1. Learn to make your own decisions

At home, you always know where to shop or where to grab your favorite soy milk and *youtiao* (fried dough sticks). When traveling elsewhere, however, you might be completely in the dark. You have to make decisions constantly—from choosing restaurants and accommodation to figuring out bus and subway routes. It might be confusing at first, but over time, you will grow more confident and become faster and more adept at making choices. As you gain confidence in your decision-making, it becomes a valuable skill that brings a genuine sense of accomplishment.

2. Learn to manage your finances

Planning a trip—whether for a week or several months—within a limited budget is no easy task. You begin to realize what truly matters to you. If you are prone to impulsive shopping, travel might transform you into a prudent "purchaser." Guided by your own interests, you learn when to save and when to spend: if you aren't a "foodie," you might be content eating burgers and sandwiches for a week so you can save up for a spectacular dive at the Great Barrier Reef and marvel at the breathtaking underwater world.

3. Relax and unwind

Even with a perfect plan, travel is always full of unknowns—buses and trains get delayed, and the weather can turn windy or rainy. You will learn to embrace these imperfections; instead of letting a rigid itinerary dictate your experience, you learn to savor every moment of the journey. Travel is about filling your life with interesting and wonderful stories, not just rushing through sights to check boxes on a list.

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4. Learn to communicate authentically

After years of studying English in school and enduring countless exams, the real test arrives: ordering food fluently in a restaurant, finding tourist attractions or asking for directions, checking into a hotel, and so on. Hands-on practice is the best way to learn a language. If fortune smiles upon you, you might even make friends from other countries, gain insight into a new culture and worldview, and maximize the joy of your journey. Wherever you go, learning a bit of the local language beforehand earns you more respect; it might even lead locals to share tips on the best restaurants, most popular bars, or handy shortcuts.

5. Learn gratitude

Every trip offers a chance to experience new environments and human connections—opportunities that tend to become rarer as we age. Such journeys make you more attuned to subtle moments of romance and delightful surprises, enriching your life and creating beautiful memories. Traveling isn't just about broadening your horizons or hearing stories; it’s about opening your heart, embracing what truly matters, and feeling grateful that such a journey has become a part of your life.

6. Material possessions aren't everything

Once you’ve traveled, you quickly realize how narrow a materialistic worldview is and that you don't need so many things to be happy. Declutter your luggage—and your life—and you’ll see just how few items you truly need to carry with you.

7. Leaving to arrive

Many of life’s important questions find their answers while traveling. It is hard to pinpoint exactly why exploring the world sparks new ideas and inspiration—perhaps it’s the unfamiliar weather or a breathtaking sunrise you’ve just witnessed. More likely, it is because stepping out of your daily comfort zone allows solutions to various problems to emerge naturally.

8. Enjoying Solitude

In today’s digital world, we can connect with countless people at the touch of a button. Yet, the ability to be alone without feeling lonely is an underrated skill. While traveling, there will be moments when you are truly face-to-face with yourself—and you will learn to cherish that time. Those who truly win at life are the ones who can find inner happiness and fulfillment without relying on others.

9. Cultivating Friendships

Once you set out on your journey, it becomes easier to find kindred spirits—backpackers with that unmistakable sparkle in their eyes; it’s as if you are naturally drawn to one another. You might share stories, travel together for a stretch, or simply swap travel tips. Some encounters may be fleeting, while others could blossom into lifelong friendships.

10. Wandering Through Life

Immerse yourself fully in the journey and embrace the beauty of nature—dazzling sunsets, tranquil lakes... Forget about checking your social media feeds or counting how many "likes" you’ve received. Travel is about stepping away from your daily routine and letting your body and mind roam freely in your surroundings; focus on what you see and the path beneath your feet. You no longer need to worry about staying in touch with anyone or snapping those clichéd photos just for social media.

11. Trying New Things

Travel offers the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone—for that is where life truly begins. Try asking for directions using the one phrase of French you know, wander aimlessly through the streets of Spain without a map, or taste foods you’ve never seen before. As long as there is no real danger, embrace adventure to the fullest and seek the greatest possible freedom in the shortest amount of time.

This article was written by EF blogger Isabelle (originally in English) and translated by the EF editorial team. Please cite the source (https://liuxue.ef.com.cn/pg/youxue-benefit/) when reposting.