Travel Broadens the Mind

Travel broadens the mind Traveling broadens our minds in different ways. I had visited a different country for the first time when I was 8. My father lives in Norway with his American wife. I had already tasted the other side of life. I am only 15 and I know life is in front of me, but from my experience I know that traveling does change your point of view. How do you know? You might find yourself by traveling. Traveling does broaden our mind. We meet new people with new ideas .

We find different architecture and religions. Other differences are the languages . The unknown languages are being a wall between us and the world. A wall that we break little by little every day being here in English class. Like we already said that travel broadens our mind. When we see how the other people survive we start thinking about our lives . We associate everything with our way of living . We started judging them for some things and being jealous for others.

Every time when I travel I find something new, something different. But one thing will always be the same: when you travel you realize what are the most important things in your life. You start appreciating the little things in the big world. You discover that being rich is not to have money, cars or houses but to have friends and family to appreciate you. Whenever I get back from Norway, I am thinking differently. I see the bad and the good side of my country.

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I begin associating everything around me with the way they live in Norway. Travel broadens the mind, it shows us what are we missing and the important things in life. It does not really matter were you live or what launguage you are speaking, we are all people. We all have brains and bodys. We all have good and bad moments in our lives. Until you see something and get to know it better you can not judge it. Traveling broadens my mind. What about you? ...

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Pure Travel

Why travel broadens the mind

  • April 27, 2018

You may have heard and are familiar with the saying that travel broadens the mind, but is it actually true? In fact, traveling not only benefits your mind and helps you to create lasting memories, but it can also fill your soul thanks to all those experiences and lessons that you learn along the way. If you are feeling stuck in a rut, or perhaps that you are no longer as creative as you would like to be, then this could be a sign that you too should book a trip and get ready to use your brain to its full capacity. Do not be afraid to explore new countries and expand your mind.

Stress less

If you currently feel stressed and are permanently cranky, then this could be a sign that you need to take a break or even a shorter vacation to help with your stress levels. Travel is great to allow your mind a break and provide your entire body with the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate. Plus, if you are exploring new surroundings, then you have no reason at all to feel stressed. As each and every day is different while you are out and about on the road, then you have no reason to get worked up about the usual things that would usually cause you to see red. So, if you are looking for a way to get happy and feel like your mental health has seriously improved, then get your passport ready and open your suitcase – as a trip should be on the top of your priority list.

Cope under pressure

If you usually find it difficult to cope under pressure, or struggle to make decisions, then believe it or not, travel can help you to learn to act and deal with your emotions better. When you are planning a trip, you will need to learn to cope under pressure before you have even left home, from getting planning and preparing for any adventures that you want to experience along the way, to dealing with delayed flights and travel arrangements that don’t follow suit.

If you find it difficult to act on the spur of the moment, then this too is a skill that you can learn while you are away from home. You will no longer feel overwhelmed, in fact, you may even relish having no deadlines or pressures to help you make important decisions. So, if you feel that you are no longer decisive, or have increasingly growing stress levels, then it is high time that you considered travel as the ideal way to become a calmer and more grounded individual.

If you are keen to learn new skills and get out of your comfort zone, then planning and undertaking a trip is the ideal opportunity to do so. From trying out a new sport, to basics such as getting organized and packing light, there is no better way to learn something new if you are living in paradise or against a backdrop of glaciers and mountains. Now you are traveling and have lots of new, free time, you will be able to spend moments honing your current interests, such as writing and photography or even painting, to pursuing different areas that have always interested you – but perhaps you have never had time to explore. Travel is the perfect chance to get fit, grow culturally and make the most of your free time to the maximum so you that you arrive home with a new talent under your belt.

Broaden your thought process

If you are usually very set in your ways and find it hard to break away from your daily routine, then travel could be the ideal way to broaden your mind and shape up how you view the world. From spending time volunteering to interacting with other cultures or indigenous groups, you should approach your new trip as a blank slate against which you can get ready to expand and explore your horizons. Plus, you may even feel inspired and decide that you want to make a change to your home life after a trip too, you may even decide to quit your current job or even relocate to follow your dreams. So if you are keen to see the world in a new light, and feel that you want to broaden your horizons, then a trip is the ideal way to rethink how you currently approach your daily routine and make several changes for the better – that will benefit you in the future.

Have the trip of a lifetime

If you are looking to create memories that will last you a lifetime, then consider planning a trip. If you’re unsure on how to plan your trip, companies such as Aurora Expeditions specialize in unique destinations. While destinations such as the Sahara, Niagara Falls and even Everest are all reachable, if you start planning and saving you’ll be able to see as much of the world as possible. Planning the trip of a lifetime will put all of your aptitudes to the test, from budgeting and route planning to ensuring that everything is ready before you leave home.

If you feel that you are stuck in a rut and want to make a change to your life for the better, but are unsure how, then why not consider planning a trip? Travel broadens the mind, as it teaches you to cope better under pressure and manage your stress levels while being several thousand miles away from home. Not to mention, travel is the ideal opportunity to learn new skills and practice your current interests. So, if you want to feed both your mind and soul while making memories and gaining experiences that will last you a lifetime or more, then consider planning a trip you won’t regret.

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Traveling Opens Your Mind: Here's How

Adriana Perez

Raised in the small suburb of Schaumburg, Adriana Perez knew there was more to life than a white ...

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Mark Twain said it, your travel advisor said it, even you've told it to yourself—traveling opens your mind. But what exactly does that mean? What does that look like in your day-to-day life abroad? 

Panoramic view over the city of Barcelona seen from Parque Guell

Panoramic view over the city of Barcelona seen from Parque Guell

Photo credit to Natalia Sleszynska

Yes, travel CAN broaden the mind, but it's up to the traveler to tune in, pay attention, and simultaneously practice humility and self-reflection. Here's our take on how travel broadens the mind.

