If you were so inclined, it would be easy to become glum about the state of the world. You could read the news, talk with your friends about the sad state of affairs, and all-around live an existence that’s deeply in sync with the vibe of the news ticker. Yet, while it’s important to be politically engaged, it’s also important not to get too bogged down in the details, especially if you’re only focusing on the negative aspects of politics.
Fortunately, it’s easy to escape this issue: you can simply book a flight and head elsewhere for a while. Below, we take a look at a few destinations that’ll restore your faith in the world.
Countries Getting it Right
Most countries in the world get more things right than they get wrong; it’s just that we tend to focus — rightly, we should add — on the bits that they get wrong. Across the world, however, some societies do things a little bit differently than we do at home, and this can serve as proof that good things do exist! Take a trip to Norway or Sweden, for instance, and you might feel that you’ve discovered some sort of utopian land where people seem to have their priorities right. Also, it’s worth adding that both of these countries are stunningly beautiful.
In Nature
And talking of stunningly beautiful, how about a journey into nature? You can get lost in the idea that the world is a crazy place — but it’s not; it’s just that some of the people in it are. Pack a tent, fly yourself to one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, and you’ll have successfully removed yourself from the bubble of society. If nothing else, it’ll give you the space you need to clear your head and put some of those global issues you’ve been mulling over in your head into perspective.
A Different Culture
If you live in the west, then it makes sense that you may be preoccupied with western policies and politics. But it’s a big world out there, and for the most part, what the UK and its neighbours are doing just doesn’t have any impact on the way people live their life. Go on an Argentina tour, for instance, and you’ll find a country bustling with colour and life. It’ll be a great way to remind yourself that while everything you’re concerned about might feel like the whole world, there are people out there living life with passion and love.
New Perspective
There are real problems in the UK that need to be confronted, but it’s always worth keeping these problems in perspective. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons this year, consider taking a trip where you volunteer with disadvantaged people across the world; you won’t be short of options. You’ll be doing something to give back, and you may learn a thing or two which you can then implement back home in order to improve society.
Travelling can be many things, including a way to improve the world!
