I feel that travel is to the modern world what the human potential movement was to the 1960’s—70’s.
If people have benefitted from travel for centuries, why do I say it’s for the modern world?
You see, the high cost of travel meant it could only be afforded by very few, especially international travel.
But now, travel is so much cheaper than ever before. It’s become more attainable and affordable for those of us who would’ve never taken the opportunity because of prohibitive travel costs.
This means that many more people can reap the transformative benefits and rewards travel has to offer.
Why is Travel So Transformative?
I don’t know.
I’ve seen plenty of perfectly summarized and plotted research papers that fail to capture travels true essence. I guess quantifying the unquantifiable proves to be illusive even the most educated amongst us.
My answer: It just is.
I mean sometimes you learn more about yourself in a small town in Mexico, where there is no running water, no electricity, no “bathroom” than you ever will by reading 100 personal development books.
Yes! This Really Happened To Us.
The first lesson I learned: Ask more questions when looking for a place to stay!
The other lessons:
• Patience — Water only came on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it was Friday.
• Resolving “group conflict” — I’ll just say I was with my wife and 2 young kids, ages 8 and 11.
• Being present — Let go of my expectations and what I thought the experience should be.
• Appreciate the things that really matter—health, friends and family.
Mind you, many of us don’t apply these lessons in an entire lifetime, never mind, all in one week.
Yet personal growth happens and we return more optimistic, energy and with a new view of the world.
It’s the same feeling I had when I took my first personal development class—The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
Travel Changes You from the Inside
Not only does travel give you that same vibrancy, intrigue and curiosity for life, but travel is one of those experiences that crumble our erected walls of prejudice, loneliness and selfishness.
You may even feel like you come back a more tolerant well rounded person—more tolerant—not of others but of yourself.
Like what you’ve read? Maybe you’ll like these resources as well.
Travel Well amigos,
Fidel
**The type of travel I reference above is not a cruise ship or the all-inclusive resorts. I’m talking about immersive travel where you are in daily contact with the local culture.