What is relativism?

It is a fancy way of saying to keep an open mind and be aware that how you see the world is not how everyone else sees the world. Priorities, morals, values, every possible social aspect of a culture are unique and open to interpretation depending on who is experiencing it.

The opposite of relativism is ethnocentrism. While the word has a negative, racist connotation, it just means being unaware of the other cultures around you and not accepting the differences in how other people may see the world. Sometimes ethnocentrism is intentional, but more often than not is purely ignorance, which can be easily fixed with knowledge. 

How is this different than culture shock?

Culture shock affects some people more than others, but no matter how tolerant or learned someone is, that initial contact with a new culture is always eye opening. It is one thing to read about a culture, how it is different, and to keep an open mind. It is another thing entirely to experience firsthand a conflict of cultural norms. Many assume that the greater the difference, the greater the culture shock. This is not always the case, though, and sometimes having only subtle differences can be just as disarming because they are so subtle that they no longer appear as cultural differences; rather they come off as potential personality traits or character flaws. 

A few examples of how traveling opens your mind

In Barcelona, it is very common for a waiter to be taking your order and if he sees that you are slow in saying what you want, or hesitant and uncertain at the last minute, to walk away from you and begin to take care of another table. This is a subtle difference in cultures that happens frequently, and is very normal, but to an American traveler may come off as rude or impatient. These feelings are ethnocentric, but feel valid because the cultural difference is so subtle that it is not as obviously a cultural difference. It is important to understand and be ready for these subtle differences in culture, because someone may interpret an experience like this negatively, and let it negatively impact the rest of their day and ruin what should have been a nice evening. 

Another example of this is riding on public transportation. In many cultures it is considered rude to stare, but in Barcelona it is not taken quite as offensively. Because of this, many people commuting will be faced with looks or intense stares. Some can interpret this offensively and let it bother them the rest of the day, perhaps cause them to think there is something on their face or they had been doing something wrong, but that is not the case. It is a common occurrence, and should you be stared at, shake it off and do not take it personally. Perhaps join in on the cultural habit and stare at others as well, gauging how they respond to it. 

On top of a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa

On top of a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa

Photo credit to Hillary Federico

It is a lot harder to experience events like this and think, “I am in a new culture, it is different from mine, and they see the world through a different lens than I do” than if the difference was more obvious. 

But just like a photographer packs many lenses for his or her camera, it is just as important for a traveler to pack some cultural lenses, and prepare themselves for seeing the world in a different way than they are used to doing.

Travel broadens the mind if you are open to it

Life and the encounters experienced are all based off of how they are interpreted and perceived. Someone walking down the street that gets pushed can either interpret it as an act of hostility or as an accident. These interpretations are what create experiences, and experiences vary internally from person to person, even if the actions that occur are the same externally. 

Traveling is a unique experience, and it is over before you know it, so it is crucial to take advantage of every moment and make everyday a positive one. Feeling upset or irritated are normal human emotions, and it’s impossible to not feel down every once in awhile, but it is good to minimize feeling these negative sensations when they can be controlled. Including a relativistic view of the world and the cultures within it can help in reducing these negative sensations, using knowledge and an open mind as a shield from potential emotional threats. 

Any experience can be a positive one if you have the right mindset. Whether you are heading to the other end of the world, or to Barcelona, it is important to note the cultural differences and be prepared for what is to come. Everyone always warns you about the big cultural differences, but the subtle cultural differences can be just as important to take note of. Some you can read about and be prepared for, but no matter what there will always be those that catch you by surprise. Remember to pack a relativistic mindset, and every experience abroad should be a learning experience for you, opening your mind in ways that you never imagined were possible.

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How Travel Broadens the Mind

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It’s true: travel does broaden the mind and enrich our lives with new experiences. Whether you’re a college student abroad or a tourist on holiday, you can reap the educational benefits of travel, according to a study forthcoming in the Journal of Travel Research :

Empirical evidence about the educational outcomes of travel is scattered across many fields of study. This paper reviews the literature on the educational benefits of travel, beginning with the literature on study abroad. Learning outcomes have been found from the travel portion of the study experience, and some research has found that out-of-class experiences were the most impactful portion of study abroad. Personal growth, increase in life skills, and knowledge also result from independent international travel, as well as “objectiveless” travel. A few studies have focused on adults and s eniors, but the research primarily has focused on young adults and college students. After a review of the literature, numerous suggestions for future study are provided, including a focus on the educational outcomes of domestic travel, youth travel, and determining which travel experiences result in the most learning benefits.

The paper, “ The Educational Benefits of Travel Experiences: A Literature Review ” by Matthew J. Stone and James F. Petrick of Texas A&M University, is now available online in the Journal of Travel Research . Sign up for e-alerts to be notified about new articles and issues of JTR .

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Does Travel Broaden The Mind?

Does Travel Broaden The Mind?

First off, let us start by saying yes, here comes another pretentious article about the age old question, does travel broaden the mind. If you have never traveled and have had to sit and listen to your friends spout all their stories, you should probably stop reading now.

However, if your friends stories of catching malaria on a mountain in Nepal, or how they rode an Elephant through the jungles of Thailand has not destroyed your respect for travelers, then carry on reading. So let us find the answer to: Does travel broaden the mind?

Pro’s of Traveling the world

Travel for a long period of time and you will feel yourself becoming more open to new experiences. You will soak up everything you possibly can from the cultures which you come into contact with. Most people who explore the world end up becoming less prejudiced and also begin to grow as a person.

