DanckTravel

Since I grew up with an American dad and a German mom, my childhood was shaped by constant plane rides to visit family. It wasn’t until I was much older, however, that I truly understood the advantages travel gave me. Below is a list of reasons why you should consider planning an international trip.

1. Experience New Cultures

One of the main benefits of traveling abroad is the ability to experience new cultures and different ways of thinking. This includes language, food, and history. Of course, you could read about cultural differences in a textbook, but it’s very different to experience it in person.

If you have the chance to spend extended periods of time abroad (for example: college or a new job), you will truly get to immerse yourself . When I studied abroad in Heidelberg, most of my classmates and I were there for the entire year. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I’d recommend a full study abroad year to anyone considering it.

Study abroad, in particular, is a great way to introduce yourself to new cultures. In addition to being immersed fully in German culture, many of my fellow students were from around the world. My group of friends consisted of people from France, Finland, Taiwan, and Australia.

However, for those of you looking to go for extended periods of time, beware of the culture shock and the reverse culture shock. For Americans going to Germany, the culture is just different enough to feel jarring at times. This can include dealing with bureaucracy or trying to navigate the complexity of trying to find an open pharmacy on a Sunday. However, you’ll also find a lot of things you love about the culture you are visiting. For me, I loved the friendships I formed, the independence I had, the culture of recycling (which is very strong in Germany), and never needing a car.

Many people who are gone for a long time will also experience reverse culture shock when going home. After spending time in another country and adapting to that culture, it can be disorienting to return to your own culture. However, this signals growth. You’ve gained a new perspective and can take lessons from the cultures you’ve encountered.

2. Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Travel can show you what you are capable of, particularly if you are navigating a country with a language and culture very different from your own. You may be tasked with navigating public transportation or trying to order gelato. The experience of traveling abroad helps you grow and develop.

When I decided to sign myself up for study abroad for an entire year, I was really nervous. I wasn’t sure I’d make friends and I didn’t know anyone going. I had toyed with the idea of backing out a few times. Hoewever, I’m really glad I stretched beyond my comfort zone. I was able to make friends easily, who I still keep in touch with to this day.

Even for shorter trips, the planning process for an international trip can also be complicated and uncomfortable, with various logistical deadlines including flights, hotels, and tours. Organizing a trip can also be a great way to get you out of your comfort zone, as you sign yourself up for new experiences.

3. Make New Friends

If you are looking for ways to find people to travel with, you can begin by simply traveling. You’ll be almost guaranteed to meet like-minded people while exploring other countries.

If you want to travel, but aren’t ready for a solo trip yet, you can join a tour group where you will meet other people who like to travel. Studying and volunteering abroad are also good options for making new friends. These experiences in particular will attract people from around the world, so you will be able to make friends from everywhere.

You can also meet new friends while booking tours or in hostels. I’ve made friends on overnight buses to Paris, hostels in Spain and on a tour of Pompeii. Meeting other travelers is a fun part of going abroad.

4. Have New Experiences

About 3 out of 4 millennials (78%) prefer to invest their money in experiences over than things. However, this shift is spending is not exclusive to this Gen Y, with the US seeing an increase of 70% of spend across events and travel since 1987.

Travel is the perfect way to experience new things that may be outside the realm of ordinary life. This includes hiking Machu Picchu in Peru, running through Rome, or experiencing nightlife in Heidelberg, Germany. 

5. Learn a New Language

Going abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in a language, improving your ability to speak and understand. In fact, research shows students who are fully immersed in their target language are more fluent. If you are going for a short trip and want to practice your language skills, we recommend visiting some small towns (Tourist areas are more prone to have people who speak English). For those going longer, we recommend taking a language class.

Please note: It may be harder to practice your language in some countries as opposed to others. For example, in Germany, you may find people who are eager to practice their English.

6. Understand New Viewpoints

Traveling abroad exposes you to different ways of thinking and different cultural norms. Simple things such as counting on your fingers can be different (For example: Chinese people only use one hand to count to ten, and Germans start with their thumb instead of the pointer finger). By seeing different cultures, you can evaluate your own more clearly.

Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad has allowed me to experience new cultures, understand new viewpoints, and improve my language skills. What has traveling abroad given you? Leave it in the comments below.