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People who have traveled many places across the world- why did you, how did you, and should others?
What's your story, where did you go, and how were you able to do it?
What's your story, where did you go, and how were you able to do it?
My dad works for the US Navy, and his job requires my family to move around every year or two as his assignment changes. Most moves were done with a U-Haul, but quite a few were overseas and so required flying and a moving service to get shit around. Would I recommend it - eh, that depends. It's certainly enriching in a way; you get a lot of different experiences in your life and you meet a lot of cool people, but it's very isolating because almost nobody can relate and you never get to know anybody for more than a couple of years at most. If I had a choice, I'd do it again, but it's definitely hard on you in a way few people who haven't experienced similar circumstances understand.
I think living in a different culture for an extended period of time teaches us a lot more about people in general, of course about that culture, but also about our own culture.
I'd highly recommend that if you get the opportunity. Studying abroad for an extended period of time ( a semester really is too little), working abroad for a year or two etc.
There's also travelling, like vacations, conferences and that sort of thing.
Some of the popular tourist spots showcase amazing individual pieces of culture/society. You get what you get though, a museum with important pieces of world heritage, or a tourist experience. Those can be worthwhile, sure.
If you want an "authentic" experience, that demands a lot of work, effort while you're there and planning. It can be awesome but I've also had experiences where it's a swing and a miss. Fun stories afterwards, but not because the experience was good/fun then and there.
I used to travel the globe for work, so I have been to dozens of countries and all 6 major continents. (I live in the US.) I still travel some for leisure, although far more likely to be around North America these days.
It's great to experience other cultures, meeting people from other walks of life. I highly recommend visiting other places when possible.