I keep reminding myself that I’ve learned a lot throughout the years (it has to be that way, right?). Not only the interaction with people from all over the world, taught me to focus on the big picture. The trips that I have been fortunate enough to go on made me an independent and self-confident person. Making me realize that sometimes you do not have to take life so seriously. I would like to show you the 5 biggest learnings tought to me because I travel. It has helped me become the person I am now. I’m curious what will happen in the future, because you never stop learning…and traveling.
1. Being alone is ok
I’ve never really had a problem being alone. But I’ve always preferred to travel with someone I know. I have a person of trust in case something goes wrong. I still feel the need to share these memories with someone. But also appreciate the time for me and the peace I have when traveling alone. Being alone and being ok with that is an accomplishment. I am glad that I took the step to go on my own adventures every now and then. And let’s be honest: you really are never really alone. In hostels you always meet many people from all over the world. They are also the reason for my next realization.
At the end of 2016 I decided to go to Singapore for a weekend trip. Mainly because it was the first time for me to travel alone. Being the only person to decide what exactly I would like to do on that trip. Another reason was that I had a great deal of ‘fear’ of strangers. It amazed me because I wasn’t really shy with other people in general. But that’s how it was. Nevertheless, I have booked myself into a super cute hostel near the city. I am determined to make friends there and talk to people. Sadly I had to realize that my 21 year old self was not really ready for this. I stayed away from any common areas. In the end I had the itinerary I wanted, however, without accompaniment.
Since then, I have learned and actively go to people when I need something because I know today: strangers do not bite. Believe me that once you have gathered all your courage and then you are out and about with people from all over the world, traveling alone will enrich you a lot and bring with you an exciting dynamic and one or the other story, which you certainly will not do so quickly is forgotten.
3. You’re allowed to say no
Probably the most important and most drastic insight. Because I have always been someone, and still am today, that just can’t say no. No matter what: if I can help, I like to help! But now I know that I do not always have to do everything and I can’t.
It’s only by saying “no” that you can concentrate on what is really important.
Steve jobs
4. Planning is not mandatory
I used to lean back in planning and always thought, “Oh, I can’t do this, others can do that much better so I’ll leave it for them to do.” In the last two years have I realized that I can plan trips just as well and not always say: “I do not care” when someony asks me what I want because, let’s be honest, that’s only rarely the case.
But planning everything to the smallest detail is often not necessary. In my opinion, flexible trips are the best. When I’m planning a trip, I usually look for the sights or events that I want to visit for sure and plan accordingly around it. Try it out 🙂
5. Take your time
With everything you do, do it at your own pace. Take the time to do good, be friendly, laugh and enjoy life. Don’t let others restrict you, but surround yourself with people who help you become the best version of yourself and enrich you with positivity.
You only have one life and travel has taught me to fully enjoy it.