One of the things you will quickly learn about travel, is that it is not where you are but the people who you are with. When you set off on your adventure, you will have no idea how many amazing people who you are going to meet. It is this, meeting people from all walks of life truly makes a travelers mind blossom.

So scientifically, does travel broaden the mind? . Recent studies   show that travel helps to keep the brain sharp. Living new and challenging experiences every single day can create new brain connections which can keep a brain both active and healthy.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” Mark Twain

Why does travel broaden the mind?

The reasons for this are countless, but here we will describe some of the benefits that which traveling can bring to your life and ultimately make it a happier and healthier place.

does travel broaden the mind

Travel Gets You Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Your comfort zone is one of the most dangerous places in life where you can dwell. Your life can whiz by in a flash if you are comfortable and dare we say, board. Travel is a launchpad into the unknown, one which can propel you into a different world entirely.

This is because when you travel, you are encountering the new and the unexpected. A traveler learns new perspectives on life and is constantly confronted by new and exciting challenges. Getting out of your comfort zone will show you just how much potential you have to grow. Once you have stepped foot on the road, your life will change forever.

Learn From Different Cultures

There are lots of things which you can learn when encountering different cultures. From learning a new language to tasting foods from around the world . When you travel, you are open to experiment, you open yourself to new sensations and emotions which were once hidden.

You will also learn to be more tolerant, once you see how people from different cultures live, you will truly grow to appreciate your own life. Skills from the east such as Meditation, Breathing techniques & Yoga can really help to grow your mind.

Travel Makes You More Sociable

Traveling another country will force even the most anti-social n to making friendships. Encountering fellow travelers you will see yourself, those that throw off the shackles of life are all struck from a similar mold.

Also, asking for help or recommendations from other travelers and locals, will give you better skills help you interact with people far easier. Furthermore, you will create lifelong friendships with people who share the same interests as yours.

Travel Will MakeYou More Creative

Diving head first into a new environment and not only being a tourist, will give you a creative boost at both work or in your studies. This is because you will see how peoples live and deal with problems, giving you new perspectives and gaining creativity along on the way.

You Will Gain More Confidence And Independence

When you are abroad, you have to manage your own finances and plan a budget to live with limited resources. This allows you to gain independence and a sense of responsibility. All those who travel actually come home and create better lives for themselves.

Without any doubt, confidence and independence make your brain open and stronger and help you in all walks of life.

So, Does Travel Broadens The Mind?

Let us know your comments below! Did you grow as a person or do you think that all this “travel broadens the mind” stuff is all a load of nonsense? Let us know in the comments below.

Does Travel Broaden The Mind?

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Dave & Silvana

Hi, we're Dave & Silvana, To learn more about us, visit our About page. Or if you have any travel related questions, drop us an email through our contact page, we are always happy to help out fellow travelers. If you are interested in yoga and how to breathe correctly, follow us at YogiBreath.com

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Hi Dave and Silvana, I’m one of those who thinks that travel certainly does broaden the mind, but only if you let it. It might be necessary to slow down, take time to stand (or sit) around and absorb all the amazing things happening around you which I suppose most dedicated travellers will automatically do. Experiencing cultures totally different to your own or witnessing extreme poverty (or wealth even) is bound to effect your inner self. That’s how it worked for me, nowadays I wonder if there’s too much pressure to document everything and move so quickly that there’s little time to take things in.

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Young woman travelling

Travel broadens the mind, but can it alter the brain?

Studies suggest that taking a gap year or studying abroad can positively influence your brain to make you more outgoing and open to new ideas

T here are lots of opportunities for students to travel: be it to postpone your degree and travel the world after taking your A-levels; to take a placement abroad; or to spend your summer months volunteering. Reports show that over 20,000 UK students spend time abroad for a period of over three months each year .

It’s hardly suprising so many students decide to spend time away from the UK: the benefits of travelling are well documented. You can make new friends, broaden your outlook and gain stories to tell. But that’s not all: you may also improve your brainpower and become more outgoing.

Blue-sky thinking

According to a study by Adam Galinsky , a professor at Columbia Business School, those who have lived abroad are more creative. His research found that the more countries people had lived in, the more creative their work tended to be. However Galinsky says that just being a tourist isn’t enough to see any benefit. “Someone who lives abroad and doesn’t engage with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost than someone who travels abroad and really engages in the local environment,” he says.

Gain confidence and independence

Travelling and living abroad can also affect the way we interact with people. Research by Dr Julia Zimmermann and Dr Franz Neyer compared the personality development of a large sample of German university students who had studied abroad for at least one semester with a non-travelling group.

The results showed that those who studied abroad were generally higher in extraversion than those who chose not to travel during their studies: the travellers were likely to enjoy being around other people more than being alone. When they returned home after travelling, the participants also tended to show an increase in openness to new experiences, agreeableness and emotional stability.

Tom Champion, 26, a PhD student from the University of Sheffield who is studying in Singapore for 18 months, says he has become more accepting and compassionate since living abroad. “Seeing the world through a foreigner’s eyes has led me to realise my previously invisible cultural habits and hone my sense of empathy and my ability to understand others,” he says.

Moving abroad also allows young adults to gain a new sense of responsibility and independence, and to manage their own finances. Nikitha Aithal moved to the UK from India when she was 10 years old, and later worked in Spain for a year as part of her undergraduate language degree at the University of Leeds. She says: “Living and working in Spain made me appreciate the struggle my parents went through when moving to the UK – simple things such as setting up a bank account or paying the water bills.”

Sharpening your mind is a no-brainer

The new and unusual situations we encounter while travelling – whether trying to figure out how to navigate the local metro system, or just to order a meal in an unfamiliar language – help to keep our mind sharp, according to a study commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association.

