5 Reasons to Travel Around the World

I’ve been asked several times why I’m planning to travel around the world; what’s a good reason to travel? Everyone has a different reason to travel. Some of many, some have few. Some have no reason at all. There’s no single reason why I should travel, so here’s my best list:

1. To get inspired.

As a graphic designer, I’m always thinking creatively. As a person, I’m always interested in understanding and seeing new things. Lots of people travel the world on a budget to “find themselves” or gain some higher truth about their being. Sure, that’d be nice. But I’m really just looking forward to discovering inspiring stories, histories, cultures, and art.

Traveling to new places and seeing new things can inspire ideas and influence you in ways you never even expect. Inspiration comes in many formats. Whether it’s a new cuisine you experience while traveling, or the street art spotted in some back alley—there’s inspiration everywhere. And traveling everywhere gives you an opportunity to discover.

2. To prove to myself that I can do it.

If I can do this, I can do anything. Maybe it’s a dangerous philosophy (and I don’t doubt that I can do it), but I’d like to come out of this round-the-world trip with the affirmation and knowledge that anything is possible.

Traveling isn’t always easy. And big trips which require a lot of investment (time, money, resources) are an opportunity to prove that anything is possible.

3. To see and experience different cultures.

I’ve always been a reader. And sometimes a dreamer. Now I’d like to be a do-er.

Borders are a strange idea. Culture can and does spread beyond borders, but traveling and visiting those places where a cultural idea or symbol originates can offer up an opportunity to see and experience something new.

4. To eat.

Food’s important. A boy’s gotta eat, right? I’ve always been a believer in experiencing the culture of a place through its food. That’s why supermarkets and grocery stores are some of the most interesting places to visit when in a new city or country.

So much of culture is based on cuisine—and eating new foods and trying food you never knew even existed is such a unique and special way to travel the world. And in those times when it’s not possible to travel (like during the pandemic), food often serves as a placeholder for a trip—offering an opportunity to experience somewhere new through its food.

5. To meet new and interesting people.

Something I’ve figured out recently is the value of talking to strangers. Everyone’s got a story and who’s to say it’s one not worth listening to? It’s also a great way to meet like-minded individuals such as all the other travel writers & travel bloggers out there on their own big trips.

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Are you planning to travel around the world? Read my summary post after I traveled around the world with $20,000 for over 15 months: How far will $20,000 take you?