(Originally posted on HarmonyBanx.com)
Why travel outside of your country
Why would you need to travel internationally, if you have everything in the United States? That’s the question that gets asked by those that have never left the comfort of their home country. Well, keep reading to find out at least 5 reasons why you should travel internationally.
As Americans, we tend to view our way of life as the standard because that’s all we’ve been around. If you are able to travel, get a passport. Why read about it in books or on the internet, just experience it yourself at least once in your life.
Travel Internationally
What does it mean to Travel Internationally? It is traveling to a different country from where you reside. It is one thing to leave your city or state (which is a start), but it takes on a different dynamic when you have to get on a plane for 8 hours. Not to mention flying internationally has better perks than flying domestically.
Data Points
How many people have ever traveled outside of the US? Over 24 million US citizens have traveled internationally for 2022 (as of Nov 2022) with the top 3 regions being Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia (trade.gov).
There are approximately 302 Million citizens living in the US as of 2021 data (kff.org). So there is still a vast amount of people who have never left the US. Don’t let that be you.
See different scenery (1)
Take some time and learn and discover new terrain and climate. In the US there are different terrains and climates depending on where you live. In Arizona, it will be dry and hot but in Upstate NY, it will have its fair share of snow. The same can be said for different regions with a new country.
Seasonal differences
Consider leaving the US East Coast in December and flying over to the Eastern Hemisphere. It’s easy to get into the thought process that December means winter, however over there it is their Summer.
Different Beaches
Of course, there are beautiful beaches within the US but go and experience a different beach in a different country. The Caribbean has beautiful crystal clear waters and soft sand, however other locations such as Seychelles, and Maldives have water you can see through too, and present a different vibe.
Driving
Ever wanted to drive on the opposite of the road? Well in the US it’s illegal to even try, but you can experience that somewhere else. 68 countries drive on the left side (worlddata.info). To experience that change can be nerve-racking but exciting at the same time.
Vehicles
Looking to see different types of vehicles? Toyota and Hyundai may be seen in different countries but there are different car manufacturers that are popular too. Ever heard of a DACIA or a PEUGEOT? No, well travel internationally to see them in action for yourself.
Change of pace, chance to slow down (2)
Escaping the day-to-day usually only happens with a vacation planned out. You are forced to stop repeating the same norms that you are used to. Being on a plane for several hours (especially if traveling further than the Caribbean islands or Mexico), gives you time to decompress, at least once you’ve been thru all the airport shenanigans.
Adventure
Breaking out of the daily routine also provides a path for an adventure. The planning can be just as exciting as the adventure itself. Excursions, tours, and sightseeing can open your eyes like you are a kid at Christmas. Seeing a lion at a US Zoo is not the same as seeing a lion on a Safari ride.
Fast and Furious
In a lot of areas in the US, the norm is everything is fast. Fast food, fast service, fast answers. Leaving that may be a bit of an adjustment but it provides an opportunity to step back and slow down without the added pressure of needing to make something happen quickly.
Island Time
The words Island time have a real sentiment to them. The laid-back vibe can be a wonderful change for someone who is part of the Fast Lane vibe. This is apparent in Caribbean countries. Enjoy the scenery, and slow down, because everyone is.
Experience a different culture that is not Americanized (3)
When traveling internationally, look for authentic areas and those that are not commercialized and marketed for Americans only.
Touristy areas
Certain locations seem to be a beautified resemblance of the US. Cancun, MX especially near the resort areas has the US feel but in a tropical place. All the guests are just like you. It’s a comfortable place if you want to dip your feet in the travel waters, but you may look around and find you could have easily gone to a local beach in the states.
Food
Experiencing the food in a new country is one of the best ways to see major differences from the US. France for example has wine as their standard beverage and brings out different glasses depending on which part of the dining experience you are in (appetizer, meal, dessert). The portion sizes are generally smaller, so don’t be surprised if your entire plate is not packed full of food.
Native rituals
Due to the internet and social media, there are certain dances and music that have become popular overseas due to the US popularity. However, the native dance rituals that have been around for centuries continue to live on and as a visitor, you can see that first hand.
Ceremonies
Marriage ceremonies are not your typical bride dressed in white. In India, the more brightly colored the garment the better. In contrast, wearing black when someone has died in the US is normal, but wearing white is a tradition in countries like Ethiopia and India. What is considered normal by US standards is not for other countries in the world.
Tipping
In the US the majority of restaurants, tipping is the norm, but in Europe, it’s frowned upon. It takes some time for a US citizen to understand that it’s really not okay to tip their server in a European country. But you would never know the feeling unless you went yourself.
Sports
If the World Cup has taught you anything, it’s that futbol can bring multiple countries together. American football is well just for the US. But what about those other sports that are not popular in the States? Wouldn’t you like to see a game in person to experience how fans of different countries and sports come together?
Languages
If you have ever wanted to learn a new language, the fastest way is to immerse yourself in that native country. And it also helps with enhanced memory and critical thinking. What is fascinating is that within certain countries, multiple languages are spoken. For example, India has about 22 official languages (https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org). In Aruba, they speak a minimum of 4. So travel if you want to learn a new language quickly.
Meet new people you would never have met before (4)
If you want something different you have to do something different (Jack Canfield). Are you tired of seeing the same people, and having the same type of friends, do you want to level up? Well time to get out of your comfort zone. Visit a new country and meet a new friend. Sometimes we are more alike than we are different. This new friend can share their perspective on how it is living in their country versus what you can read on the internet.
Get a different view than what is on the news (5)
Ever hear gossip about someone and already form your own opinion but then meet them in person and discover they act nothing like what you were told? That’s exactly why you need to visit a country for yourself instead of getting second-hand information. Form your own opinion.
The media tells us what the media wants us to know. When you visit a new country, turn on their local news and then compare it to what we hear and see in the States.
Go For It
No country is perfect and there are pros and cons to every country. But experience it for yourself. Don’t look for others to tell you, get your own perspective. The internet is vast, but it can’t give you the “feeling”.
Look for good flight deals to a new place you’ve never been to. If you don’t have a specific timeframe, then your options open up. If you’re afraid to go alone, look at some group travel options.
Get out of your comfort zone, book that international trip, and experience new things!
Happy Traveling!!
Click to read about our trip to South Africa.
~Angela Banks
References
https://www.trade.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/US-Outbound-to-World-Regions.xlsx
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Languages_of_India
