INSIGHT FROM TRAVELING THE WORLD
LESSONS FROM TRAVELING THE WORLD
I really think that traveling is the best school that you can attend, I'm not talking about learning the stuff that teaches in school, but the stuff that teaches you how to live life.
traveling teaches you things that no school or group of friends could ever teach you, and it gives you a life experience baggage that is bigger than those who live their life without ever getting out of their comfort zone, it's not that experience brought through the years of life, but experiences brought by living life itself to the fullest.
personally, traveling pushes me to come to terms with my weaknesses and negative traits to overcome them. it is impossible to remain stagnant while traveling...
GETTING LOST:
I know that getting lost can be scary for some, especially for those who like to have everything planned to the last moment, but leave in your room your well-planned itinerary for once, close Google Maps, put your phone in your pocket, and allow your guts and your instinct to guide you. The first thing that I do when I arrive in a new place after unpacking my stuff is to get out of my room and just wander around without a destination in mind, Getting lost in a new destination can be daunting, but it's often where the most magical moments happen. It forces us to rely on our instincts, open up to serendipity, and embrace the unknown. you would be surprised by how great it feels and how you could often end up stumbling upon a hidden gem, connecting with locals in unexpected ways, or simply marveling at the beauty of the unfamiliar, getting lost allows us to see the world with fresh eyes and an open heart.
FINDING YOURSELF:
When you allow yourself to travel with an open mind and an open heart, that's when the magic happens, that's when traveling doesn't become just about discovering new places, it becomes about discovering ourselves, but this process of discovering oneself is something that comes by itself, let you get carried away, don't try too much or force things, let everything happen spontaneously. It's a journey of self-exploration, where we confront our fears, push our boundaries, and discover our true potential. I am firmly convinced that travel is the only element that can enrich a person at 360 °, whether it's facing unexpected obstacles, navigating cultural differences, or simply spending time alone in nature, travel provides us with the perfect opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to become. it's a matter of either finding the solution and growing up or becoming crushed by the weight of everything. Through travel, we learn to embrace our strengths, come to face with our weaknesses and celebrate the qualities that make us who we are. Traveling has become for me like a therapy, it helps me to stay grounded, when daily life, and daily struggles, begin to become too much that you start burning out, this is when travel becomes a life jacket, a way to recharge and reconnect with my deepest self,
EMBRANCING THE UNKNOWN:
One of the most valuable lessons travel teaches us is to embrace uncertainty and welcome the unknown with open arms. It's about learning to navigate through the unexpected twists and turns that life throws our way.
Whether it's dealing with language barriers, transportation mishaps, or cultural misunderstandings, every challenge we encounter on the road becomes an opportunity for growth and learning. May that be getting stranded on the street of Bangkok, crashing with your motorcycle in Bali, getting heavily poisoned in Tunisia, or being scammed on a small island in the Caribbean ( and yes, all of these things actually happened). may be something very small or something bigger, everything becomes a life lesson and a way for you to grow as a person, By stepping out of our comfort zones, we not only expand our horizons but also cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of life.
My favorite motto when traveling has become 'fake it until you make it'
BUILDING CONNECTIONS:
Travel has a remarkable way of bringing people together, transcending cultural and language barriers, and fostering meaningful connections that last a lifetime. I've never been an extroverted person, I'm the quintessential of an introvert, but even in this, traveling has helped me to connect more with my neighbor, if I used to flee social relationships now I welcome them with a smile and open arms, Whether it's sharing a meal with a local family, go on a city tour with someone meet during a volunteer experience or participating in a cultural festival, every interaction we have while traveling enriches our lives in ways we never imagined. Some of my best and even funkiest memories all have one thing in common, which is the interaction with people, the help received from a stranger in the middle of nowhere, the warm smile of an old lady, or cracking a joke with a total stranger, Through these connections, we not only gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives but also realize that, despite our differences, we are all interconnected, it helps us remember that we are not the only race, that ours is not the only way to do things or the correct way of thinking, that there's not just one possible way of doing things.
One of the many aspects that I love about traveling and that I am slowly rediscovering is trying not to feel conditioned by what we perceive as conventions that are nothing more than chains that we create ourselves. remember that the greatest adventures often begin when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. So, whether you're planning your next trip or reflecting on past adventures, may you always remember the invaluable life lessons that travel has to offer, and maybe start your next trip with a more conscious look.