For the most part, travel is an amazing experience. Seeing new places, be they man-made structures or areas of great natural beauty, is truly inspiring. Family, Our Planet is packed with an enormous array of jaw-dropping scenes. From a more practical perspective, organizing all aspects of a trip is a valuable life skill. Booking flights and accommodation is the tip of the iceberg – the seasoned traveler has a full itinerary and knows where to find the best bars and restaurants and the best deals on transport, food and activities. Pte-departure preparation includes vaccinations, visa restrictions, and figuring out the local language and currency.
On the topic of language, travel provides the perfect opportunity to chat or at least communicate with someone from a different cultural background.
Finding common words or patterns is a treat for any linguist, picking up the basics of a previously unknown tongue – being able to say ‘thank you’ to a local shopkeeper or ordering a coffee means you’re engaging with the world around you. , and try to communicate in your own language.
Visiting another country not only opens your mind to new opportunities, but also helps you see your own country or city with new eyes. You may notice everything you previously took for granted, all the strange linguistic or cultural quirks that you thought were universal.
More than ever, young people today have the opportunity to travel and see new places. With cheap flights, relaxed visa restrictions and greater exposure to new cultures, traveling has never been easier. Taking a break from work or study, or even working or studying abroad, has never been more popular. Young people in particular are more interested in sampling a new culture and trying to get to grips with a second or third language—the benefits are both personal and professional.
All in all, travel offers a million and one different experiences – some positive, some less so – but all help you grow as a person. Travel provides an opportunity to see new things, but also to see old things in new ways. Learning a language is a life skill that will not only help you communicate, but also help you understand people and perspectives you may not have experienced.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready, go!
