Explore
I have found so much joy in exploring the world! There is nothing like roaming in a new city or place you’ve never been before! Discovering new cultures, food, and art are great experiences. Even if you are just exploring a place that you’ve visited many times, there is always something new to find…a new landmark, museum, or restaurant. Although, I do like the phrase ‘far away’, sometimes the greatest explorations can be found not too far away.
Enlighten
My first trip out of the country was on a mission trip to Guatemala at the age of fourteen. I had no idea what to expect. It opened my eyes to see the world in different ways and to realize that “my world” was only a tiny part of it. My curiosity of new cultures began there as well. We were treated with such kindness and were offered their very best when not a lot was available to be given. I returned home with a new found appreciation for life and a desire to not take things for granted. Understanding that a person with so few possessions can still be full of such joy and fulfillment is an invaluable life lesson.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual learner. I was a horrible student in history class. I was the student that memorized everything just to get a good grade, and then forgot all of the information the next day. To be honest, geography was even worse for me. I know, I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, but you’re a travel blogger?! I wished I would have payed closer attention with my studies. The amount of times I looked on a world map to find something is embarrassing. Because of my new found joy in traveling the world that has all changed for me now. When I visited France, I learned and understood so much more about their history because I was learning first hand where the history actually took place. A hunger for travel began in me and a new found love for history and geography are the bi-products of that hunger.
Expand
Traveling expands a person’s knowledge. It grows your understanding about other people and their cultures. It can even increase you as a person. My heart has expanded because of travel. I feel more compassion towards others because I have seen how others live in other parts of the world. The more I learn the more I realize I don’t know which then ignites my desire to learn even more.
Escape
Let’s be honest! We all have those days when we just want to escape from the mundane and break away from the mediocre. Traveling gives you just that. Leaving your normal routine behind, you can gain a new perspective.
Enjoy
Last but not least…I travel because I enjoy it! I love planning trips, waking up to a new view, gaining new friends in distant places, eating new food! I mean, it’s kinda hard not to enjoy yourself when you’re on vacation sitting on a beach somewhere basking in the sun sipping on a fruity drink. Am I right? For some of you, that might mean hiking up a mountain and getting a glimpse of what seems to be Heaven in the distance. Or maybe visiting a loved one that you haven’t seen for quite sometime? For whatever reason, get to it! Let’s explore, be enlightened, expand our horizons, escape into the unknown, and enjoy more!
What about you…what are some of your reasons to travel?
Ah yes, the 5 “E’s” of travel! This is a great post and I agree with those reasons, especially to escape and expand. Speaking on behalf of all Americans, we tend to lose sight of those pillars for a well rounded life experience, so it’s good to see someone putting the spotlight on them, and taking life by the reigns!
Thank you, Shannon! I think I like your title better than mine…the 5 “E’s” of travel, haha! It has a nice ring to it. 🙂 Yes, we can all glean from having a well-rounded life experience, and travel is a great way to achieve that goal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for reading! I have really enjoyed following your blog:-)