It found that challenging new experiences can boost cognitive health, as when your brain is exposed to an environment that is novel and complex, it reacts by forming new connections as it tries to categorise the new and unusual stimuli. This grows the brain and keeps it active in a similar way as taking up a new hobby or learning a language.

So if you’re in the fortunate position of being able to chose whether or not to travel, why not take the plunge and explore the world – your brain will thank you for it.

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The Mind: Neuroscience and Psychology

Introduction.

What are the origins of our impulses to travel? Many scientists believe that the answer lies in the brain, and the way it is programmed. There are two dimensions to the way the mind influences our propensity to travel. First, we can explore through insights from neuroscience how physiological characteristics of the brain influence movement, and second, we can investigate how human psychology relates to travel.

I feel the need… the need for speed..   Maverick, Top Gun (1986), dir.Tony Scott

Key Aspects

Neuroscience, humans have unique neural mechanisms for movement.

Human babies are believed to follow the same chains of motor command as other animals, until they learn to walk, at which point we develop neural mechanisms that are unique in allowing us to co-ordinate complex movements. Professor Francesco Lacquaniti of the University of Rome believes that the co-ordination and maintenance of upright balance during human walking is more difficult than achieving balance during quadrupedal locomotion, and requires specific and complex neural pulses.

Our brains are wired to adapt to new forms of movement

Over the course of human social evolution, we have adapted rapidly to new forms of movement. As Stephen Gislason has explained ‘Ten thousand years ago… you learned to throw a spear, catch a fish or carry a deer carcass on your back. Today, you learn to throw a football, move a pen across a paper surface, push keys on a keyboard and control movement with a mouse or joystick.’

Our brains have a circadian rhythm and are wired for sunlight

Long distance travel can be disorientating, particularly if we cross multiple time zones in a short timeframe. We are wired to wake and work under sunlight: travel outdoors can therefore release endorphins and improve our feeling of well-being.

Our brains need travel for health

Movement benefits our mental health over the short and long term. But even inactive travel has benefits for the mind. According to Professor M C Diamond, novelty and challenge – such as we encounter when travelling – are two of five key elements needed for healthy brain ageing.

Travel, curiosity and creativity

Some scientists have described humans as ‘infovores’, noting that our curiosity, our need for new information, is related to release of chemicals in the brain that make us feel good. Other scientists have shown that our imagination and creativity can be increased by travel and even by the idea of travel or ‘psychological distance’ (Jia et al, 2009). It has been found that that spatial navigation, imagination and future thinking are all underpinned by a common set of ‘scene construction’ processes within the hippocampus. Perhaps the benefits of travel asserted by many cultures past and present – travel as an experience that broadens the mind – may have some neurological basis, lying within the ‘scene construction’ process of the hippocampus.

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  • Cognitive psychology indicates that travel decision-making is complex, based on personality, perception and information processing.
  • The aging process has significant effects on our propensity and psychological attitude towards travel. Older people tend to be less adventurous in their travel choices, preferring to use modes and visit destinations that are familiar.
  • The emotions have a strong role to play in our travel choices. The sometimes competing feelings of pleasure, nostalgia, fear and freedom all affect our individual ideals of travel and the limits that we place on our movement. Perceptions of danger and safety, for example, can strongly affect the destinations we choose. One of the most common themes for anxiety dreams is the imagining of journeys gone wrong.
The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. Samuel Johnson, ‘Letter to Hester Thrale’ (1773)

Practical Implications

  • Movement is hard wired into the human brain. Scientists argue that increasingly we should appreciate the benefits of movement as a human need.
  • Humans can become psychologically distressed if their movement is restricted; hence confinement is commonly seen as form of a punishment. For mobility-disabled people the need for travel is often particularly important. Until recently most public transport was inaccessible to disabled people, resulting in their isolation and arrest of their full potential.
  • The psychological motivations for travel are complex and differ between individuals, reflecting such factors as age, gender, emotions and experience.
Our style of locomotion, together with our cognitive abilities, probably was instrumental for evolving our style of social life. As for the other way around, that is, whether socialization plays a major role in the development of locomotion in human children, I really don’t know what to answer… the issue is wide open. Professor Francesco Lacquaniti, Atlantic Magazine (2011)

Further Reading/Resources

Hannaford, Carla  Smart Moves: Why Learning is not All in Your Head. (2000) Explains how movement can help cognitive development and learning

Harrison, Clearwater, and McKay (eds) From Antarctica to Outer Space: Life in Isolation and Confinement. ( 1991) Investigation into the way isolation and lack of movement affect the mind

Tony Hiss, In Motion: The Experience of Travel (2010) Enjoyable investigation of the psychology of motion and ‘deep travel’

Michael Brien – The Travel Psychologist: http://www.michaelbrein.com/index2.htm Readable popular introduction to the psychology of travel

Key Questions

How adaptable are we to new forms of movement? What role do the emotions play in our travel choices and behavior, and how can our transport systems incorporate these insights?

  • Sociological Insights
  • Religious and Spiritual Travel
  • Anthropology
  • Literature / Art
  • Exploration
  • The Environment

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essay on travel broadens the mind

How Travel Can Broaden the Mind

Travel has the power to broaden the mind in countless ways, from expanding our cultural understanding and knowledge of the world to helping us to develop new skills and perspectives. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, trying new foods, or simply stepping outside of our comfort zone, travel can have a profound impact on our minds and how we view the world. Here are a few ways in which travel can broaden the mind.

One of the most obvious ways that travel can broaden the mind is by exposing us to new cultures, customs, and ways of life. When we travel to different countries or regions, we have the opportunity to learn about the history, traditions, and values of those places, and to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of the world. This can help us to develop a more open and accepting attitude, and to see things from a different point of view.

