1) GIVES YOU A NEW OUTLOOK ON HOW OTHERS LIVE.
Each person lives a different reality daily...in which their own reality is their own, and is something we don't fully understand unless we're completely immersed in it ourselves. We each perceive the world in our own way based off of where we live, where were from, and the societal norms that have shaped us. It's interesting to learn more about others and their stories - in which getting the chance to explore other people's cultures, foods, styles, and traditions is one of the most eye opening experiences a human can have.
2) MAKES YOU REALIZE HOW BIG THE WORLD TRULY IS.
Usually, the saying goes "it's such a small world"...but in reality it's HUGE, and there's a lot of it to see. You realize that the world is so big once you step into one that you're not used to. This stands true especially when you live in a developed country and visit one that isn't as wealthy - this really opens your eyes to see how different all of our "worlds" are, even though we all live on the same one!
3) HELPS YOU BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT.
Besides all the cultural things you learn about while traveling somewhere, traveling teaches you even more about yourself. Through these exciting experiences you learn to do more things for yourself while enjoying your special time away. This only happens once you step out of your comfort zone and travel to places you've never traveled to before...that's when the real magic happens.
4) MAKES YOU SEE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR WHAT IT IS (AND ISN'T).
Documenting the trips I take is always important to me because I want to capture those memories visually, forever. Although it's amazing to capture these adventures, you quickly learn that social media while abroad is your last priority. Staying updated on what other people are doing becomes pretty much nonexistent because of how many different things you're experiencing while immersed into this new culture. All of your senses are tingling on overload and your mind is as stimulated as ever; in that moment you realize that what's important is happening right in front of you and that your true happiness comes from actually living (and not from how many likes your last social media post got).
xx Ash