In the past 4 years (2019 to 2023) I have traveled relatively more than what I had done in the earlier part of my life. This included international travel and local travels falling in following categories. Travel with family for leisure, travel with family to attend functions out of station, travel to places of spiritual / religious importance – pilgrimages, travel for adventure and travel for study!
Travel to South Africa with few Chartered Accountants (& their family members) as part of an international study tour. Amongst other things in this trip we visited the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and personally I did bungy jumping, apart from sightseeing.
travel to Ladakh – Himalayan trek with trekking group,
travel to Nepal – another Himalayan trek, visited the Pashupatinath temple too,
travel to Tirumala Tirupati temple – with family,
travel to Chiplun – office picnic,
travel to Odisha – sightseeing with family, visited the Puri Jagannath temple,
travel to Calcutta – sightseeing with family, visited during Dassera visited Kalighat temple,
travel to Bengaluru – marriage in friends circle,
travel to Delhi – marriage in family,
travel to Pilani – son’s college BITS Pilani,
travel to Chennai / Vellore – personal family matters,
travel to Chennai – to attend a music concert!
This is in spite of the wide travel ban imposed during the Covid period 2020-2021. Had Covid not intervened, I feel my travel list would have been even longer.
I have personally experienced that traveling is an enriching experience that has the power to broaden one's thinking. Whether you are traveling to a different country or exploring a new city, the act of traveling can expose you to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives. As you experience new things, meet new people, and learn about different ways of life, your mind expands and you become more open-minded.
One of the most significant ways that traveling broadens one's thinking is by exposing us to different cultures. When we travel to a different country or region, we encounter people who may have different beliefs, customs, and traditions than our own. For example, in many cultures, family and community are highly valued, and people prioritize spending time with loved ones over work or other obligations. In contrast, many Western cultures prioritize individualism and personal achievement. By experiencing different cultures, we can gain a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.
Family trip to Tirumala Tirupati
Traveling can also challenge our assumptions and beliefs. When we are immersed in a new environment, we may encounter situations or perspectives that challenge our existing beliefs or ways of thinking. For example, we may visit a country where the political system is vastly different from our own, or we may meet people who have had very different life experiences than we have. These experiences can broaden our understanding of the world and make us more empathetic towards others.
At the summit during Ladakh and Nepal treks
Another way that traveling broadens our thinking is by providing us with new experiences and perspectives. When we travel, we often try new foods, participate in new activities, and meet new people. These experiences can expand our horizons and help us develop a more well-rounded view of the world. For example, we may try a new cuisine that we had never considered before and discover a newfound love for it. Or we may participate in a cultural activity, such as dancing or music, that helps us connect with a different way of life.
Traveling can also help us gain a greater sense of independence and self-confidence. When we travel, we are often forced to navigate unfamiliar environments, deal with unexpected situations, and communicate with people who may not speak our language. These challenges can be daunting at first, but as we overcome them, we gain a greater sense of self-assurance and resilience. This newfound confidence can translate to other areas of our lives, such as our careers or personal relationships.
Top - Chennai visit for relative's music concert &
Bottom visit to Delhi / Gurgaon for a wedding in the family
In addition to broadening our thinking, traveling can also have a positive impact on our mental health. Research has shown that travel can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall happiness. When we travel, we often have the opportunity to disconnect from our daily routines and responsibilities and focus on ourselves. This can be a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life and can help us gain a new perspective on our priorities and goals.
However, it is important to note that not all travel experiences are created equal. Simply visiting a new place does not necessarily guarantee that one's thinking will be broadened. To truly benefit from travel, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This means seeking out new experiences, engaging with locals, and being receptive to different ways of life. It also means being respectful of local customs and traditions and recognizing that our own way of life is not necessarily the "right" way.
Travel to Howrah, Odisha, Pilani - all different trips
Traveling is a powerful tool for broadening one's thinking. By exposing us to different cultures, challenging our assumptions, providing us with new experiences and perspectives, and boosting our confidence and well-being, travel can help us become more open-minded, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. However, it is important to approach travel with a willingness to learn and an openness to new experiences, in order to truly reap the benefits of this enriching experience.
