The world is home to many different cultures and traditions, beautiful landscapes, and extraordinary cities. All across the globe, cities are waiting to be explored by curious minds. However, only a fraction of the population has actually explored these places. A study by the Pew Research Center shows that 23% of Americans have never left the country, and that young adults and teenagers are half as likely to be world travelers as older middle-aged adults and seniors.

Traveling and visiting new places can be beneficial for mental health,

physical health, broadening perspectives, and personal growth. An article by NBC News states, “Three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested, and in a better mood. Interestingly, these benefits tend to linger for weeks after the trip has ended.”

A lack of traveling can have many consequences, including missing vital opportunities for personal growth and a lack of cultural understanding. Kaylani Habayeb, a sophomore at CHS, shares her thoughts on traveling. “I do not think not traveling has affected me drastically, but I think maybe I could be missing out on some cool scenery,” Habayeb said.

Additionally, a lack of travel and tourism can negatively impact foreign countries’ economies. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, “Travel & Tourism contributed $2.6TN to the United States economy last year and supported more than 20 million jobs. It also contributed more than $585 billion in tax revenue annually, accounting for almost 7% of all government income. It could be even higher with a strong international visitor base.” A lack of tourism leads to massive job losses, closures of small businesses, reduced government revenue, and a weakened economy that may be left vulnerable to future shocks.

Traveling is not only beneficial, but it is also an enjoyable experience. Mateo

Garcia is a CHS sophomore and an avid traveler.

“I love everything about traveling, even the flight,” Garcia said. It’s just the adrenaline of traveling and experiencing different places. And what there is to offer, like the new language, the new culture, the new people you get to meet, the new food, everything about it. It’s just an experience that you can’t really find in your home country. You have to go outside and really explore to find these different perspectives on lifestyle.”

While traveling regularly can often be a financial burden, as well as a conflict

with busy schedules, traveling internationally is not the only option for vacations. Traveling within the United States, or even within one’s home state, can have the same benefits as traveling abroad while avoiding mental and financial stress. Vacationing close to home on a low budget is absolutely doable, especially if one opts to use public transportation and makes detailed plans for the trip beforehand.

Traveling within the country or state is extremely beneficial for teenagers

and young adults. Traveling helps teenagers build cultural awareness, problem-solving skills, responsibility, confidence, and prepares them for international travel or studies abroad.

Traveling is an enjoyable experience that should be something everyone gets to

take part in. While students who have never traveled do not know what they are missing, traveling is an experience that you may later regret not having. According to Garcia, if you do not travel, then “You are not going to be able to know what else there is to offer in the world, and you’re limiting yourself if you do not travel.”