Recent studies have found that modern people are traveling farther, but not more often. Because travel has been found to have such a healthy impact upon the brain and the body (and the mind, whatever that is), it’s important that it become more a part of all of our lives. But travel is expensive and time consuming. As much as we enjoy it, it’s not possible most people to simply start doing it without making it a true priority. To give ourselves the drive to make our further travel goals a reality, it’s important to think about the various ways that travel makes us better people. Here are a few that people have observed over the years.

1. Travel eliminates prejudice. It has been demonstrated that people who are well traveled demonstrate less racist thinking than people who have never left the place where they were born. This is probably the result of many factors. For one, travel enables the traveler to see another culture on its own terms. So frequently, the only way we “See” another culture is through the lens of the media. Being able to walk about in a new culture, taste its food, meet its people, the subconscious mind of the traveler learns that this culture is, deep down, very much like his or her own, despite surface differences.
2. Travel promotes lifelong learning. When traveling to Giant’s Causeway in the United Kingdom, travelers are transported from their everyday reality. This ancient natural structure is a primer in a different way of life. By taking advantage of learning opportunities like Allen’s Tours travelers make themselves open to a wealth of information about a culture and geological phenomenon that is otherwise very unfamiliar to them. Learning happens fast when one immerses him or herself in a new environment, and a trip to a setting like Giant’s Causeway is the perfect setting for this kind of deep and lasting learning.
3. Travel creates new friendships. Expats and travelers meet more likeminded people in new countries during a holiday than they’d meet at home in a lifetime. Traveling allows the traveler to break out of the ranks of the people who never challenge their basic ways of being. Existing in a new place makes one open to the people around one. Travelers frequently have to ask questions of locals, seek out opinions, and engage strangers in conversation for companionship. It’s a great way to meet people and extend one’s social skill set.

Travel is healthful and is a betterment to the traveler in many ways. It is something to be practices. More than simply a time for laziness and relaxation, it’s a discipline than more people should pursue. Even if you can’t make it across an ocean, get out of town once in awhile. Sleep in an unfamiliar place. Experience sights, smells, and flavors that differ from the ones back home. These have many intangible benefits for the body and mind, and you’ll surely be glad you invested in them. Make it a goal to see a new locale this year.