I find travelling is essential for our character. It doesn't really have to be abroad or far away, nor continuous, year-by-year expeditions. As long as we open our mind and eyes and a) become aware of better options for what we need b) deeply appreciate what we already have in better, travelling even a few cities away is beneficial.
@Florian K.
If I could, I would travel when young, when middle-aged, when old... I would travel whenever I could. Buying a house/car represents a practical mind which prepares for the future with secure steps, but travelling is making sure we won't regret our choices, because we knew enough of life before we made them.
Also, buying (and keeping ownership) of a house/car can be an impossible dream for people under a salary threshold, while modest travelling experiences aren't. Between struggling for improbable achievements and struggling to make ends meet for travelling, I'd personally choose travelling. I can rent a house, but I can't rent memories.
@Guyomar
To me, language learning is not the goal but the means of achieving "a"and "b" above. I love languages but I'd never discourage a person from travelling, even if they only speak a regional version of their own mother tongue! As for those who somehow manage to remain oblivious to the benefits of visiting a new place and only notice the surface of things, I can't say I'd like to be their friend!
If you travel when you're young, you're most likely at your optimum level of health and mobility, but probably don't have a lot of money. If you're older and retired with a decent pension, then you probably have time and money, but may not have that vitality you once had when you were younger. Of course, there are exceptions to both cases depending on how well you take care of yourself and how well you manage your finances. Unfortunately, even when you try your best to maintain your health and finances, life happens.
I think balance between the two is important. I like the idea of visiting different places around the world, I really do, but until the lifespan of human beings exceeds beyond what it is now while being able to maintain the vitality of youth, if I never have the opportunity to visit 50+ countries, I'm okay with that. I'd prefer to be able to take my time and get to know a place than being in a hurry to visit lots of countries. As of right now, I've only visited one foreign country. No, it's not a lot, but because I spent 3 years there, I gained an experience that I cannot get by visiting multiple countries for only weeks at a time.
Even so, I do still enjoy those short travel experiences. I had a short one last summer, and even experienced a culture shock in my own country from that trip. So, there's always something to learn regardless of how long a trip is, I suppose. I believe it's good to have a small taste of a place, but nothing is more rich than your closest relationships with people and places you know best.