You may think of traveling as booking a one-way ticket and backpacking around the world, but in reality, it is so much more than that. You may want to consider what travel can do for you. It doesn’t have to be a long-term get away, it could be as easy as camping at the weekend or going abroad for your annual leave.
But why do we value travel so much? Is it the excitement of being exposed to new environments where we are graced with new sights, and smells, or is it to meet new people and learn more about the world and ourselves. As they say, there is no greater education than travel- Rebecca Welton (Ted Lasso)
Luckily for us it is easier to travel nowadays with having agencies book trips for you, or by following travel bloggers who post their recommendations of the ‘best places’ and ‘must do activities.’
Here we will explore the different benefits to travel, and how it can shape you as a person without even realizing:
- HEALTH
Whether you’re breathing in fresh mountain air, listening to the sound of crashing waves, or taking the time to watch the sunset, travel can encourage you to slow down and be present in the moment. Having the opportunity to relax, breathe and not think about anything else can alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed. For some, having a vacation can reduce burnout at work as it provides a change of scenery and allows you to take control and focus on something else.
Those of you that spend most of the day cooped up in the office, this is your sign to book a holiday. Travel can be a great way to move the body and improve your cardiovascular health. Participating in activities like Hiking, Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing are all great ways to build strength and stamina. And really, what could be better than hiking to the top of a mountain to be greeted by the most breathtaking view?
You may even find that the relaxed mind and increase in activity will improve your sleep.
This sounds great, but what’s the catch?
Always remember that travel will not be a quick fix to your problems. Yes, it sounds a good idea, but it is important to work through your situation before leaving, as you may find that you feel the same way but in a different country. For example, a change of environment could cause anxiety attacks and fear which ultimately puts yourself in a vulnerable position.
Tip
If you are unsure about what holiday to take, or activities to book, contact travel groups as they can organize everything for you. Plus, it is a great way to meet people. I booked with GAP 360 when I first moved to Australia, and it made the move a lot less scary!
- PERSONAL GROWTH
One thing that you’ll quickly learn is that quite often things don’t go to plan. A delayed flight, bad weather or expensive activity will force you to change the path you were originally taking. The beauty of these inconveniences is that you soon learn how to adapt and make the most of the situation. Without realizing, your confidence has grown creating a “can do” attitude rather than “I can’t”, making you ready to tackle any situation that lies ahead.
Traveling independently is a great opportunity for personal development. Through the organization of trips, you can improve your leadership and management skills which will be utilized both professionally and personally. By leaving your comfort zone and trying something new you will soon realize that you are more than capable. You learn to make decisions, navigate around unfamiliar places, and solve problems that you may be faced with along the way. Experiencing new environments, different cultures and values will build your confidence as well as helping to develop more of an understanding towards the livelihood and challenges that others face.
What do I need to consider?
Make sure you are traveling because it is what YOU want to do, not what you THINK you should do, or what someone has told you to do. Long term travel is not for everyone, many people prefer to go on relaxing holidays, city breaks, or camping on the weekends. This is all a part of traveling and can give you the opportunity to do the above without quitting your job and moving to the other side of the world.
Tip
Start with a holiday, you may find that a couple of weeks away is the perfect amount of time.
- TO LEARN
I think many of us need to hear that it is okay to take a different path. It’s easy to fall into the trap of finishing school, going to university, and working until retirement, but really it is healthy for us to explore the wonderful world we live in. As soon as we are exposed to different paths our perspectives begin to shift, becoming a little more open-minded and appreciative for what we’ve got. You know the saying that you will find yourself while traveling? Quite often this is the case.
“Comparison is the thief of joy”.
Our low self-esteem may come from comparing our lives to others. Travel becomes a distraction as you are having fun, learning, and focusing on new responsibilities. Being away from home may be an eye-opening experience that makes you miss your home life- the comforts and family members. (You may even realise that you are more fortunate than others.)
For career opportunities, there’s a chance you might network and meet someone who works in a role that you’ve never even heard of and find yourself wanting to know more. Visiting new countries can help you to understand more about international business or how your job or business works in different environments. The experiences and new skills that you gain while traveling can build life experiences, giving you unique qualities compared to other candidates.
Tip
Embrace the different cultures and traditions, behave appropriately, and try to learn some of their language, it will make communication slightly easier and enhance your travel experience.
- COMMUNICATION AND FRIENDSHIPS
Interacting with new people, especially those from different backgrounds and languages enhances your communication skills. You learn to adapt to your audience and express yourself in certain ways so that there is an equal understanding during the conversation. Even when there is a language barrier you will find a way to communicate and soon feel confident talking to people from all over the world. You may even make connections that lead to valuable career opportunities and collaborations.
For me, one of the best parts of traveling is finding people with similar interests and personalities, creating friendships that will last a lifetime. Through the shared experiences of living, exploring, and overcoming challenges, you will create your travel family and a ‘home away from home.’
Although at times it can be sad thinking about your good friend that lives on the other side of the planet, you will always hold onto those special memories, and be able to meet up with them somewhere in the world.
What to consider
If you want to meet people while traveling alone, you need to put yourself out there and talk to new people. This can easily be done through your accommodation- I used to stay in hostels while solo traveling as I knew there were many backpackers like me wanting to meet new people.
Tip
If you are feeling nervous about the trip ahead, contact someone who has travelled to the area, or travelled in general, as they may have some good recommendations or know people that are living in the area. Always reach out to someone for advice if you are unsure, it doesn’t hurt to have a second opinion.
- MEMORIES AND BUCKET LIST DREAMS
Bucket list dreams we all have them, from relaxing in Dubai, to visiting Machu Picchu or swimming with sharks, we all have a dream that brings hope to our lives. Travel is a great way to start ticking off those bucket list items and create memories that will last a lifetime. Every experience you have will be special and bring you so much joy when you tell the stories. Sometimes a song will come on the radio and immediately it will send you back to a memory filling you with happy emotions. Or you will think about a catch phrase that will bring you a smile and make you laugh until you’re 90. The lifelong memories you form while traveling will bring inspiration for your life and creativity to your heart.
I truly believe travel has the power to shape our personalities and give us the ability to mentally escape to the special time or place through the memories that are created.
Last thing to remember.
Before you pack your bags and leave make sure you have budgeted correctly and saved enough money. Traveling can be expensive, but also there can be unplanned expenses that you will have to pay. Always make sure you have paid for travel insurance and that it covers all the activities you are wanting to do. I would recommend putting money aside as an emergency flight home fund so that you can fly home whenever you want to.
Tip
Look for discounts or sales that may be online, this could be for activities, hostel/hotel prices or even flight discounts.
My final and most valuable bit of advice would be to always tell someone how you feel, there is always someone around to support you, whether it’s in the same country or on the phone. If you are ever feeling down or alone it is important to reach out to those around you, you may even find that there’s another person around you that is feeling the same way you are. You will have more support than you think!
*Disclaimer: This blog is not a replacement for professional guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to consult your physician or other qualified healthcare experts for any concerns or queries regarding medical condition. Talk to someone before booking a trip and make sure it is the right thing to do for you.
Useful Links:
Mental Health Support: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/
Find me on Instagram: rossington_grace
