16 Pros and Cons of Traveling Abroad: Is It Worth It?
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People are flocking to airports so they can get out and see the world.
With so many sights and sounds, a journey abroad sure seems tempting to people of all ages.
However things can quickly go south on a trip, and planning a trip abroad can be a nightmare in itself.
Traveling to a foreign country brings on many opportunities and challenges. So, if you haven’t done it yet, you’re probably wondering “should I travel abroad?” and “what are the benefits of traveling to another country?”.
By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to decide for yourself!
Let’s dive in with the 16 pros and cons of traveling abroad…
Pro: You will develop a better understanding of the world around you.
“The best teacher in life is experience.”
This quote holds true especially when you go abroad.
Whether you want to learn more about
the state of world
the diverse cultures and communities it consists of
yourself and what you’re capable of
know that travel will teach you so much!
Con: You will be farther away from loved ones back home.
I know some people wish they could bring family and friends on their trips abroad.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible with travel costs, work/school schedules, etc.
Leaving people behind while traveling can make you feel lonely.
In fact, a lot of people begin to feel expat loneliness after committing to long-term moving or travel abroad.
Expat loneliness occurs when you are adjusting to a new life abroad and you feel isolated or alone. Learn more about what causes expat loneliness and how to combat it here.
Pro: You will become more appreciative
People who travel abroad come back more grateful than when they left.
When you travel abroad and live in different countries, you stop taking things back home for granted.
When I first came to Argentina, I was doing a mix of handwashing clothes and taking the rest to a lavandaría. My accommodation didn’t include in-house laundry for clothing.
My scoliosis didn’t pair well with bending over to handwash clothes in a tub, and my outfits would sometimes disappear or come back dirtier when I paid for laundry service.
When I bought my washer machine - my first big purchase here in AR - I was ecstatic!
My boyfriend and I sat in front of the machine for the full hour and a half of our first load. I will never take washer/dryer machines for granted ever again. Nor will I complain about having to do laundry back home when I can do a full week’s worth of clothes in a day!
I’ve also become more appreciative of the relationships I have back home.
This is partly because of being so far from them, plus seeing how people in Argentina really value time with each other.
I went back home savoring every moment with family and friends before heading back on a plane!
Con: You may struggle with the language barrier
People visit countries where they don’t speak the local language all the time.
If you’re staying long-term then I absolutely recommend learning some phrases to make your life easier.
Not only does this help with everyday activities, but it’s essential for safety and making local friends.
People pursuing shorter trips abroad don’t need to invest as much time or energy in learning a language.
However, I still recommend learning key phrases like greetings, directions, please/thank yous, etc.
You don’t have to be fluent, but it can make your trip smoother and locals appreciate the effort!
Tons of resources exist to help you learn and translate. With the internet and a variety of language apps around, language barriers aren’t a big problem at all!
Pro: It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a culture and develop language skills
Traveling abroad is the best way to immerse yourself in a new culture.
As someone who took Spanish classes for 6 years, I can guarantee you this:
Traveling abroad will transform your language skills and teach you so much more than a regular classroom.
100% immersion with the people and culture is more engaging than any textbook.
For example, the Spanish they teach you in a classroom can look drastically different than what is spoken on the streets and amongst locals.
So if you really want to improve your language skills and become more fluent, then visiting the country and spending time there is a foolproof way to transform your language skills.
Being in the country can make it feel much more fun and engaging than just sitting at a desk.
Now, this is not to undermine the value of taking language classes in your home country.
I love them and I think they’re great!
They just don’t compare to actually traveling abroad and getting real-world practice yourself.
Con: You can have a hard time adjusting to the different culture
When you go abroad for long-term travel, you might get a little frustrated with how things work in a different country.
This is completely normal. But in order to get over it, you need to understand what exactly is getting under your skin. From there, you can move forward.
I talk about this in my expat loneliness post - how I went through this “honeymoon” phase but the shiny newness of being abroad wore off.
I started missing how things worked back home and got frustrated that it didn’t work the same way here in Argentina. However, this was a personal issue and I got over that by trying to connect more with locals here and understand the difference in values/priorities.
Over time, I stopped feeling so frustrated with these cultural differences. In fact, I learned to appreciate them more.
This ties in with the 1st and 2nd advantages of traveling abroad!
Developing a better understanding of others around you - how and why they act the way they do
Becoming more appreciative (and open-minded!)
I used to feel like things were “too slow” here in Argentina compared to the US, until I realized most of the time spent was for leisurely chatting and enjoying time with others.
I was used to speedy self-checkouts and quick lunch dates, but since moving abroad I prefer waiting my turn to chat with store owners about current affairs or spending 4 hours with someone for dinner.
I realized how much people value time with others. Eventually, I started to value it more too!
I’ve come to appreciate how close-knitted the community feels here. I wasn’t used to it where I’m from in the US, so I had to learn to adapt to the differences.
Changing your environment can make you a better person, so I really urge people to travel and experience this as a self-development opportunity.
