Lessons from Travel
Traveling is one of the best things you can do for your soul. It forces you out of your comfort zone and throws you into a world of uncertainty and wonder.
If you're lucky enough to experience life in seemingly prehistoric times (no wifi), you'll find yourself in conversations with strangers rather than commenting on posts, reading books instead of scrolling your feed, and being present in the moment, not distracted by multiple gadgets.
When I talk about traveling, I don't mean the kind that entails all-inclusive resorts, tour shuttles, and buffets providing all the favorites from home. I'm talking about the kind of travel involving hostels, language barriers, uncomfortable bus rides, unidentifiable food, and local watering holes. The kind of travel that gives you a glimpse of another culture different from your own.
You hear that saying, "its not about the destination, its about the journey". As cliche as that sounds, its true. My favorite stories from the road were about how we got to our destination.
Here are my top reasons I believe traveling can benefit you:
(1) strangers quickly become friends
Some of the most interesting people I've met have been on my travels. I've encountered people from all walks of life; different ages, different nationalities, families, solo travelers, soul seekers, soul searchers, and so on. As different as we all are, the one thing we share is a common passion for traveling and to experience a life different from our own.
To feed our wanderlust...
(2) Your adventurous side comes out
One thing that is absolutely necessary when you travel is that you need to have an open mind. Most people you meet along your journey are receptive and are genuinely interested in your story. Have an open mind and listen to theirs.
Maybe for some, it's nerve wracking going to a new place where you don't know anyone, you don't speak the language, and you have no idea what to expect. This is simply fear of the unknown. I promise you that the journey will benefit you immensely if you approach it with an open-mind.
Whenever I meet new people back home, usually the first question thats asked is "What do you do?". I feel that a lot of conversation is centered around work. Not that there's anything wrong with that- as that's what takes up a lot of our time and interest. However, when your traveling, the conversation usually starts off with where you've been, places you'd like to see, and things to do.
It's all about adventure. Embrace the uncertainty and have an open mind.
(3) there are good people everywhere
Yea, there were times where I would walk down the street with my pepper spray in hand.. but thats part of traveling. I do the same in some sketchy neighborhoods back home.
I think some people are a bit nervous traveling off the beaten path because they hear the stories about getting robbed and hassled. Yes this does happen, and again, it happens just as much back home. Be smart and trust your instincts.
I have found that people asa a whole are generally good hearted people. i can recall several occasions where strangers, both local and travelers, went out of their way to help me.
(4) Your capabilities will amaze you
I learned that I can handle stressful situations without becoming an emotional wreck. You just got to go with the flow. It's inevitable that things will go wrong at some point on your trip, you just got to chalk it up to being part of the experience.
Take a deep breath, smile, and let that shit go...
(5) You are humbled by humility.
There are situations you find yourself in that are embarrassing, awkward, funny, frustrating, etc. the important thing is that you walk through those situations with your head high.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Your only here for a short amount of time, so appreciate love, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the lighter things in life.
*** THese pictures were all taken from a trip to central/south america in 2015. IF you're interested in reading more about my adventures, visit: ***