Opinion

The Importance of Traveling

Traveling is a great way to expand your view on the world, and if you have the opportunity to travel, you should take it.

Being at Monmouth, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole other world outside of our little niche. The surroundings we’re used to at Monmouth can feel like it has it all. There are shops, restaurants, and having our own beach doesn’t hurt. Unfortunately, Monmouth doesn’t have everything. There’s a lot that you can learn when you’re outside of your niche. It might not seem like it, but people who live even a few hours away live a different lifestyle than we do.

When you’re traveling you’re learning. When you visit new places, you’re learning the history of them, which seems like a much better lesson than a history class. The lessons you learn when you travel are a whole different learning experience because you’re making yourself familiar with a new environment.

Traveling is a good way to mature. You might find yourself in a new culture when you arrive in an unfamiliar place, and it is important to be respectful of these peoples’ cultures.

When preparing to go somewhere, a lot of planning and coordination goes into your trip. Organizing a trip can help you learn new responsibilities because you’re responsible for yourself and catering towards your own desires. If it’s also a good way to test your responsibilities. You are out on your own, and you are totally responsible for yourself and all of your needs.

There’s different concepts of traveling – local and distant. You shouldn’t limit yourself to just one. Don’t be afraid to travel to an unfamiliar place; broaden your experience. Sure, it’d be great to be able to travel all over the country, or the world for that matter, but can your average college student afford a bunch of trips like that? I wish, but probably not. There’s so much you can do in a day trip. Not having to worry about paying for a hotel and pricey travel expenses, you’re able to discover places around you that you might not have known existed. If you’re bored of day trips, plan an exciting adventure with your friends.

I know when I have enough money saved, I’d rather spend it on an experience. There are so many places that I would love to travel to. I love that when traveling, I’m able learn about other cultures. I think the best way to learn is through experience. Some of the best times I’ve had is when I’m traveling with my friends. You can have fun and learn so much when you are exploring a new place. There are so many places I would not have even known existed if I didn’t allow myself to go new places.

One special advantage we have here at Monmouth Univeristy is the option of studying abroad. They offer traveling to Spain, Australia, London, or Italy for either a whole semester or four weeks in the summer. It is the same tuition as a regular semester at Monmouth University which makes traveling and experience more affordable for people our age, rather then attempting to travel on your own. Study abroad also gives you more time to embrace the culture simply because you spend time living there, not just vacationing. It is definately something to look into.

The best part of traveling is the new experience. Some of the greatest moments of your life can happen when you’re traveling to new places. Whether you’re going around the world, across the country, or just around the block, there is always a good reason to travel.