For many people, the world is an endless source of fascination, excitement, and adventure. Whether it’s exploring a new city, climbing a new mountain, or just watching a wild animal in its natural habitat, the world is a place of infinite wonders, and the best way to see it all is to travel it.
Seeing the world is an education that no classroom can offer. It teaches you about the economy, politics, history, geography and sociology in a way that’s far more meaningful than any textbook or lecture can. Moreover, it’s a unique kind of learning that’s fun: It can be exciting, exhilarating and life changing all at once. Whether you’re zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, bartering for souvenirs at the markets of Marrakech or eating a backcountry feast on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, every trip offers a rich experience that will broaden your worldview and enrich your life.
Travel also teaches you that the way you look at the world isn’t necessarily the same as everyone else. Getting out there and meeting people from different cultures will improve your point of view, make you more open-minded, and make it easier to connect with others.
In the age of social media, it’s become popular for celebrities to take a turn as tour guides and show off their travel adventures on Instagram. The popularity of these posts has led to a rise in group trips, with private groups now making up 30% of bookings for Black Tomato. “It’s a trend we don’t expect to lose momentum as the year continues,” says Tom Marchant, managing director of the luxury travel company.
If you’re planning an around-the-world adventure, the most common method is by air. Airline alliances such as Star Alliance and OneWorld sell global passes that let you fly to all continents on a single ticket. Or, you can go by land: National Geographic Expeditions’ 23-night trip from London to Cairo via an anticlockwise loop through Europe and Asia starts at PS77,100 per person, including medical evacuation insurance.