Imagine the open road. An endless stretch of highway just waiting to be traversed. You don’t know where you’re going. But, you don’t really mind. Adventure is your middle name, and you’re open to travel anywhere. Whether it’s another state, another country or just a neighboring county, you’re willing to have new experiences. This describes the life of a traveler. You know what other word would describe a traveler? Happy.
Happiness is a fleeting feeling in society. With 7 out of 10 people reporting physical or emotional symptoms of stress, it seems as if happiness isn’t within reach. We all want to be happy. And it seems travelers are some of the happiest people on the planet. But, why? Why are the ones who constantly change their surroundings and embark on adventures the happiest? Before we can answer that question, we first have to understand what causes the unhappiness.
Stress is a major factor in building up unhappiness. It’s one of those things that is ever present in our lives and never seems to go away. So, if it’s so bad, how do you get rid of it? Technically, you can never get rid of stress. It’s always going to be there. However, there are ways in which you can manage it. And, once you learn how to deal with stress, you’ll realize that the people who can handle unfortunate events and stressful situations are generally happier people. So, with all that in mind, let’s delve into why travelers seem to have the distant treasure of happiness that most people desperately seek.
You’re Not Confined to One Place
Travelers have an inert luxury that most people don’t have. While most people have the same routine they like to engage in, travelers get to shake things up. Instead of doing the same thing day in and day out, travelers tend to be adventurous. When they go on these adventures, they leave home and explore uncharted territory. This gives the traveler a certain freedom when scouring the countryside. Even if it’s just the next county over, the freedom travelers feel when exploring is unmatched.
You Build Self-Confidence
When you’re traveling around, you’re going to end up in places you’ve never been before. Depending on where you travel to, you may not even understand the language. This can be a scary prospect. However, the experienced traveler knows that the scary and uncomfortable situation of being out of your comfort zone actually helps build your self-confidence.
Travel blogger Keith Jenkins mentions this exact concept in his blog, Velvet Escape. When you’re confronted with situations outside of your comfort zone, your success in those situations builds your self-confidence. You see that you can do it. You can handle the unknown.
You Are Less Attached to Material Objects
Experiences are valued more than material objects. Sound crazy? It shouldn’t, since it’s true. People actually value that concert they went to more than their phone. A material possession’s value decreases over time. The person who bought that awesome t-shirt eventually gets used to it. After a few weeks, the value wears off. The concert, though, will last a lifetime. The experience of being there lasts longer in the memory and will only increase in the happiness that it brings.
Since travelers are constantly on the move, their need for material possessions is minimal. They’re too busy taking in their surroundings to be worried about buying a new pair of shoes.
You Are Constantly Learning
To always improve is something you should always strive for. When you’re stuck in a routine, you don’t really learn a whole lot. You’re comfortable with your surroundings and don’t want to change things up. Due to their new surroundings, travelers are almost required to learn if they’re going to take anything away from their experiences.
If you’re traveling to a new country, maybe you learn a new language. Or, maybe you learn that you have a new favorite food. Whatever it may be, learning about yourself and different cultures helps improve yourself. Plus, humans inherently want to learn. It’s in your DNA. Thus, learning leads to happiness!
You Expand Your Mind
So many times, stress consumes your mind. It grips your brain and doesn’t let up. To combat this stress, sometimes all you need to do is get away from the situation. When you travel, you learn you aren’t the center of the universe. It’s not all about you. This one realization is relieving.
All of the stress and pressure you feel should melt away. Travelers have figured this out. They know that the world is a vast place. There are so many positive experiences to be seen, heard, and felt out in the world.
You See Beautiful Sights
Variety is the spice of life. When you leave your home and travel to an unfamiliar place, you’d be surprised at the beauty you can find. Whether it’s a gorgeous sunset ten minutes from your house or simply people-watching, you get to experience nature and humanity. The world is a beautiful place if you stop trying to do it all and just unwind. Travelers understand this and take it to heart.
You Appreciate Your Family More
If you’re traveling, you’re probably away from your friends and family. Naturally, you’re going to begin to miss them. While all the sights and sounds of a new place can be fascinating, you still miss the ones you love. This is a positive form of stress, and makes the moment you reunite with them that much sweeter. Not only that, but you also have so much knowledge to share with them. Who knows? Maybe talking to them about your experiences will turn into a special memory of its own.
There you have it. The seven reasons travelers are happier people. The next time you get a chance, take a different route to work. On your day off, take a trip. Plan your next vacation in another country. Your stress will melt away, and you’ll be happier in the long run.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.