“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

Imagine a world with no Mona Lisa, no Eiffel Tower, no cruise ships. What kind of an impact would this have on your life – not physically, but emotionally? Just knowing that these wonders are out in the wide world is inspiring. We all have our Mona Lisa, that one thing or place we want to see during our lifetime, and holding onto that hope motivates us every day.

While many people will never see their Mona Lisa, other travel experiences can be just as rewarding, maybe more so because we can continue to enrich our lives and find new ways of seeing the world without losing our motivation to do so. Every time you travel, you have the opportunity to make yourself a better person.

1. Traveling can widen your appreciation of others

Traveling to experience other cultures doesn’t need to be a journey to another country; you can travel to another region of your country, or even spend a day in a cultural neighborhood near your hometown. Taking the time to appreciate how other people live can make you a better person, and will lead to an understanding and appreciation for people different from yourself.

2. Traveling will make you more resourceful

Most of us have heard the saying, “Even the best-laid plans….” You can lay out every minute of your trip but as with life, things don’t always go according to plan. When these small unexpected things happen, they force you to be more present. You have to solve the problem of how to continue off-page and continue to enjoy yourself by using unfamiliar resources, and this can help you learn to look for solutions in places you haven’t before in your everyday life.

3. Traveling will bring you out of your shell

Many people live life closed off from others, living within the comfortable people world of co-workers, family, and existing friends. While traveling, you will interact with many unfamiliar people, which can pull you out of your shell and make you a more outgoing person. Think about it – you will be able to say you’ve traveled afar, gotten out of the confines of your everyday world and seen things others in your life have not. You will become more exciting, more vibrant and interesting to those who have not been where you have gone.

4. Traveling can help you recognize who and what is important in your life

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

Traveling away from your familiar surroundings not only enables you to connect more with the unfamiliar world; it also helps you appreciate those people and things you already have. Listen to yourself when you travel: what people or things do you miss when you are away, and which ones are you happier without? Remember those feelings when you come home, and adjust your surroundings accordingly.

5. Traveling can help you discover unknown passions

Do you have a passion for art? Do you find sharks fascinating? Traveling can help you develop new interests when you expose yourself to something new. You might not realize you have a love for paintings until you see a Monet up close. Traveling allows you to do something completely out of character and allow yourself new experiences. Embrace the possibility. Who knows? You might just discover something that will become a lifelong interest.

You will become a better you!

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This article was contributed by Heather Johnson who writes for HoneymoonDestinations.org, the best honeymoon research and planning website. Discover some great honeymoon ideas today!

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