Venturing into the unknown by immersing yourself in a plethora of cultures witnessing the unimaginable, in my opinion, is the most authentic form of learning and edification. Travelling broadens one’s perspectives and nurtures empathy. Interacting with various cultures and customs, different from your own, encourages an individual to adopt a global mindset. By this, I mean the ability to view the globe as interconnected and working in harmony, as opposed to observing and judging through a unidimensional view, sometimes leaning towards ethnocentrism. By travelling, you develop the ability to embrace new customs and traditions thus break down any previous stereotypes or prejudice. Living with locals and volunteering abroad establishes bonds that transcends cultural differences and allows one to gain a more nuanced perspective of the world and other people’s lives.
At present, the media is an incredibly powerful tool, that can educate but is simultaneously limited in its broadcasting, which can forge a perhaps fixed mindset within a person. Personally, the idea of a lack of action and interest from news receivers resonates with Carol Ann Duffy’s poem War Photographer, specifically lines in the final stanza:
“A hundred agonies in black-and-white
from which his editor will pick out five or six
for Sunday's supplement. The reader's eyeballs prick
with tears between bath and pre-lunch beers.”
Through the act of travelling, one can experience the world and all it has to offer, equipping them with the agency to form their own opinions and judgements through independent thought. For example, many could imagine a slum in India and illustrate a general idea of what one would resemble. In the same vein, a number of people could describe existing wealth divides in countries. However, it is impossible to digest the scale of this disparity until you are on the ground facing an overcrowded slum, in impoverished conditions, of which marginalised communities live in precarious situations, which they call home. Yet, you turn right and walk two-hundred metres down the road and are met with golden gates, rose pink buildings, and acres of luscious grass, home to parliamentary buildings. It is in this situation, and only this situation, that you can grasp the gravity of the divide. Travelling not only broadens your worldly perspectives, but it educates you. You transform your previous assumptions into wisdom. Upon returning “home”, part of you will always remain in the places you have travelled. Parts of those new places, including the people you have met, the lifestyles you have observed, and the cultures you have absorbed, will return “home” with you.
Beyond the keepsakes and postcards, travelling is an opportunity to quietly master transferable skills. Such skills ameliorate through navigating language barriers, practicing observation by adapting to new environments and customs, and adapting to unpredictable and uncontrollable obstacles. Picture this, you’re interrailing Europe with your best friend, what are some scenarios where you would need to adapt? Depending on your budget, one of the most affordable accommodation options are hostels. This requires tailoring your usual habits to being in a shared room with eleven other people. However, I found hostels to be a fantastic place to connect with fellow travellers in the same situation with you from all around the world. Of course, in the process, one must bridge linguistic divides. This is where we exercise Duolingo or Year 7 French to use! Travel, at times, tests both your patience and tolerance. Circumstances out of your control can hinder plans such as a flight cancellation, so employing your problem-solving skills overcomes these hitches.
Travel acts as a catalyst for self-exploration and personal growth promoting the very best skills and version of yourself. While revelling in the moments of beauty and excitement, one is subtly being humbled and retaining competence for the future and everywhere they go, far and wide.
So, pack your bags, take the first step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself. Most of all, enjoy every moment and you will quickly realise the epic odyssey is not just seeing the world, but the one that transforms you in ways you never thought possible.