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"The world is a book and those who do not travel only read one page." These words are as true now as they were when first uttered by the philosopher Augustine. Ask someone like me "Why Travel?" and you may as well be asking "Why Breathe?" For me, it is unfathomable that anyone would not feel driven to travel. I hope that, by the end of this article, you will feel the same. These are my reasons:
Reason 1: Because You Can
Humans are born curious. We are born with the word "why?" - if not yet on our lips - at least in our minds. You need only watch a child for a few minutes to see that they are born explorers who stand in awe at anything new and must investigate it. Sadly, many adults lose this curiosity. Some of us do not, and we are the ones to whom few things are more wonderful than stepping out of an airplane and planting our feet on the soil of a new country. A curious mind and desire to learn are recipes for a full and exciting life.
Our world is full of wonders for those whose eyes are open to them - strange animals in the air, on the land and in the sea, beautiful and powerful forces of nature like volcanoes, tornados and eclipses, cultures vastly different from our own, the list is endless. Our world is so amazing - how could anyone not want to explore every inch of it? A lifetime is not enough to see it all!
Last week I saw a volcano erupt from 2km away - spewing red rocks and lava down its side. This sight - at night beneath a sky full of bright stars, a sliver of moon, a lake in the background and fireflies buzzing all around - was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life. I could not have seen it from my home city, and chances are that you could not either from your own, but you may if you visit Arenal in Costa Rica...
I travel because I can. I want to see everything there is to see in the world, visit every country, cross every border and - if I can in my lifetime - even travel into space. Travel is exciting, rewarding, awe-inspiring, and fun!
Reason 2: Because It Is Good For You
Travel is good for you in many ways and if embraced properly will enrich your life and expand your understanding of your world. First of all, it is physically beneficial because it is typically relaxing and an enjoyable experience. It is a chance to unwind, de-stress and take a step back from your daily routine.
Mentally, travel is extremely beneficial. It forces you to examine your values, beliefs and priorities, and the more drastically
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