There are approximately 100,000 commercial flights globally, every day.  Each person on a flight to a different country has their own agenda.  Some people travel internationally for business or education, while others travel purely for vacation.  Whatever reason brings you to travel internationally, it benefits you culturally, educationally, and even financially.

Traveling internationally teaches people to appreciate more things.  When traveling around the world, you really get to witness the culture and how a society functions. You are able to see what you are truly blessed with at home.  Whether it is your favorite food, electronics, your home, or even hot water, you learn to truly appreciate what you have at home.  That being said, you also learn to adapt to a different lifestyle and live with less. You learn to live simply, and love the simple things in your life. 

During international travel, you learn to enhance your communication skills.  When traveling to a foreign country, you will not always be able to speak your own language. Learning to speak a new language to help navigate on your journey is a great educational experience and can benefit you in the long run as well.  Colleges and jobs are looking for people who are culturally diverse and know multiple languages.  Knowing a foreign language will not only help you on your travels, but it will also help you financially.

Recently, I had the chance to interview my friend Ben Harris about his travel experiences. Ben is from England and has traveled and lived all around the world, and currently resides in Panama.

When did you first begin traveling?

I did my first solo trip around Europe when I was sixteen.  I talked my way onto a tall ship’s boat and competed in the Cutty Sark 2002 from Portugal to Portsmouth in England.

How many countries have you traveled to?

At last count, I was at sixty-seven countries.  To be able to list all the countries I have traveled to, I would have to have a map in front of me.

Ben's travels through Kabul, Afghanistan

What is your favorite country you have traveled to and why?

I don’t have a favorite country because countries are so different topography and people wise that it seems unfair to pick one over the rest.  If I had to pick my top three favorite countries, I would say Afghanistan, Tibet (I consider it a country), and Nepal.  Nepal for the mountains, Tibet for the secretiveness of it, and Afghanistan for the people and their national pride.

How has international travel affected your life?

Travel has become my life and all I really want to do.

What is the most important thing you have learned from traveling?

If I have learnt anything, it is that money really isn’t that important, nor is working too hard.  Life is about living.

Ben biking the Death Road in Bolivia

As you can see, traveling is very important in many different ways.  It benefits you culturally, educationally, and financially.  There are so many unique sites and things to explore out in the world.  One should not be confined to a certain area when there is so much to do and see around the globe.

Shelby Lewis is a member of the Wandering Educators Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program.

All photos courtesy and copyright Ben Harris