Young travellers who explore outside their own country are better connected to their home environment than non-travellers, new research claims.
By discovering other parts of the world, travellers are more likely to become active members of their local communities, have an increased sense of citizenship and be more patriotic.
The findings come from a poll by youth travel operator Contiki of 2,980 18-35 year olds from around the world, surveying an equal number of travellers and non-travellers.
It found that 40% indicate that they participate in activities in their community against 31% of non-travellers.
Travellers are also more likely to engage with local issues and political policies, with 21% stating that they are involved in their local government, compared to just 4% of non-travellers.
More than half (52%) of travellers indicated they are patriotic, compared to 42% of non-travellers.
Travellers are also 10% more likely to find great satisfaction in their interpersonal relationships.
These results reveal that exploring other cultures and communities is proven to strengthen travellers’ connections with home.
Contiki sales and marketing director Donna Jeavons said: “You might assume that young people who travel a lot aren’t particularly connected to their own communities at home.
“However, our research has revealed that 75% of travellers agreed they’re more tolerant and compassionate thanks to the awareness of other cultures that visiting different countries gives them.
“The impact this has at home was the most surprising data we uncovered – it seems the more young people travel, the better citizens they become at home.”