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Making Time For Traveling is Important

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/21/making-time-for-traveling-is-important.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 1:50 GMT by Her Campus

Traveling is a Lifelong Investment – Why Every Student Should Make It a Priority

In an era where the “work‑study‑social” triad dominates campus life, the idea of carving out time for travel may feel like a luxury. Yet the article “Making Time for Traveling Is Important” on Her Campus argues that the benefits of stepping outside the classroom far outweigh the short‑term inconvenience. Drawing on personal anecdotes, psychological research, and practical advice, the piece paints travel not as an indulgence but as an essential component of a well‑rounded student experience.

1. Travel as a Form of Self‑Care

The article opens with a vivid description of a freshman who, after a grueling semester, spent a week hiking the Appalachian Trail. The narrative illustrates how the physical challenge and natural setting provided a reset that traditional campus counseling services couldn’t match. Experts cited in the piece—psychologists from the University of Washington and the American Psychological Association—note that nature exposure reduces cortisol levels and boosts serotonin. The author emphasizes that travel can therefore be viewed as a preventive mental‑health measure, an antidote to burnout.

2. Cultural Immersion Enhances Empathy and Global Awareness

A recurring theme is the role of travel in fostering empathy. The article cites a study by the Journal of Cross‑Cultural Psychology that found students who spent at least one semester abroad reported higher cross‑cultural sensitivity and a stronger sense of global citizenship. To illustrate, the author interviews a sophomore who volunteered in a Kenyan refugee camp; she describes learning to communicate with little or no English and how that experience shifted her worldview.

The piece also references the Harvard Business Review article “The Entrepreneurial Benefits of Travel,” which argues that exposure to different business practices and problem‑solving approaches abroad nurtures creative thinking—a skill highly prized in today’s job market.

3. Academic Advantages: A Fresh Lens on Learning

Travel, the article argues, is a powerful extension classroom. It encourages students to see real‑world applications of abstract theories they study in lectures. For instance, a business student touring a sustainable farm in the Midwest was able to map supply‑chain models discussed in her coursework onto the farm’s operations. A biology major’s field trip to the Amazon rainforest allowed her to observe ecosystems in situ, deepening her understanding of ecological interdependence.

The article quotes a professor of anthropology who says, “When students return from trips, they bring fresh questions that invigorate discussions and push peer learning forward.” These anecdotes underscore the point that travel can act as a catalyst for academic curiosity and deeper engagement.

4. Budgeting and Time Management – Making Travel Feasible

The article acknowledges that many students fear travel for its perceived cost and time demands. To counter this, it includes a step‑by‑step budgeting guide based on the College Board’s “Travel on a Dime” white paper. Key points include:

• Travel Off‑Season: Flight and accommodation prices drop by up to 30 % during shoulder seasons.
• Use Student Discounts: Many airlines, hotels, and museums offer discounts through StudentUniverse or the U.S. Department of Education’s travel program.
• Micro‑Trips: Short weekend getaways can be equally rejuvenating and fit better into a tight schedule.
• Crowdsourced Funding: Platforms like GoFundMe or campus travel clubs can help share costs.

Time‑management advice follows a “5‑minute rule” – allocate a fixed block of 30 minutes each week to plan trips, ensuring the process doesn’t become a distraction.

5. Digital Detox: Re‑Connecting With Yourself

A compelling section of the article argues that travel offers a necessary break from digital overload. Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health are cited, showing that average adults spend 8 hours a day on digital devices. The article highlights a study published in PLOS ONE that found individuals who unplugged for a week reported improved sleep quality and increased creative output.

The author shares a story of a sophomore who, after a week in a cabin in the Adirondacks, discovered she could write a poem without the constant ping of notifications. The point is clear: stepping away from screens can lead to a more balanced and reflective mindset.

6. Building Resilience Through Uncertainty

Travel introduces students to unfamiliar environments and unexpected challenges. The article recounts a junior who lost her passport while backpacking in Thailand. Through the ordeal, she learned to navigate bureaucratic systems, solve logistical problems, and stay calm under pressure. These experiences, the piece argues, build resilience—a skill that translates directly into the workplace and everyday life.

A psychology professor interviewed for the article notes that the “uncertainty and problem‑solving required during travel are directly linked to increased cognitive flexibility.” The takeaway is that a willingness to embrace uncertainty during travel can foster a growth mindset that lasts beyond the classroom.

7. Practical Resources and Next Steps

To help readers translate theory into action, the article includes a curated list of resources:

• StudentTravel.org: A comprehensive guide for visa, insurance, and budgeting advice.
• Travel Journaling Apps: “Journi” and “TripJournal” encourage reflective writing during trips.
• Volunteer‑Travel Programs: Peace Corps and Global Volunteers provide structured, meaningful travel opportunities that combine service with cultural exchange.
• Local Exploration Apps: “AllTrails” and “Citymapper” help students find nearby nature trails or hidden city gems without leaving campus.

The article concludes by reminding readers that the “right kind of travel” depends on individual goals. Whether it’s a backpacking adventure across Europe, a week of volunteer work in a rural community, or a weekend staycation in a national park, the act of stepping outside the routine is a powerful act of self‑care and intellectual growth.

In Summary

The Her Campus piece underscores that traveling is far more than a break from academic rigor; it’s an investment in mental health, cultural literacy, academic depth, and personal resilience. By offering concrete budgeting advice, time‑management tactics, and a compelling array of research, the article provides students with a roadmap to integrate travel into their lives without sacrificing their responsibilities. As the piece poignantly puts it, “When we travel, we discover new maps not just of the world, but of ourselves.”