Travel is about seeing the world, learning about other cultures and experiencing new, sometimes scary, situations. If you are open to these experiences, they can teach you about yourself in a way that no classroom ever could. They also help you develop empathy, which in turn helps you connect with people who may have different opinions, beliefs or customs.
In the past, these travel experiences were only available to a wealthy few who could afford to travel by car or plane, but with advances in technology, many people are now able to travel the world for free! House/pet sitting is a fantastic way to visit new destinations while living like the locals. There are entire online communities now dedicated to pairing house/pet owners with travelers. You can find out more about this by visiting a website like House Sitters International.
Another great option for budget conscious travelers is to travel by train or bus. This can be a fun way to visit new countries and make friends along the way. There are even websites that allow you to book your train/bus tickets and hotels at the same time.
You can save money on meals by staying in a hotel or renting an apartment with a kitchen. This will allow you to shop at local markets and cook your own meals, which can be significantly cheaper than eating out in restaurants. In addition, it is a great way to meet the locals and experience their culture and cuisine.
Zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, bartering for fresh fruit and veggies in the traditional markets of Marrakech or climbing aboard a speedboat to watch animals grazing in Tanzania: these are just a few of the amazing adventures you can have on your next trip. People are hardwired for adventure and traveling is the best way to tap into that excitement.
Whether you are a first world traveler with an itinerary and set plan or a third world traveler who embraces the uncaged strangeness of the unknown, seeing the world will enrich your life in a way that nothing else can. It will teach you about politics, economics, history, geography, and sociology in a hands-on way that no classroom can.
In the face of massive airline industry changes, safety and security concerns and intimate knowledge of remote getaways — today’s traveler requires an experienced travel advisor with a creative problem-solving mindset. Thankfully, at World Travel, we offer that!