This essay about travelling abroad explores all the advantages and disadvantages of this activity.
Introduction
Traveling refers to movement from one geographical location to another, either for recreation or work. The majority of the people who love traveling do it when they are young because of the availability of adequate time and lack of pressing responsibilities such as work and family (Hasbrouck, 2011). Traveling is an important pastime activity that is fun, and that exposes people to other countries, cultures, and societies. Travelers learn a lot because traveling necessitates changes in lifestyle and ways of communication. Moreover, travelers learn new languages, interact with people from other races and ethnicities, and explore new geographical locations (Mitchell, 2006). Individuals who travel regularly possess adventurous spirits that yearn for new experiences to learn new things. Despite having numerous benefits, traveling has disadvantages too. It is costly, exposes individuals to the risk of contracting diseases, and causes excessive fatigue.
Advantages of Traveling
Traveling offers people an opportunity to visit interesting places, learn new things, and meet new people (5 Benefits of Travelling, 2013). It is one of the best ways to interact with people from other races, cultures, and ethnicities. Travelers explore the various beliefs and traditions that guide other people’s lives and learn how interconnected humanity is (Mitchell, 2006). For example, there are very many cultures in the world that have preserved their traditional beliefs, customs, and practices. Visiting countries such as Kenya, Mexico, China, and India is an occasion to experience such unique cultures. On the other hand, meeting new people who speak different languages and who live differently is exciting and educational. Travelers also visit interesting places that have great cultural and historical value (5 Benefits of Travelling, 2013). For example, the Eiffel Tower in France, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Pyramids in Egypt possess great historical and cultural value. Learning about their histories can help travelers to comprehend the cultures, traditions, and customs of different tribes and societies, as well as their dynamics.
Another advantage of traveling is the chance to learn, relax, and widen one’s scope of knowledge (Mitchell, 2006). In certain cases, one of the requirements of traveling abroad is learning the language that is used in the country that one intends to visit. English is an international language. However, it is not spoken in all countries. Therefore, it would be necessary to learn new languages in order to enhance effective communication and interaction with people who speak indigenous languages (Thumb, n.d). There are numerous historical sites to visit around the world, and visiting them teaches furnishes knowledge about their historical significance to various countries and cultures (Marks, n.d). For instance, people who travel to Egypt learn a lot about the pyramids as well as when and why they were built. Exploring the cultures practiced by different communities increases appreciation for human diversity (Mercer, n.d).
Traveling allows people to improve their communication skills and create networks that can be beneficial in their lives (Mercer, n.d). Interacting with people who speak different languages and who have different cultures is challenging. However, it is important for the improvement of communication skills. Multicultural interaction is an important skill in contemporary society, especially due to globalization and technological advancements (Mitchell, 2006). Learning to interact with different cultures inculcates strong communication and social skills that are beneficial in personal and professional life (Marks, n.d). On the other hand, it helps to create networks that can be used in different areas of life. For example, travelers can create business, social, political, and religious networks that can help them to improve their lives, communities, and society at large. The international labor market is open for exploration to everyone around the world. Therefore, possessing strong networks and multicultural communication skills is beneficial and necessary.
Traveling exposes people to different living styles. As a result, it inculcates the value of compassion and changes people’s perspectives regarding life (Hasbrouck, 2011). For instance, travelers from developed countries who travel to developing countries get an opportunity to see the effects of poverty, ignorance, and diseases on communities. This makes them grateful for their lives. Also, it enhances the development of compassion and empathy toward the needy and the suffering. Traveling exposes people to new cultures, societies, people, and lifestyles (Mitchell, 2006). This exposure changes people’s perspectives, attitudes, and opinions. They develop new ways of looking at the world, and it also gives their lives meaning.
Disadvantages of Traveling
One of the major disadvantages of traveling is the costs involved. Traveling is expensive and involves the use of money that many people cannot afford (Thumb, n.d). For example, traveling to foreign countries by plane is costly, and people incur numerous expenses that can have severe financial consequences. Many people only travel locally because they cannot afford to travel internationally. Traveling includes other expenses such as food, entertainment, and accommodation (Thumb, n.d). Both local and international travel offer opportunities for exposure to new people, places, and cultures. However, the pricey nature of trips and vacations prevents many people from indulging and enjoying the many thrills they offer.
Another disadvantage of traveling is the risk of exposure to diseases and deadly illnesses. In the past few years, outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Ebola and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have been reported in several countries. These diseases put the lives of travelers at risk because they can cause death within a very short time once contracted. In many countries, governments impose travel bans on regions that have been flagged for disease outbreaks. A disease outbreak can lead to the quarantine of affected individuals until the disease is contained. Quarantine causes inconveniences and delays that can interfere with the exhilaration of taking a trip.
Traveling requires a lot of time and planning, which can cause great stress and fatigue (Hasbrouck, 2011). Preparing for a trip is time-consuming because of the need to book accommodation, arrange for transport, and make all the necessary inquiries. On the other hand, trips usually involve pre-arranged plans that eliminate flexibility and the freedom to engage in other unrelated activities. Following strict schedules creates rigidity that eliminates the fun that is involved in traveling.
How to Choose a Trip
Choosing a trip is primarily based on the purpose of travel. People usually travel for reasons that include recreation, tourism, migration, work, religious pilgrimages, business, trade, and volunteer work, among others. Others travel to relax, discover new things, explore, and get acquainted with new cultures (Hasbrouck, 2011). If an individual is traveling to relax or for recreation, they may choose to visit historical sites and beaches. On the other hand, people who travel to learn and explore new places may choose to visit countries where communities that have preserved their traditions are found.
For adventure, they may choose to travel to countries with mountains and forests that can provide fun and enjoyable experiences. Those who travel for migration reasons choose countries that provide the opportunities they are looking for. The steps to choose a trip include the establishment of a purpose for traveling, research regarding countries and regions that can fulfill that purpose, and determination of all the requirements for traveling to that location, such as vaccination and learning a new language or skill. There are various types of trips available that serve the aforementioned purposes. The two most important aspects of taking a trip are determining the purpose of traveling and selecting the most appropriate travel option.
Conclusion
People travel for many reasons, including relaxation, recreation, work, business, adventure, migration, and exploration. Taking trips is beneficial because it offers an opportunity to learn, interact with new cultures, learn new languages, improve communication skills, gain new insights and perspectives regarding life and the world, and meet new and interesting people. In contemporary society, traveling has been made easier by globalization and technological advancements. Despite its benefits, traveling has disadvantages too. It is expensive, time-consuming, causes fatigue, and exposes people to risks of diseases. It is important for travelers to determine the purpose of their trips in order to enable them to choose the most appropriate travel plan or program. It is also important to make all the necessary inquiries and arrangements before traveling to avoid getting stuck in new places. For example, it could be necessary for a traveler to learn the basics of communication or language when traveling to certain areas of the world where indigenous languages are used. This is necessary for the enhancement of communication and interaction.
References
5 Benefits of Travelling. (2013). Web.
Hasbrouck, E. (2011). The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World. New York, NY: Avalon Travel Publishing.
Marks, H. (n.d). 8 Benefits of Travelling. Web.
Mercer, L. (n.d). Educational Benefits of Travel. Web.
Mitchell, S. (2006). Global Adventure: Travelling Around the World. New York, NY: AuthorHouse.
Thumb, C. (n.d). The Pros and Cons of Travel. Web.