Travel to a developing country. And then aspire to travel to yet another one in the following years. Now there’s a savvy Growth move on your part.

Many of us can identify “that” country where we’ve resolutely declared in the past, “I would never step foot in that place.” The deterrents to traveling to certain countries in the developing world are easy to pinpoint. They range from news of crime, drug wars, or the occurrence of civil unrest sometime during our lifetime. Violence leaves an ugly stain on our memories. And understandably so. Safety and survival are paramount. But the question is: should that mark be permanent?

Here’s the thing about fear: a healthy dose of it can stop you from doing something incredibly stupid. Yet too much of it can prevent you from experiencing some of the most memorable moments of your life. Of your entire life!

Diversifying our travel experiences is like a stimulus package for our quality of living. If you are willing to shift your attitude to visiting destinations you’ve written off in the past, here is why you might just end up saying, “I can’t believe I didn’t come here before!”

A Less Scary Reality

The world beyond our borders can be much less scary when we are not experiencing it exclusively via the media. In 2019, I was eager but nervous to travel to northern Mexico. In the news and entertainment media, the primary narrative that clung to this territory was all drugs-related.

Eventually, I pushed past my fear and embarked on a journey through the Copper Canyon. It began in Chihuahua and ended in Sinaloa, Mexico.

The trip was phenomenal. And when I arrived in Chihuahua, and later in Sinaloa, I was not met by members of a drug cartel.

Human Kindness

People generally want to invite you in to enjoy their local culture. Aren’t we all incredibly proud of where we each come from? Don’t we all jump at opportunities to share hometown foods or share top tunes from our beloved local bands?

In my experience, the folks in developing countries will go above and beyond for their foreign guests. They want you to be comfortable and will offer help whenever you need it. So why not go where kindness greets you!

Mutual Exchange of Cultural Learning

When you travel to a country quite distinct from your own you do not arrive solely as the student of a new culture. You are also an ambassador for your own country.

In a foreign place where your background is also unique, you influence the cultural brand perception of your own nation.

Here’s an opportunity to highlight the best of your people and to over-ride any negative stereotypes of your nationality!

Self-Evolution

By moving past destination skepticism, we move beyond self-imposed limits. We view the world through a different lens and build new layers of character. The recognition that we can perform on a new life fuel vs. just our homegrown brand is empowering. Welcome to the new braver you!

Human-to-Human Connection

Despite different levels of country infrastructure and economic advancement, when we travel to developing countries and genuinely interact with folks there, it quickly becomes evident that we are more alike than we are different.

We have the same basic human needs as well as social needs. Comfortable shelter, family and partnership, good food, healthy air to breathe in – yes, please! We all seek social connections and are stimulated by leisure and sport. It may be football, bird-watching, gardening, hunting, painting, running or video-gaming perhaps. And one thing that is for certain: we all love our music!

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.

Mark Twain

Embracing Uncertainty

How many times have you left the house unwillingly only to say afterwards: “I’m SO happy that I came out!” This happens too when you leave your ‘travel comfort zone’.

The initial feeling of leaving the solace of familiar territory and flying off into the unknown is daunting. Then we land and discover new sights, sounds, and tastes that delight us and the earlier trepidation disappears!

And only keenness to experience the next treat on the trip itinerary remains.

Broader Artistic Appetite

Your home will never look the same again. The gorgeous carved wood centerpiece in your living room, the one that everyone drools over, is a trip find.

Your palate is more sophisticated as a result of the culinary range you’ve been exposed to.

The sounds of foreign languages appeal to your ears and you try to trace them back to their origin.

Your documentary selection is more worldly now. The list of possibilities goes on!

Ultimately, when making any travel decisions, we should remember this: there is exercising sensibility, and there is fear-mongering. When we overcome restrictive travel attitudes based on country or regional stereotypes, the peril of growth and positive transformation is real.

What will you choose for yourself?