Why travel? Because one can. Because one needs distractions. Because it’s better to wander than to wonder. Yes, all legitimate but I’ve found other reasons that speak to me at a deeper level now. Granted these epiphanies may have effervesced mostly during solo travel but I reckon they apply to travel in general, as long as one keeps a curious and open mind. 

Be it the challenge of deciding what to do within a larger group or that of making peace with inner thoughts while exploring independently, travel has taught me to become comfortable with myself while challenging me to grow into a better version of myself. A balance that might be difficult to pursue let alone attain in many other settings. This other one takes immersion, which usually comes with time. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures with as many perspectives has helped me broaden my horizons and become less judgmental. The gain being that it has opened me to looking at things differently and trying newer approaches to challenges where I may have been otherwise stalling. In summary, the promise of travel is the elevation of the trifecta of intelligence – IQ, EQ, and neuroplasticity. In one of the most fun ways I can think of.