4. Meet New People
"A journey is best measured in friends, not in miles." -- Tim Cahill
You'll meet far more friendly people on the road than you will under ordinary circumstances at home. Other travelers are always looking to share experiences, give tips on places to go, and meet people from all over. Striking up a conversation with other travelers is extraordinarily easy.
A polite "so where are you from?" breaks the ice quite easily and may lead to lasting friendships.