5. Provides a Wealth of Unforgettable Memories
Travel memories have such a powerful impact that they stay with us for a lifetime. The experiences we live while traveling—whether it’s witnessing a breathtaking landscape, meeting new people, or overcoming a personal challenge—turn into precious memories that enrich our personal experiences and shape our perspectives and worldview.
This article first appeared on Grazia.it