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Another way that travel can broaden the mind is by challenging our preconceptions and assumptions. When we encounter unfamiliar situations or people, we are forced to think outside of our usual frame of reference and to adapt to new circumstances. This can help us to be more open-minded and flexible in our thinking, and to develop problem-solving and communication skills.

Travel can also have a positive impact on our personal growth and development. By stepping outside of our daily routine and breaking out of our usual patterns and habits, we can gain a fresh perspective and a renewed appreciation for the world around us. This can help us to develop a growth mindset and to become more resilient and adaptable.

Finally, travel has the power to expand our social connections and to increase our empathy and understanding of others. When we encounter people from different cultures and backgrounds, we have the opportunity to learn about their experiences and to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. This can help us to develop more meaningful relationships and to become more compassionate and understanding of others.

In summary, travel has the power to broaden the mind in a variety of ways, including exposing us to new cultures, challenging our preconceptions, promoting personal growth and development, and expanding our social connections and empathy. By embracing the opportunities that travel offers, we can enrich our lives and transform the way we think, feel, and experience the world.

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Travel Broadens the Mind — and Can Also Improve Your Mental Health

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essay on travel broadens the mind

If we are stressed or a little run down emotionally or mentally, friends may suggest we take a break and head off on holiday for a week or two.

And it has become a rite of passage for middle-class Westerners to ‘find themselves’ on a global backpacking holiday or ‘year out’ where they visit far-flung places.

But how does this need for distant travel and the stimulation it brings square with the environmental imperatives of the 21st century. Can you really justify the carbon pumped into the atmosphere by your self-help therapy trip to India?

In the past decade or so, experts have expanded their understanding of why travel makes us happy.

Psychologists who research the economics of happiness call it the ‘Easterlin paradox’ where money can lead to happiness but only up to a point and then the mind adapts.

Dr Thomas Gilovich, a Cornell University psychology professor, asked participants to report their happiness after making major purchases of goods or experiences in a study lasting more than 20 years. At first, the participants ranked their happiness with both kinds of purchases at about the same but over time, their satisfaction with material things went down and their satisfaction increased with the experiences they bought.

The study also showed that we get more happiness from looking forward to a travel experience in comparison to anticipating buying a new possession.

According to the latest Expedia Vacation Deprivation Study, an annual survey on American traveller behaviour and attitudes, 81% of people take holidays where a main goal is ‘mental wellness’.

And regular holidays have been shown to benefit psychological wellbeing. One US study followed 1,500 women over five years and found those who had holidays twice a year were significantly less likely to become tense, depressed or tired than women who had a break away once every two years. Those who travelled more often also reported being more satisfied in their marriages.

The Expedia study found that whether it was a long holiday (week or more) or a short one (two or three days), after a trip people liked themselves more, had more confidence in their ability to solve problems and felt more hopeful and outgoing.

Longer vacations seem to yield slightly better outcomes, with each positive result seeing a roughly 10% boost compared to a two or three-day trip.

Nisreene Atassi, global head of communications for Brand Expedia, said: “Bigger trips are great but even a quick break can significantly improve quality of life. Aim to schedule a staycation or add an extra day onto a holiday weekend in between longer trips to get the best of both worlds.

“A wellness-centric trip doesn’t have to mean a spa or yoga retreat, although those are popular options,” says Atassi. “For most of us, recharging simply means we need to disconnect and slow down. Whether it’s a family vacation or a solo escape, set rules about how often you’re allowed to check email and try not to overschedule your days.”

Margaret J King, of the Center for Cultural Studies and Analysis, in the US, has said this about the stress-relieving abilities of travel: “With a short list of activities each day, freed up from the complexities of ongoing projects and relationships, the mind can reset, as does the body, with stress relief the main outcome.”

But with environmentalism on the rise and a growing argument for reducing the amount of travel we do, how will this affect holidays that give us a ‘mental reset’.

The effect on the planet of increased travel is stark. One return flight from London to New York emits about 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide, calculated to be the same as a whole year of emissions for one person if the world is going to reduce CO2 output to sustainable levels by 2050.

Air travel also emits more pollution than just CO2. Water vapour at high levels forms thin clouds that have a warming effect, with vapour trails visibly blanketing the earth. So, air travel has more than twice the warming effect of the carbon dioxide alone.

One man who believes we should be travelling less frequently but making sure we get more out of the trips we do take is travel photography and holiday company founder Zach Houghton.

 “It’s time that we push back against a narrative that proposes that we need to visit new places simply because we can,” says Zach.

“What the world needs right now isn’t necessarily more stamps in passports; it needs more individuals who understand the value that those experiences bring to their lives as well as the effects of the travel industry on the environment and on local populations.

“As a society, do we need to be traveling more? Do we need to be consuming as much as we do? Or can we encourage a new era of mindfulness around these topics? Can we encourage individuals to seek out meaningful experiences closer to home and only travel in instances where their comfort zones are stretched and their passions ignited?

“I have discovered the value in taking fewer, more impactful trips and trying to align a clear purpose with each.

“Rather than travel to destinations on impulse or for the sake of outdoing our peers, we must evaluate why we want to travel. Even though travel has become (and to a certain extent, has always been) a status symbol, it is up to us to treat with it with respect and consideration. And with the obvious and detrimental effects that travel has on climate change – tourism is responsible for nearly one-tenth of the world’s carbon emissions – my staunch belief is that we must limit the number of places we visit in 2019 and make sure that every boarding pass we acquire leads us toward intentional connections, meaningful contributions and experiences that make us come alive.

“Travel is about introducing ourselves to new experiences, cultures, and ideas. These experiences have the power to shape and teach us. The moment it becomes about stamps, photos, likes, or symbols of status, it’s time to reconsider our motives and think about exploring closer to home instead.”

