THE earliest road trip I remember was to a beach somewhere in Bataan when I was five or six years old. I recall whining how far and long it took. There were other beaches nearby that didn't require several hours on the road.
To my young mind, it's all water, anyway. My mother told me then: "The world is a book and those that don't travel read only a page."
My late-Mom has a Phd from the Michigan State University, and she received her fellowship from the State University of New York. Her official red Philippine passport was peppered with so many colorful stamps, each with an equally fascinating story to tell.
It doesn't surprise me that she ended up with my dad, whose nickname was Kaladkarin (it has no exact translation, but it is comparable to what people now call, Wanderlust). I recall him also regaling us with stories of his single-life adventures: how he climbed mountains or how he camped in beaches with his Pentax camera and a tripod as his only companion.
It was only when I got to grade 4 and we lived in the US for awhile, when I fully understood the gravity of that statement. There really is no better classroom than the beautiful world we live in, with experiences as the best badass teacher.
Broadens the mind
Travel does not only bring us to new places, but it also broadens our minds and expands our horizons. We step out of our comfort zones when we seek to understand people and traditions from other cultures.
Often, that goes hand in hand with appreciating the variety in food, differences in language, and the nuances of history which make that culture what it is today. Travel allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the amazingly diverse world around us and the beautiful people who live in it.
Skills learned
By immersing ourselves in the differences of others, we find a common ground of understanding that often transcends language barriers and skin color. We build tolerance, acceptance, and appreciation for the beauty of humanity.
In addition, long queues in airports, including the long waiting in pre-departure, help us develop patience. At times, we may find ourselves speaking with fellow travelers to pass the time, thereby honing our interpersonal skills.
No trip is perfect: we get lost, we eat terrible food that leads to diarrhea, or we get duped by scammers. But all of these are a part of the learning process that makes us into more resilient, well-adjusted, and wise individuals. We may feel temporarily pained, but we are all the better for it, akin to diamonds that have been buffed to sparkle.
Appreciate the earth
Aside from the typical touristy architectural landmarks, travel allows us to appreciate the real beauty of majestic Mother Nature. As we get to explore a new place, we also experience unique forms of geology, may it be land or water, which are different from the place we call home.
From enjoying the rolling Tuscan Hills, the scenery of the Rhine River Cruise, the mist of the Niagara Falls, the picturesque peaks of the Swiss Alpine region, or the perfect cone shape of the Mayon Volcano with its peak almost caressing the thick cotton candy clouds; there are just many wonderful gems that nature gives which breathes life and color into this world.
Aside from the sights, we can also enjoy the sounds of life that nature contains from the many different species of animals in various parts of the earth. We also get to appreciate the silence and tranquility of the countryside. There are truly so many things to experience and enjoy: swimming with sharks, riding camels, petting dolphins, cuddling koalas, and the like.
Just taking a step outside the door of a new country also teaches us about climate and atmosphere. Bundling-up in layers or stripping down to a bikini is all part of the fun to enjoy what nature has to offer.
Finding peace and serenity atop a mountain with the symphony of the wind or finding these qualities between the rolling waves are food for the soul.
Making memories
Vacations vanquish the mindless doldrums of routine and allow us to focus on ourselves and our loved ones. The bonding moments we have with our family and friends are precious and priceless.
Traveling solo also helps us enrich and understand ourselves better.
Travel in any form builds fantastic memories. Heck, even music is sweeter when a series of notes come after a rest!
We can’t all work forever! We need to enrich our happiness bank with memories from which we can gather strength when the going gets tough.
Balancing work and play is crucial to our well-being so we can all live quality lives with the people we love.
Appreciate home
There is some truth to the old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Spending time away from home makes us appreciate it even more.
There’s nothing like plopping into our own beds and eating home cooked comfort food when a trip winds down! After all, everyone has a place to call home…and there is truly no place like it.
Of course, travel takes resources. Not everyone has the time or money to fly to a different continent. However, driving to a nearby city is an option that’s easily doable. A trip to a nearby park, museum, or attraction that we have never visited will also offer something new.
Just take a trip and GO…because travel imprints on our minds, touches our hearts, and adds vitality to our souls; so all the new things we eventually encounter will now forever be tinged and seen with the colors and depth of our travel experiences.
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