Imagine you travel to a new and exciting destination. Somewhere that is entirely different from home. And yet, you return home the same person who left. I don’t think that is really traveling. Traveling is immersing yourself in culture, pushing yourself to try new things, questioning your own way of life, and giving back to a place that gave so much to you.
When I travel, I reserve at least day to giving back. Giving back gives so much to you; it makes you well rounded, and helps you appreciate life. I love the feeling of getting to know others and seeing what their life is truly like. I believe that you should spread good wherever you go. Traveling should be fun, but, it should also be about making memories, meeting new people, and positively changing yourself.
Sure, jet skiing, rock climbing, and afternoon swims are all great things. But, donating to a local school or meeting with orphans is something that is going to leave a lasting impression on your life and those you meet. It’s something that you can take home with you.
When I get on the plane to go home, the first question I ask myself is how did this trip change me? I love to relive the moments when I made a difference in someone else’s life. Or, when I made a new friendship. Instances that would have happened if I hadn’t left home to explore the world.
When you get home, people always want to hear about your trip. There are so many new experience and exciting moments that you can relive. When I tell someone about how I impacted others, they light up. It is an overwhelming feeling and it makes other people think, what if I did that too.
So, I challenge you, the next time you go on vacation, spend one day giving back. And when you go home ask yourself how you grew from that experience. Often people say, “Vacation days are my time.” But, what did that one day give back to you? I’d be willing to bet that it gave you a whole lot more than a mai tai or a pool ever will. The world’s is just waiting for you to explore. So, get going and make a difference while you’re there!
Related: Traveling Makes You Grow, Beautiful Zanzibar