And some believe you can achieve the same outcome of better mental health by winding down on a break without traveling to far-flung lands. The staycation – when you have a holiday close to where you live or even unwind at home – is in part due to getting away from the hassle of travel, but also because of the environmental impacts of globetrotting.

essay on travel broadens the mind

American clinical psychologist Dr Shari Dade says mini-breaks at home can be beneficial for mental health in a different way than a holiday away can.

She says: “Sometimes, we get caught up in planning a vacation that we often forget that we can de-stress through a staycation that is much more convenient and cost effective. This allows you to step away to reflect on what’s actually going on.”

So what can you do on a staycation at home? Here are a few ideas…

Visit family:  We pack so much into our lives that spending time with relatives is hard. If you only see them once or twice a year, take more time to get to know them again.

Explore the community around you: It is true that we don’t visit the things on our doorstep, so go to that museum or park near you that you’ve never visited.

Read a book:  Yes, an actual book, and not on screen. You will then remember why books boosted your imagination and well-being.

Ride a bike:  Hire one or borrow one and get some fresh air and exercise in places near you that you barely know.

Turn your bathroom into a spa: Buy some smellies, light some candles, put on soft music, put some petals in your tub, get some fluffy towels ready and relax – not for 20 minutes but for a few hours.

Catch a film: Some people feel self-conscious going to a movie on their own. But go in the middle of the day when there are fewer people around and just enjoy the moment.

Go shopping on a weekday:  We all know the weekend is mad busy for retail therapy, but go midweek and it is incredibly relaxing. Visit a town you rarely go to and have a nice lunch. Remember, the money you are saving on a holiday can be spent on clothes!

Sleep:  Lie in and if you can’t, just lie on your bed and watch TV. It will surprise you how much you can snooze if you are relaxed.

Watch sport: Go to see a sport you’ve never watched before. It can be as stimulating as a cultural experience.

American film director Jennifer Lee once said: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” This search may take you halfway around the Earth, but equally you could find it in your own back yard.

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Valued Travel

How Travel Can Improve Our Lives

Valued Travel

How Can Travel Broaden Our Perspective on the World?

essay on travel broadens the mind

Travel has the incredible power to broaden our perspective on the world in ways that few other experiences can. Stepping outside of our familiar surroundings and immersing ourselves in new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life opens our minds and expands our understanding of the world and its complexities. In this article, we will explore how travel can broaden our perspective and help us develop a more global outlook.

Experiencing Cultural Diversity One of the most significant ways travel broadens our perspective is by exposing us to diverse cultures. Through firsthand experiences, we encounter different customs, traditions, languages, and belief systems. We learn to appreciate and respect the unique qualities of each culture, breaking down stereotypes and preconceived notions. This exposure fosters empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of human diversity.

Challenging Stereotypes and Biases Traveling allows us to challenge the stereotypes and biases we may hold. By interacting with people from different backgrounds, we realize that our assumptions and generalizations are often inaccurate. We come face-to-face with the reality that there is much more to a culture, a country, or a group of people than what we may have previously believed. This process of unlearning and reevaluating our preconceptions helps us become more open-minded and compassionate individuals.

Gaining Historical and Geographical Knowledge Exploring new destinations exposes us to the historical and geographical aspects of the world. We visit ancient ruins, historical landmarks, and museums that provide valuable insights into different civilizations, events, and historical contexts. Learning about the histories and struggles of various regions deepens our understanding of the world’s complexity and helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of past and present.

Witnessing Social and Economic Inequalities Traveling allows us to witness social and economic inequalities firsthand. We may encounter poverty, unequal access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities. These experiences provide a stark reminder of the disparities that exist in the world. It compels us to reflect on our own privilege and motivates us to advocate for positive change. Through this awareness, we develop a greater sense of social responsibility and become more engaged global citizens.

Appreciating Natural Beauty and Environmental Concerns Traveling exposes us to the incredible natural beauty of our planet. From majestic mountains and serene beaches to lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs, these experiences instill in us a sense of awe and reverence for the Earth’s natural wonders. Witnessing the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in different regions also deepens our understanding of the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Learning from Different Perspectives Engaging in conversations with locals and fellow travelers provides valuable opportunities to learn from different perspectives. We gain insights into local issues, cultural norms, and societal challenges. These exchanges broaden our understanding of complex global issues such as politics, social justice, and human rights. By actively listening and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we expand our worldview and become more informed global citizens.

Developing Adaptability and Flexibility Traveling often requires us to adapt to new environments, navigate unfamiliar transportation systems, and overcome unexpected challenges. These experiences cultivate adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. We learn to embrace uncertainty and become more flexible in our thinking and approach to life. This adaptability extends beyond travel and allows us to navigate various situations with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Fostering a Sense of Connection and Unity Traveling connects us with people from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering a sense of connection and unity. We realize that despite our differences, there are common threads that bind us together as human beings. We discover shared values, aspirations, and emotions. This sense of connection helps break down barriers and promotes a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.

Encouraging Personal Growth and Self-Reflection Traveling provides ample opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Stepping outside of our comfort zones and encountering new experiences pushes us to confront our fears, embrace change, and discover our true capabilities. We gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Traveling challenges us to question our beliefs, values, and priorities, leading to personal transformation and growth.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love for Exploration and Discovery Perhaps one of the most enduring ways travel broadens our perspective is by instilling in us a lifelong love for exploration and discovery. Once we experience the transformative power of travel, we develop a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity about the world. This passion for exploration extends beyond the boundaries of travel and influences our everyday lives. We become lifelong learners, constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities for growth.

