I’m a firm believer that everyone should get the opportunity to travel. Doesn’t matter if you’re a recent University graduate who’s looking for a little enlightenment before pursuing a career, or someone who has worked tirelessly for years in a job that they no longer love. Traveling isn’t just the best way to see the far corners of the world, or the perfect opportunity to get some great shots for Instagram – why not print your photos onto aluminium for a change? – but it’s also a chance to find out more about yourself and to say goodbye to your comfort zone.

Still teetering on the edge of a decision? Don’t worry, I’ve put together 4 things you should consider if you decide to go travelling.

Bye, bye comfort zone

As mentioned above, you don’t get many chances to leave your comfort zone in your regular 9 to 5. Which is why travelling is a magnet for those looking to find out more about themselves. If you’ve ever wondered how well you’d cope in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and you’re trying to figure out a way to get back to your accommodation then travelling is for you. If you want to know if you’d be any good at haggling, if you’re desperate to try new and exciting foods then it’s another reason to hit the road, climbing a mountain at 5am to see the sunrise? There’ll be no stopping you.

Your confidence will soar

Speak to any seasoned traveller and they’ll tell you that the biggest change they saw in themselves during and after their travelling adventures was the difference in their confidence. In the modern world it’s easy to let technology to the talking for us, or at work, simply allow the ones with louder personalities speak for you and the rest of your team – but when you’re on the road, you’ll be thrust into so many situations you’ll be amazed at how far out of your shell you’ll be willing to come. Whether that’s haggling for trinkets at a local market, being the first to step off the platform on a zip wire across a jungle canopy, or just speaking to locals. Your shyness will be a thing of the past.

There are new friends waiting for you

It’s easy to feel like you’ve outgrown your peers when you’ve spent most of your life surrounded by the same people. Friendships often ebb and flow as you get older, but if you want the opportunity to meet more like-minded people then travelling is for you. There are new people around every corner, whether that’s locals or travelers just like you. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t like everyone you cross paths with out there but because you’re travelling – you don’t have to see them again!

Give something back

Everyone should volunteer during their travels. Whether that’s helping to build a school, or even assisting with the rehabilitation of an endangered animal. There are thousands of opportunities out there and you’ll feel incredible for being able to give something back.