You know precisely why the title of this article caught your eye. You have a fire inside you. The need to explore. The desire to see the world. The wish to eat new foods, smell the different air of a foreign country, feel the hot sun on your skin, speak a new language and listen to the sound of soft waves hitting the shore.

You don`t? Well, if that description didn’t convince you to pack your bags and buy a plane ticket, here are three reasons why you should travel more often:

1. Learn new things

Travelling is a fantastic opportunity for you to broaden your horizons. You get to experience a unique culture and language with all its facets. And it is essential to try new things! Eat food you’ve never tasted before, go to an interesting museum, listen to foreign music and talk to people.  You might end up incorporating aspects of your journey into your everyday life.  I once travelled to Thailand, where I learned how to meditate, and it has been a habit of mine ever since. Be open, and try new things. You’ve got nothing to lose!

2. Get to know yourself

I have noticed that travelling can be a time of self-discovery. As I mentioned before, it can be an excellent opportunity to get to know yourself. But, it’s not always that simple.

If you decide to visit a foreign country, the chances are high that it is going to be different from your own. This can be extremely stressful and challenging time for the common couch potato, but there is no way around it: you have to step out of your comfort zone.  The only way you can grow is to overcome your insecurities. I, personally, hate talking to strangers. It is not that I am unfriendly, I just feel very uncomfortable doing it. But every time I travel to a foreign country, I am forced to talk to strangers to navigate. Apart from that, it isn’t that difficult, and you will probably end up having pleasant conversations and might even make a friend.

Whether you are insecure about talking to strangers, flying in an aeroplane or just about travelling itself: don’t be scared. Just do it!

3. Life is short

Several studies have questioned old people and found out, that you don’t regret the things you did, you regret the things you did not do. I want you to read that sentence, and then reread it. You don’t regret the things you did; you regret the things you did not do. That is the best, most inspiring and motivating piece of advice I have ever heard. We, humans, tend to get caught up in our heads and overthink everything. What if something goes wrong? What will other people think of me?

Well, I have news for you: life is short! Don’t bother worrying about what other people think of you; their thoughts are none of your business. If you want to travel, do it. If you don’t, that is fine too. Do what makes you happy. And step out of your comfort zone.

Is there a specific place you would like to travel to? Feel free to tell me in the comments!

Elena Diehl