Travel is a catalyst for broadening our perspective on the world. By exposing us to diverse cultures, challenging stereotypes, and providing opportunities for learning, reflection, and personal growth, travel helps us develop a more global outlook. It fosters empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. So, let us embark on our journeys with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace the transformative power of travel and the profound impact it has on our perspective of the world.

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Our world is a mixture of people, places, things built by people or by nature. It is fascinating that it is possible to discover each and every corners of the world.

First of all, I would like to say that travelling is becoming more and more popular nowadays. People travel during holidays more frequently than before, some jobs also require people to travel abroad. To travel means to discover. Discover new and unknown facts and images.

Some people say there is no difference between visiting a place and reading about it.But imagine the feeling when you read about the beauty of a particular place compared to the one when you are there, witnessing the beauty of it. To travel also means to communicate. To meet new people with different personalities and perspective. They show you their views on life, their likes and dislikes, their preferences, etc. Traveling enables you to become aware of differences in lifestyle - whether they are regional or national - and to learn how different people interact and generally what they base their ideas on.

Traveling lets people explore their own customs and way of life, and appreciate their countries' history and traditions. Traveling introduces new ideas that can change your opinions on different topics and help you to become more open minded about things you would normally disapprove of, such as exploring different political situations in countries you visit. Travel also teaches you independence, because it allows you to escape the familiar surroundings of home and stay in a strange or alien place.Additionally, our minds are broadened by the simple absorption of information, images, memories, etc. Travel allows us to experience new things as well as new sides to ourselves. We might see something new in ourselves or discover new interests.

On the contrary, travelling doesn’t always necessarily broaden our mind. not everyone can feel comfortable after traveling. People can’t adapt the new environment quickly, because of different culture, different climate, and different language and so on.And `jet-lag` and `culture shock` are the most obvious questions during traveling.

Robert Kohl defined the culture shock in his book, it is said that when people go to a different culture or surroundings, the vast majority of people will experience a mental confusion. Feeling loneness, no safety, can’t understand others. These phenomena are all called `culture shock`. And during the overseas travel, the airplane is an essential thing, and can cause a problem called `jet-lag`.It is a tired and unpleasant feeling that you sometimes get when you travel by airplane to a place that is far away because of the time difference.

But you can easily adapt and overcome this problem gradually. Like a coin, everything has 2 sides, positive and negative, including travelling. I personally think that travelling can help us in many different ways. Travelling makes it possible to experience new cultures, learn foreign languages, it may also increase our general knowledge and possibly make new friends. It opens our minds about the world and people.

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Travel broadens the mind.

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Stephan Seiler

English essay: Travel broadens the mind

Traveling makes it possible to experience new cultures; for example, observing different religions and customs, even if it just means visiting an Egyptian temple.  While traveling, you can learn new languages, which may increase your general knowledge.  If you learn a few basic phrases, you are given the chance to interact with the native people.  Also you are more likely to experience the friendliness of the locals because language barriers are broken. This may lead to prejudice ideas being destroyed. A new language gives a different outlook on life.

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Travel also teaches you independence, because it allows you to escape the familiar surroundings of home and stay in a strange or alien place. Just arranging travel and accommodation can give you new responsibilities.  Often when people travel they leave everyday troubles behind and have to learn to cope without them.  Improvising or making do without them teaches patience and determination, and when you return home you become more grateful for the things you left behind.

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Not only does traveling allow you to see new cultures, it also often allows you to learn the roots of your own cultures. Traveling enables you to become aware of differences in lifestyle – whether they are regional or national - and to learn how different people interact and generally what they base their ideas on.

Traveling lets people explore their own customs and way of life, and appreciate their countries’ history and traditions. Traveling introduces new ideas that can change your opinions on different topics and help you to become more open minded about things you would normally disapprove of, such as exploring different political situations in countries you visit.  

By experiencing life in different social systems or under different governments, you can see how successful they are and form intelligent opinions. Traveling can also make you more aware of other traditions and help you understand different views and perceptions that foreign people have.

I used to have a summer house in France. Our neighbours in France, a mere twenty-two miles from our shores lived diverse lives from our selves, socially, politically and legally.  By visiting new places you are introduced to new etiquette, which you may be expected to abide by. For example, in Egypt, the women have to cover themselves up in certain situations. This provokes awareness in many people on the correct rules of behaviour in society and broadens the mind the opportunities of travel are expanding.

Package holidays are becoming more popular and traveling to new countries is being made more accessible, and cheaper. In the future there will be orbital hotels in space offering ‘out of this world’ holidays. Ordinary holidaymakers will be able to travel to space and back. How could traveling to a different planet not broaden the mind? Space travel could put a new perspective on life and change the way you think and the way you live you’re live.

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Travel broadens the mind.

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Broadens The Mind Essay Example (400 Words)

    Travel broadens the mind Traveling broadens our minds in different ways. I had visited a different country for the first time when I was 8. My father lives in Norway with his American wife. I had already tasted the other side of life. I am only 15 and I know life is in front of me, but from my experience I know that traveling does change your ...

  2. How Does Travel Broaden the Mind?

    Meet new people. Travel also broadens your mind through the people you meet and interact with. Many of these friendships will become the fondest memories of your travels, and enrich you in a number of ways. Firstly, we can only travel as much as our finances or commitments allow. Meeting others on your travels allows you a rare insight into ...

  3. Free Essay: Travel Broadens the Mind

    Travel Broadens the Mind. Today most people view travelling as a time to relax and spend their time in a stress free environment. In my opinion travel does broaden the mind even if you are only relaxing. Enjoying the scenery, the food and the culture all are a part of broadening one's mind. It is know that a lot of good writers and successful ...