Pro: You will 100% get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself
Continuing off the last point:
You will probably experience situations that throw you off your game.
But…
You’re going to do things that you never thought you could do. And you’re going to feel super confident after once it’s done!
I used to be terrified of traveling on planes, both myself and close family members taking a trip.
(Let’s just say I was super pessimistic with a worst-case-scenario mentality)
I was so scared of flying and would get anxiety attacks on a flight. Sleeping was out of the question too.
So naturally I was scared out of my mind to fly internationally for 2 days alone to get from Alaska, United States to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I thought to myself “If I can barely navigate my city’s local airport, how the hell am I going to jump through connecting flights and navigate airports abroad?!”
Let me tell you.
Once I completed my trip and safely got to my destination, I finally realized: Hey, I can actually do this!
And if you’re like past-me, the only way you’re going to realize that you can do this too is if you book a flight and hop on that plane!
You won’t believe it until you do it yourself.
I no longer fear going to airports and organizing trips on my own. The 2 days of flying between the US and Argentina feel like a piece of cake!
Plus, remember that people have gone on much more complicated trips and still traveled/arrived safely.
Everything is going to be okay and you will see that traveling is not as hard as it may seem.
Con: Your safety can be at risk
Even though you’ll build confidence traveling abroad, please always be aware of your safety.
Any traveler - whether newbie or experienced - should always keep their safety as their first concern when traveling abroad.
A language barrier can make this more complicated if you aren’t fluent or conversational in the local language.
If you can’t communicate to authorities or ask for help, you may get into a situation where you feel scared, uncomfortable, and helpless.
Also, you aren’t a local of the area so you won’t know the city layout as well, so leaving touristic areas can lead you to unsafe areas.
If you’re traveling abroad, I strongly urge you to do your research and please book an accommodation in a safe, tourist-friendly area.
Your safety should be your #1 priority when traveling abroad. And that’s for anywhere you go and with any activity you do.
We all know that bad things can - and do - happen around the world. There are ways to keep you safe such as learning bits of the language, learning places to avoid, not wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories in public spaces, and more.
In short, try not to stick out like a sore thumb and take some precautionary steps to lower your risk abroad.
Pro: You have so much to explore when you travel abroad
This is the best thing about travel.
You - literally - have a world of opportunities waiting for you. There is an infinite amount you can explore and learn from.
When you choose to travel outside of your country your options are endless!
It doesn’t matter if it’s as general as Latin America or Europe, or wanting to visit a specific country like Argentina. You’re in for an adventure!
You can base your travel plans on climate and language preferences, how far you want to go, or just see what’s affordable from your favorite airline.
There are no rules when it comes to traveling - just travel where it’s safe and feels right for you!
Con: “Ow” - Your wallet
Many people think that traveling abroad is expensive. Sometimes they’re right!
From buying flight tickets (domestic and international), accommodations, transportation, food, etc. The list goes on!
How far in advance you buy your ticket, the neighborhood you plan on staying in, and how often you need to pay for transportation will all impact your travel budget.
In addition to budgeting, it’s better to be safe than sorry and consider travel insurance and/or setting aside emergency money.
Check if your airline provides some sort of travel insurance included in your ticket, and if they cover stolen or missing luggage.
I insured my entire 3 months in Argentina the first time I visited.
I’ll be honest - I didn’t like paying a couple extra hundred of dollars on my first trip.
But I knew I’d like it even less if I didn’t have that peace of mind for all my life belongings I had brought with me.
Travel can be expensive, but sometimes it’s for good reason!
**Note: Traveling with a pet will also bring extra expenses. I don’t have any experience with this and can’t give advice on it. If you are bringing your furry friend, make sure you do your own research and prepare for any pet travel fees.
Pro: You might be able to stretch your money farther abroad
In contrast to the last point, traveling and living abroad can be cheaper than you expect!
Depending on where you go, you might be able to stretch your money and live affordably during your trip.
This has been my experience coming from the United States to Argentina.
Hands down, the most expensive part of my trip was the flights.
Going from Alaska to Buenos Aires took the biggest chunk out of my wallet. Majority of the money I had to save up was for those domestic and international flights.
But once I landed?
I have been able to survive off of a couple hundred a month here! That includes rent, groceries, gym memberships, and treating myself out to a few coffees and weekend fairs.
Okay, more than a few.
A few factors that allow me to live comfortably are
the exchange rate
working remotely
living in a small town with less tourism
If the cost of travel is what’s holding you back from a trip, remember that it may be cheaper for you to travel and live abroad than to stay in your home country. It’s even better if you have flexible and remote work!
Getting there will usually be the most difficult and expensive part of the journey. If you can plan and save up in advance, then it’s relatively easy to manage!
Con: Things might be more expensive abroad than in your home country
Here in Argentina, electronics and clothing carry a bigger price tag than back home.
Again, being in a smaller town can affect how expensive or cheap things are.
In general and from what locals have told me, Argentina’s clothes and devices are more expensive compared to what you might find in the United States.
