How Travel Broadens a Person's Perspective on Life

Travel can significantly alter one’s outlook on life, exposing individuals to new cultures, perspectives, and experiences. For many, traveling isn’t just an escape from the mundane; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through extensive travels, one can gain a deeper understanding of the world and themselves, leading to a more enriched and empathetic worldview.

Travel as a Lifelong Learning Experience

As Mamun, a veteran foreign service officer, shares his insights, he highlights how travel can transform perceptions. According to Mamun, travel removes us from the comfortable ideas ingrained by our families, challenging us to engage with new places, people, and customs. This engagement expands our personal horizons, enriching us with knowledge and increasing our tolerance for others.

Individuals like Mamun, who travel for extended periods or reside abroad, often face unique experiences that further broaden their perspectives. For example, Mamun's postings in locations like New Delhi and Manila exposed him to poverty, political and religious extremism, and authoritarianism—experiences that were starkly different from anything he had previously encountered in Canada. Through these challenges, Mamun came to see Canada as an island of relative tranquility, floating amidst a world full of meanness.

Impact of Travel on Personal Relationships

Living abroad can also bring about significant changes in personal relationships. The phrase 'you can't go home again,' famously attributed to Ernest Hemingway (though Mamun disputes his authorship), underscores the fact that one's return from travel is often not the same as the departure. This transformation is a result of changed political, economic, and social landscapes, as well as personal changes like aging and the loss of loved ones.

Moreover, Mamun notes that expatriates may face difficulties in reintegration. The experience of living alone or with a nuclear family can make returning home feel like a return to a different time and place. The passage of time and the accumulation of knowledge from foreign experiences can make one feel out of step with relatives and friends. Additionally, the practical challenges of returning, such as finding the mail that has accumulated during one's absence, can further add to the sense of dislocation.

Choosing to Travel

Mamun's account highlights the choice that many expats make regarding travel. For some, the decision to travel or live abroad is driven by the desire for broader experiences, new opportunities, or a career in the diplomatic service. However, for others, travel isn't just about gaining new insights or ennobling experiences; it's about adapting to a new life and making the best of what comes.

In conclusion, while travel can be a profound and enriching experience that broadens one's perspective on life, it is not guaranteed to provide enlightenment or ennobling experiences for everyone. For those who embrace travel with openness and a willingness to adapt, it can be a life-altering journey. However, for others, the challenges and sacrifices may outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, the decision to travel is a personal one.