5 Ways Travel Has Changed My Life

February 17th, 2018

1.       Experience over things

Travelling has made me appreciate experiences over things. I would much rather save up to do something new and exciting than buy that new outfit or spend my money on material items. Saving to spend it on experiences and memories that will last much longer than a new dress. And even if those new experiences turn into mistakes; mistakes add value and 9 times out of 10, always make for a great story!

2.       Travel has made me more humble

Seeing some locations in Asia for example, made me truly appreciate the way of life back home. Simple pleasures that we sometimes take for granted like clean running water, good-working sewage systems, and power. Even basic items like plates and cutlery are a luxury in some places. It makes you take a step back and have a good look at what people can live with (and without), and to be more respectful of how happy you can still be with less.

3.       Forced me to step outside my comfort zone

From trying food that looks like something you would never touch at home, to dodging insane scooter traffic, trying to ask for something in a foreign language that you have no idea how to say, getting sick in a foreign place, to couchsurfing; travel has forced me to try new things, to put myself out there to meet new people and has shown me how brave I actually can be. Sometimes travel isn’t always easy and there are those days that do end up turning to crap, but those are the days where you can look back and say, ‘sh*t that was hard, but I got through it'.

4.       Learnt more than I would in a Classroom

No classroom I’ve been in will ever be a better learning environment than going out into the big wide world. Every time I set foot into a new place, it’s like being in school again and your mind has to start fresh. From reading signs/maps, to crossing the street, asking for directions, ordering food and all the history you take in along the way - can be completely different from one place to the next. Travel leaves marks on your memory deeper than anything I learned in school.

5.       Getting to know myself

I have learnt more about myself simply from meeting other people from all over the world. It has made me see the realness in those who are genuine and about how I want people to see me. I have learnt to be more patient and have so much time to hear someone tell me their travel story or to learn from a local about the history of their Country or about their family culture. Take time to be kind and it will teach you a lot about yourself as well as feel so rewarding.