  4. Why travel broadens the mind

    Travel broadens the mind, as it teaches you to cope better under pressure and manage your stress levels while being several thousand miles away from home. Not to mention, travel is the ideal opportunity to learn new skills and practice your current interests. So, if you want to feed both your mind and soul while making memories and gaining ...

  5. Traveling Opens Your Mind: Here's How

    Travel broadens the mind if you are open to it. Life and the encounters experienced are all based off of how they are interpreted and perceived. Someone walking down the street that gets pushed can either interpret it as an act of hostility or as an accident. These interpretations are what create experiences, and experiences vary internally ...

  6. Why we travel

    Why we travel. It has long been said that travel "broadens the mind". Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make you smarter, but more open-minded and creative. Jonah ...

  7. How Travel Broadens the Mind

    September 1, 2013 1464. Grand Canyon NPS (cc) It's true: travel does broaden the mind and enrich our lives with new experiences. Whether you're a college student abroad or a tourist on holiday, you can reap the educational benefits of travel, according to a study forthcoming in the Journal of Travel Research: Empirical evidence about the ...

  8. Does Travel Broaden The Mind?

    So scientifically, does travel broaden the mind?. Recent studies show that travel helps to keep the brain sharp. Living new and challenging experiences every single day can create new brain connections which can keep a brain both active and healthy. "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it ...

  9. Travel broadens the mind, but can it alter the brain?

    Studies suggest that taking a gap year or studying abroad can positively influence your brain to make you more outgoing and open to new ideas. T here are lots of opportunities for students to ...

  10. The Mind: Neuroscience and Psychology

    There are two dimensions to the way the mind influences our propensity to travel. First, we can explore through insights from neuroscience how physiological characteristics of the brain influence movement, and second, we can investigate how human psychology relates to travel. I feel the need… the need for speed..

  11. How Travel Can Broaden the Mind

    In summary, travel has the power to broaden the mind in a variety of ways, including exposing us to new cultures, challenging our preconceptions, promoting personal growth and development, and expanding our social connections and empathy. By embracing the opportunities that travel offers, we can enrich our lives and transform the way we think ...

  12. How Travel Broadens the Mind and gives you perspective

    As we grow older and go through experiences, our mind evolves and expands to adapt to the new information. Travelling provides the same benefits but at a much faster rate. Travel broadens the mind ...

  13. Travel Broadens the Mind

    According to the latest Expedia Vacation Deprivation Study, an annual survey on American traveller behaviour and attitudes, 81% of people take holidays where a main goal is 'mental wellness'. And regular holidays have been shown to benefit psychological wellbeing. One US study followed 1,500 women over five years and found those who had ...

  14. How Can Travel Broaden Our Perspective on the World?

    Travel is a catalyst for broadening our perspective on the world. By exposing us to diverse cultures, challenging stereotypes, and providing opportunities for learning, reflection, and personal growth, travel helps us develop a more global outlook. It fosters empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.

  15. Free Essay: Travel Broadens the Mind

    To travel is to build a new relationship and a bridge to connect worlds apart. Even though people travel for reasons other than education, traveling, in general, broadens the mind because it introduces travelers to different cultures, knowledge to do things differently and inspires everyone to do something wonderful.…. 409 Words.

  16. It is said that travel broadens the mind

    While the overall response is complete, the essay misses the opportunity to provide specific examples to support the arguments presented. To achieve a higher score, elaborate on the learning aspects of travel and offer concrete examples or personal experiences.

  17. Travel Broadens the Mind Free Essay Example from StudyTiger

    Free Essays; Travel Broadens the Mind; Travel Broadens the Mind. A. Pages:2 Words:499. WE WILL WRITE A CUSTOM ESSAY SAMPLE ON FOR ONLY $13.90/PAGE. Order Now. ... On the contrary, travelling doesn't always necessarily broaden our mind. not everyone can feel comfortable after traveling. People can't adapt the new environment quickly, because ...

  18. (PDF) Does Travel Broaden the Mind? Breadth of Foreign Experiences

    the depth of foreign travel experiences as predictors of. increases in generalized trust from Time 1 to Time 2 (Time 1. generalized trust subtracted fr om Time 2 generalized trust). Breadth ...

  19. Travel broadens the mind.' To what extent do you agree?

    Essay Plan. 1. Travel has become more accessible than ever before. 2. Travel is an opportunity to broaden one's mind by exposing oneself to new perspectives, languages, and experiences. 3. It is important to choose travel experiences that allow for immersion in the culture rather than just superficial sightseeing. 4.

  20. It is sometimes said that 'travel broadens the mind ...

    to visit various places, including foreign. countries. and even outer space. As the proverb goes "Travel broadens the mind", many believe that. this. new activity could greatly benefit us and I do strongly agree. The reasons for. such. merits lie in the fact that travelling allows.

  21. It is sometimes said that 'travel broadens the mind ...

    Focus on the prompt's main question about 'travel broadens the mind', but your essay discusses people's trust in words and experiences instead. Ensure your essay directly responds to the given topic. Coherence & Cohesion. Introduce the topic clearly in the first paragraph, stating your opinion explicitly. Conclude your essay by summarizing your ...

  22. Travel broadens the mind.

    Travel broadens the mind. Stephan Seiler. English essay: Travel broadens the mind. Traveling makes it possible to experience new cultures; for example, observing different religions and customs, even if it just means visiting an Egyptian temple. While traveling, you can learn new languages, which may increase your general knowledge.

  23. Free Essay: Travel Broadens the Mind

    To travel is to build a new relationship and a bridge to connect worlds apart. Even though people travel for reasons other than education, traveling, in general, broadens the mind because it introduces travelers to different cultures, knowledge to do things differently and inspires everyone to do something wonderful.…. 409 Words.