Travel opens up new worlds, both physically and metaphorically. Read on as we take a deeper look at why travel can foster empathy.
Travel changes you. Even a short city break lets you experience different people, different foods, different cultures. These experiences, though ephemeral in nature, have longstanding positive effects on the traveller’s mindset.
One such effect is a greater sense of empathy. Travelling allows you to see the world through someone else’s eyes and opens your mind to other ways of thinking.
From new experiences, meeting people you wouldn’t otherwise know, making mistakes, and acknowledging privileges, we look at the myriad ways in which travelling can foster empathy.
New experiences – understanding a world different from your own
Travelling to a new country – a new experience in itself – will provide a plethora of new experiences that will bring you face-to-face with new people in strange environments.
The decision to travel is a tacit agreement to open yourself to these new experiences and shows an active attempt on the traveller’s part to understand a world different from their own. This is, by definition, an empathetic act.
Other points of view – walking in another’s shoes
Travelling invariably brings with it encounters with cultural practices alien to your own. From time to time, you may come across something that makes you feel uncomfortable. This, however, does not necessarily make it wrong.
Facing these challenges to your perception of right and accepting the viewpoint of other people and cultures is a great step towards empathy.
On a similar note, many studies suggest links between empathy and language acquisition. So, learn a few phrases before setting off on your travels. The locals will appreciate it, and it might just help foster empathy.
Increases trust – trust breeds empathy
Those situations brought about by being a stranger in a new land will often force travellers into somewhat uncomfortable situations. These range from the extreme to the more mundane, such as ordering food in restaurants, asking for directions, or using public transport.
In such moments, you are very much at the mercy of the locals. While the situations might not be so dire as to threaten your life, they still help you develop trust for strangers, which, in turn, can breed empathy.
Keeps you grounded – you’ll always make mistakes, and that’s OK
On a similar note, you will always make mistakes while travelling. Maybe you can’t quite pronounce the name of that tasty-looking dish on the menu. Maybe the taxi driver has no idea what neighbourhood you’re trying to get to. Or maybe you got on the subway and are going the wrong way.
These mistakes can be life lessons and can also keep us grounded, which can help foster empathy.
From the severe to the benign, travellers will always make mistakes, whether travelling solo or with company. And that’s OK.
Meeting like-minded people – why travel can foster empathy
Beyond meeting local residents from the country you’re visiting, you’ll also likely meet other like-minded travellers with whom you’ll bond and form deep, meaningful connections.
Given that these fellow travellers, regardless of their country of origin, will bring different points of view to your own, this is another way in which travel can foster empathy.
Recognition of privilege – an important step towards empathy
If you travel to an area less developed than your own, you may encounter a level of poverty that you’re unaccustomed to. In turn, you may have to ask yourself some questions you had never considered and acknowledge your privilege.
Even if you don’t visit a particularly disadvantaged area, the fact that you’re able to travel is an enormous privilege in itself. You were able to take time off work, maybe even quit, and buy plane tickets and accommodation.
A sizeable majority of the world’s population doesn’t have that luxury. Understanding this and recognising this privilege is an important step towards empathy.
To quote the late chef and travel show host, Anthony Bourdain, “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you”.
Let empathy be the mark that travel leaves on you.
READ MORE: Why ticking off every country is missing the point of travel
