There is nothing quite like disembarking in a new place and embarking on a new adventure. But why is it so important for people to decide to leave their hometown and explore further afield?

Since the dawn of civilization, humans and animals have traveled. We are ultimately nomadic beings, and there are millions of reasons why traveling is important – if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity. Here are our top ten good excuses to travel.

10 reasons why traveling is important…

#1 To see the world


St. Augustine
A specular site of a rounded green scape showing just why traveling is important.

Whether it is Big Ben in London, Lady Liberty in NY, the Eiffel Tower in Paris or anything else,  there are iconic cultural sights to be seen in every country. Some prefer to stick to the Wonders of the World, such as Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer in Rio, or the ancient pyramids of Egypt. Others have a list of natural delights, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon or the Northern Lights. And then there’s the unknown; the hidden gems hiding and waiting to be found in every city or countryside. Regardless of what you choose to discover on your journey, the wide expanse and diversity of the world is definitely one of the main reasons why you should travel.

Your levels of creativity, tolerance and knowledge are three things that benefit from a broadened worldview.

#2 To learn something

“Travel is still the most intense mode of learning.”

Kevin Kelly
A city view in the rain in Asia

This brings us to our next reason why you should travel – the educational factor! Each destination is a home to an array of new things to learn about. For example, there are so many benefits associated with learning a language. While it’s possible to learn from a book or lessons in your home country, there is something different about experiencing it up close and personal. Plus you’ll learn quicker as you use your linguistic skills more frequently, widening your vocab and getting used to how people actually talk.  But, it’s not just about language. Traveling to a new place can also help us to develop a wider understanding of the geography, history, and sociology of a place and its people. It’ll send you home with new ideas.

#3 To embrace the new


Mark Twain
At the top of a mountain, a woman ahead hiking in the setting sun

Backpackers, travelers and digital nomads alike will often say one of the reasons why they love their life is the excitement of not quite knowing what will happen next. Whether it’s meeting new people, trying new foods, having new experiences or dealing with new challenges, embracing the new is certainly one of the main reasons why traveling is important.

#4 To create memories

“Take only memories, leave only footprints.”

Chief Seattle
A stream of light entering a swimming cave onto the people swimming and standing below

Sounds a bit too ‘laugh, love, life’? But I bet you wouldn’t disagree that “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. Adventures are the perfect opportunity to make memories that can be cherished for years to come. Studies have even shown that due to the way in which travel memories are typically associated with positive emotions, people are able to take on more detail and make stronger memories that last.

My favorite way to hold onto the memories? Making sure I have tangible reminders in print form. Check out MyPostcard photo prints and personalizable photo postcards, photobooks and more, if you’re interested in having us print and send you your print products to your home.

To build relationships


Tim Cahill
a group of friends running away through the desert

Meeting new people is one of the top reasons why traveling is so important.  As humans, we are inherently social beings, and we thrive when working together with others. Traveling is a great way to meet like-minded people with different perspectives and upbringings. Even if you don’t make connections locally, you can form the closest bonds if you are traveling with someone you know. So it can be a great way to strengthen existing relationships too!

To develop skills


Oscar Wilde
A busy market sat in a town between the hills

It is surprising to see how resourceful you can be when exposed to the new challenges travel brings with it. Overcoming challenges and developing life skills can be a great boost for our self-esteem and self-confidence. The skills associated with traveling are ultimately transferable and can look dazzling on your resume. With studies suggesting that those who travel are often more adaptable to the challenges we experience in life.

To open your mind


William Langwiesche
The wrold heritage site, Stone Henge showing timelessly why traveling is important

Travel changes you. Both physically and mentally. It changes who you are and the way that you perceive life. The experiences you have can really change your whole perspective by enabling you to develop an insight into a world that is different from your own. It breeds tolerance and empathy and gives you the opportunity to widen your own understanding of the different ways people live. The way you know isn’t necessarily the best, the only, or even mutually-exclusive – and traveling is important to show you this.

To create your story


Ibn Battuta
A rocky orange toned landcape on a mountain

Experiencing the world, up close and personal, meeting new people, and having experiences that you cannot have at home will help you create your own story. Which in turn can help to inspire others. As well as promoting happiness, reducing stress, and widening your perspective on life, it’ll also provide you with the ideal dinner party topics… 😉

To relax and unwind


William S. Burroughs

German seats on the sandy beach as the perfect place to unwind and remember why traveling is important.

Travel is the perfect way to reduce stress levels, take a break and get away from the daily hustle and bustle. Studies have shown that getting away from it all can significantly reduce stress levels, even (or especially) if it is just for a few days. Providing you with the chance to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your outlook, relaxing is definitely key when it comes to why travel is important.

To reflect on your journey

“A wise man travels to discover himself.”

James Russell Lowell
A travel hammock sat in front of the water with a man reflecting on why traveling is important.

Travel also provides the opportunity to reflect on your goals in life and where you are heading. Sometimes taking a step back is necessary to appreciate your life, get to know yourself and develop self awareness, including recognizing areas for improvement.

Convinced why traveling is important?

Now you have all the excuses you need to go and see the world! Remember to drop why you travel in the comments!

Next step is exploring where you could travel to… Check out our ultimate guide to world travel right here. You’ll find guides to each continent, and tons of countries. Or check out our rankings:



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