There are many things I can say about this topic. Fresh off the back of a big trip my mind is full of all the reasons why I believe travelling is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I think people often see travel as a one off thing; a vacay, quick getaway, lots of booze, some extra sleep and then back into your normal life again. There is so much more to travel than just a “nice vacay” and I’ve often found my travel stints to mark milestone moments in my life whether it be a big decision I’ve made, a steep learning curve or seeing the world through new eyes. And I’ve never felt better coming home.

Read below for the 7 key reasons why I believe travelling is good for you.

7 Reasons Why Travelling Is Good For You

1. Travelling gives you perspective

It opens your eyes and helps you learn about who you are, what role you play in this world and most importantly what a tiny part of the earth we occupy. Sometimes when we spend too much time at home in our corner of the world, we excessively and obsessively begin to worry about the little things that really don’t matter, and take the things that do matter for granted.

2. Travelling helps you learn about the world in more ways then anything else can

Sure you can read a tonne of books and watch the news everyday, but there are some things that you can only learn through travel. You will never understand the true depths of culture, language, societies, history or love until you cross to the other side of the world and see the diversity and variety of them.

3. Travelling grows your empathy and compassion

This is a big one for me. I think sometimes we get caught up in the day to day routines of life that we forget how tough others are doing it out there. And the brutal realities of life. When you travel and experience things out of the norm, you grow a sense of care and empathy that is difficult to obtain from the comforts of home.

4. Travelling makes you happier

I really do believe travelling brings about a joy like no other. Perhaps its from the wonders of being in a foreign place. Meeting like-minded strangers. Seeing new monuments. Breathing different air. Trying exotic yet satisfying foods. Feeling at home away from home. Discovering things you didn’t know existed. Travelling brings on a joy that I often struggle to put into words or photos.

5. Travelling refreshes you and puts a spring in your step

It refreshes you mentally. Physically. Spiritually. It refreshes your body. Your confidence. Your perspective. It’s refreshed our marriage. Our friendships. Our jobs. You name it and it’s probably been refreshed from traveling!

6. Travelling can make you live longer

Whether it be from all the walking around airports, train stations or new cities, being outside in the air and sunshine or the reduction in stress, there are definitely long term health benefits that come from traveling. Physical movement lowers blood pressure and the reduction in worry and stress is bound to have benefits on your mental and physical being.

7. Travelling makes you more creative

I have no doubt in the world about this one. A lot of the best writers, photographers, creators, inventors, business people (etc) travel to find inspiration and creativity in the world. Even my husband who wouldn’t be your typical creative guy (he works in finance and loves numbers) always has a splurge of creativity when we travel. Whether it be photography, an interest in local art, fashion, language, food cultures… creativity is bound to strike when you travel.