Travel: Does It Broaden The Mind?

I know many older people who have never left their place of birth. Perhaps they've been to neighboring towns or cities but never too far out. They've certainly never been abroad nor, seemingly, do they have the desire to. I was quite surprised to learn that, in fact, this is quite common particularly among Americans as most of them don't even have a passport.

For me, traveling is a way of life. I live in the UK, I originally came from Italy and I've been to countless countries in the mean time. Most recently I've lived in America for a short period a few years ago. I can't really imagine staying in one place forever and never moving around. It'd probably drive me crazy. I'm quite a restless person and I think the world is a really interesting place and certainly traveling has been key to helping me understand others and their cultures.

How important is travel in your eyes? Do you think it's a little strange that people are seemingly happy staying in one place forever? Perhaps you are one of these people? Maybe it's more common that I think it is... let's see.

quote walnuts

Doesn't mean I don't look at people who have been in the same areas their whole lives and get envious of the relationships they've built, of the stability that they have.

That's a really interesting point actually.

I've many friends in the same boat as me. We've traveled a lot but lack the life-long connections those who have been in one place often have. I, like you, am a little envious of that at times but I believe the friends I've made abroad and knowledge I've gained go at least some way to making up for it.

These days it's easier to stay in touch with people than ever and distance isn't really a factor with the Internet and all. I realize it's sometimes not the same as having really close, life-long friends just down the road though. Nothing can compare.

It's nice to discover new areas of the World and learn some new things and stuff. Seeing beautiful sights is always nice too. Living in the United States, I've been to Canada before and it was nice.

It definitely broadens the mind, and I feel personally it's something I really need to do after I finish Uni next year. Not sure where and when but anywhere out of the UK!

It's funny actually, we're going on a last family holiday this Easter to China as my parents both turn 50 and it's their 25th wedding anniversary so they thought of China as a massive celebration. For me, I just can't wait to experience a culture which is pretty alien to me, and I know already it'll broaden my mind to what else is out there!

It sure does. But tolerance and exposure to other people's cultures is not equally necessary to each person. I imagine that Americans arrange their vacations inside the States, them being big and diverse enough (equivalent to travelling around Europe as far as area goes), so naturally travelling abroad isn't as popular as it is here.

I love travelling myself, I've been lucky enough to visit a lot of Europe already and I'm looking forward to more. What I dislike is changing houses. Spending a week or two somewhere is one thing, living there for years is just not for me.

Isn't there already a similar thread like this?

Anyway, I usually do believe that travel broadens the mind, but it mainly depends on where you go. I've been to many different places outside of where I live, and I do feel like I've learned a lot more about them after visiting them. Obviously, one can learn about certain places just by researching them, but most of the time, you can't be completely sure unless you've actually been there.

quote Isilwen

quote Willow Vampire

For me, moving to Australia temporarily and working there sort of changed me. It was a risk and it didn't completely work out but it really made me grow up a lot and more willing to take risks in the future.

Curious as to why it didn't work out for you Willow Vampire if you don't mind me asking? Did you go over there with an actual plan and length of time to spend over there or was it just a brief idea?

Me and my friend want to do this next year so was just wondering why it didn't work out for you.

Well, I lost my job. I was fired for "not being out there and bubbly enough" end quote. If I hadn't have been staying with my boyfriend I wouldn't have been able to afford either rent or the flight home. But if you have the funds - go for it! Where are you thinking about visiting? If you're under 30 you can apply only for a young persons working visa which allows you to both live and work abroad for up to a year.

I have never travelled far but i plan on doing it someday. I cant understand why people wouldnt want to travel but its their choice i guess