For both short and long-term trips: bring any and all electronics that you know you will need, especially to Argentina.
Make sure your phone can hold up for however long your trip is, whether it’s 2 weeks or two months.
My second time coming back to Argentina I didn’t even hesitate to upgrade my phone. I had all my downloaded tickets there and knew Apple products are incredibly expensive in Argentina.
Ensuring I had everything I needed in the best condition possible helped me feel 100% travel-ready.
Pro: Traveling abroad can help you embrace a better lifestyle
Traveling abroad has inspired me to be more minimalistic and sustainable, as well as focus more on the people I love.
I’ve found that downsizing and investing in high-quality products is the best way to go.
Not only does my stuff last longer, but it also
saves luggage space
saves time to pack
saves money on airline baggage fees
Argentine culture has also motivated me to embrace relaxation and relationships.
I’ve learned to enjoy simply hanging out at a park or going on a walk. I finally realized that I don’t have to spend money to have a good time, and that the simple things can be just as fun too.
A good time comes from the people you’re around and the fun you can have on your own.
Argentina has changed my life for the better.
I’m less stressed and I’ve become more appreciative of the friendships I have back home and here.
I don’t get my happiness from buying materialistic things, I get my happiness from prioritizing mental health and wellbeing and enjoying quality time with others.
If you’re in a situation where you
feel the need to work longer hours at the cost of your wellness and mental health
constantly study hard (also at the cost of your well-being)
fill your schedule to the brim because you feel you don’t deserve to have downtime
I get it. I felt the same way in high school and when I first moved out on my own.
But I really hope traveling abroad will inspire you to change that mentality and better care for yourself.
Traveling abroad was the push I needed to learn how important a balanced, relaxed life is. Chances are you could use it too!
Con: You may have a hard time with dietary restrictions
Depending on where you go, you might struggle to find places that fit your dietary restrictions.
Argentina is the first place that comes to my mind.
Yes, I know that there are tons of cute and quality plant-based cafes and restaurants here.
But I can’t deny that the country is known for things like asado. The cuisine is very meat-focused here.
If you’re lactose-intolerant, that can also make it harder to find food or drinks that won’t upset your stomach.
On a positive note, I’ve noticed that these foods don’t bother me as much as milk-heavy foods back home in the United States. Both here in Argentina and other countries I’ve visited abroad in Europe.
At the end of the day, cooking at home in Argentina is what best helps me stay aware of what exactly I’m eating, and how often. Every now and then I need a good scoop of ice cream, and it’s out of this world here!
With any diet restriction or allergy, cooking for yourself at home will be the best way to stay on top of what you eat.
Pro: You will diversify your palette and learn to not be a “picky eater”
This can honestly start in your home country.
Coming from Alaska, I had the opportunity to try some Native Alaskan food and other cuisines.
Since I’m half-Filipina, I have gone to *so* many Filipino cookouts and often enjoyed my culture’s food.
Sometimes I didn’t like it, sometimes I loved it.
Either way, I stopped asking questions about what I’m eating and just started going for it (unless it was covered in cheese of course).
I’m so happy that I got into the habit of trying new foods and experimenting with flavors because it’s made me more comfortable trying foreign foods abroad.
People like to share parts of their culture with others, and that often comes in the form of offering food.
The last thing I wanted to do was offend someone by refusing to try it because of being a picky eater.
There are a couple of dishes I’m not crazy about in Argentina, but that never stopped me from trying them!
In my experience, it takes time to get used to different textures, tastes, and aromas until they grow on you.
Con: Passport waiting times/losing it abroad
Of course, traveling abroad actually requires that you have the necessary documents to travel abroad.
That starts with your passport.
And if you don’t already have it, then it starts with you applying.
Here’s the thing: it can take a while and cost money. Go ahead and add that to your list of travel expenses.
However, I believe that it’s the best investment since it lasts for years and can lead to so many life-changing, amazing experiences.
If you want to travel abroad spontaneously, keep in mind that you need to apply for your passport well enough in advance.
It can take 10-17 weeks from the time you mail your application to the moment it arrives in your mailbox. You may even need to apply for a visa as well.
Factor in time and costs into your budget and travel plans.
Also, make sure you have somewhere safe to keep it when traveling abroad.
It hasn’t happened to me - knock on wood - but there are tons of travel nightmare stories of people abroad losing their passport, then having to meet with embassies, police, etc. to solve the problem.
Save yourself a lot of stress by finding a way to keep it safely and securely on you while traveling.
Ready to take a trip?
Now that you’ve made it to the end of this blog post, you can decide if you want to travel abroad or not.
Do you think it’s worth it?
In my opinion, it’s YES - a thousand times yes!
The pros heavily outweigh the cons when it comes to travel. Some might argue that the cons I listed aren’t even that bad.
I hope you use this advice to travel abroad and have the best trip possible!
Do you have any personal pros/cons of traveling abroad? Let me know in the comments below!
