© Shutterstock

Opens your eyes - Travel can help broaden your world outlook, improve your perspectives of different cultures, and expand your understanding of other ways of life.

© Shutterstock

Builds confidence - Traveling can be challenging. Whether it's trying to navigate somewhere you’ve never been or struggling to rebook a missed flight, overcoming the challenges of travel will build self-assurance and independence.

© Shutterstock

Promotes heart health -

Travel gets you up and out of your comfort zone and, in fact, can reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease.

© Shutterstock

Boosts creativity -

Exposing yourself to new and exciting environments and experiences will stimulate creative thinking.

© Shutterstock

Enhances communication skills -

Finding your way around in a language that isn’t your own can actually help improve your communication skills.

© Shutterstock

Fosters cultural sensitivity - Understanding different cultures helps foster empathy and can aid in reducing prejudices.

© Shutterstock

Relieves stress -

Travel offers a break from the monotony of everyday routines and responsibilities, and in turn can reduce stress levels.

© Shutterstock

Improves mental health -

Experiencing new places and enjoying life in this way can actually elevate mood and combat depression and anxiety.

© Shutterstock

Encourages physical activity -

Travel often involves physical activities like walking, hiking, or even swimming, which are all beneficial for living a healthy life.

© Shutterstock

Teaches patience -

Though it can be exciting and fun, travel can also cause stress. However, handling travel delays, language barriers, and other unfamiliar customs teaches patience and adaptability.

© Shutterstock

Enhances problem-solving skills - Travel allows you the opportunity to face often unexpected and unique problems that require quick thinking and problem-solving.

© Shutterstock

Strengthens relationships -

Sharing travel experiences can absolutely strengthen bonds with family, friends, and other loved ones.

© Shutterstock

Provides education -

Travel provides lessons in history, geography, and sociology, all in a very hands-on way. Most of this can't be replicated in a classroom setting.

© Shutterstock

Boosts happiness - While the trip is meant to be exciting and make you happy, the planning and anticipation of travel can make you just as happy!

© Shutterstock

Inspires new passions -

Travel lets you discover new activities, foods, and hobbies that can turn into lifelong passions.

© Shutterstock

Broadens career opportunities - Exposure to global cultures and practices, both personally and professionally, can enhance future career prospects.

© Shutterstock

Improves flexibility -

Adapting to new environments and situations improves emotional, mental, and sometimes even physical flexibility.

© Shutterstock

Encourages mindfulness -

Travel encourages you to live in the moment and fully experience your surroundings.

© Shutterstock

Promotes personal growth -

Encountering new experiences promotes self-discovery and develops you personally.

© Shutterstock

Increases social network - Meeting new people while traveling expands your global network and can even help you make new lifelong friends.

© Shutterstock

Enhances language skills - Immersing yourself in different cultures provides practical language learning opportunities. By making yourself speak the native language, you are forced to learn.

© Shutterstock

Stimulates mental growth - Exposure to new cultures and experiences enhances cognitive flexibility and mental acuity.

© Shutterstock

Offers adventure -

Travel can satisfy the desire for adventure and exploration.

© Shutterstock

Provides perspective - Seeing different ways of life can help you appreciate what you have and better understand others.

© Shutterstock

Encourages resilience - Dealing with travel challenges builds resilience and coping skills.

© Shutterstock

Promotes relaxation -

Taking time off to travel allows for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a calmer overall demeanor.

© Shutterstock

Encourages gratitude -

Seeing other parts of the world can make you feel more grateful for your own life and what you have in comparison to others.

© Shutterstock

Enhances life satisfaction -

Travel experiences contribute to a fulfilling and satisfying life.

© Shutterstock

Creates lifelong memories - Whether you capture these moments with a camera or simply in your mind, the adventures from travel can create lasting memories.

© Shutterstock

Supports global understanding -

Experiencing different cultures first hand promotes global peace and understanding.

Sources: (NBC) (Expat Explore) (World Travel & Tourism Council)

See also: Sustainable travel—tips and tricks for the eco-conscious explorer

© Shutterstock