What would you do if you suddenly found yourself holding the winning lottery ticket? And I don't mean a second or third division prize - I mean the big one. You've become a millionaire or perhaps even a multi-millionaire. How would you enjoy your new lifestyle? What would you identify as the top three things you'd do?
It's intriguing the different answers that I've heard to such questions. We all have varying dreams and priorities of what feel is important in life. I'm especially curious about those who insist that they'll keep working. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lazy but I will never be able to understand such a thought. For me, life is way too short and there is so much more to do but if it makes them happy then that's fine. So what are the three things I'd do if I won the lottery?
1. Travel (here)
2. Travel (there)
3. Travel (everywhere)
"Why?" I hear some of you saying. Surely, there are more practical and sensible things to use the money for. "What about your future?" others will be saying. Well, one of the travel quotes that I'm always inspired by seems to capture the reason for my answer. It is attributed to Saint Augustine and reads:
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
What wonderful words these are. Twenty years from now I don't want to be disappointed and have regrets about not having read other pages from the book. Every page offers insights and an education into other cultures, lifestyles, food, religions and history. I'd rather see and experience places just once than hear about them a thousand times.
Travel shouldn't be measured in miles, countries visited or stamps in a passport though. Any journey is much better measured in the friends made along the way. Through my travels, I've met some delightful people, some of whom are now my friends. Not just a name and photo on Facebook but genuine friends that I'd never have met if I hadn't been exploring the world far from home.
The benefits of travel are far reaching and sometimes don't become apparent until after the journey is complete. After completing a journey through foreign lands your eyes have been opened and you have been forever changed for the better. You'll find yourself more confident, resourceful and naturally a more educated and interesting person. You'll be able to join conversations and have people fascinated by your compelling stories of adventures they can only dream of.
So often, for so many people, travel is restricted or even made impossible by a lack of money. So if you do find yourself blessed with plenty of it, take the opportunity to explore some other countries. Okay, you don't need to travel everywhere but going here and there will at least open the book and let you read a few pages. The things you can learn will intrigue and amaze you.