Over the last two decades, I have traveled a lot. A large part of it is due to work but also because I can’t stand to be in one place for too long. There is this constant urge to see more and go further to explore and experience. No matter where and how far you go, I believe travel changes you in a lot many ways. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness…” Yes, travel expands and enriches your experiences and life. The life lessons from my travel are a lot, but here are 5 of them which are inspired by my years on the road.
Lesson #1: You’re more capable than you think – They say travel can transform you and I agree with it completely. I was an introvert, but travel has turned me into an outgoing introvert or an ambivert. When I look back, I realize that I have done a lot of things which seemed nearly impossible or uncharacteristic for me. I have travelled at all ungodly hours of the night alone, chatted away to glory with strangers, eaten alone at restaurants without a blink or care, dealt with eve-teasers and unruly behavior, handled unexpected mishaps and much more. I now know that I am capable of handling whatever is thrown at me, there might be mistakes but the challenge is taken heads on.
Lesson #2: You create your own stories through some priceless experiences – Life is about memories and not diamonds. Travel gives you some unusual and vivid experiences that last a lifetime. I can talk for hours about the various experiences I have had at various places. Shedding tears with a stranger as she shared her life and loss, listening to some amazing experiences of a cabbie, sitting quietly under a tree and soaking in the sounds and beauty of the nature, roaming the streets at night with a gang of friends and having some fun talks… are some of the experiences that I look back with smiles, always.
Lesson #3: You CAN survive without technology – I was at this remote resort in the hills where there was no mobile network. There was a landline at the resort though. The initial thoughts were anxiety and panic ridden. I soon realized that I must accept the reality. I cut my digital lifeline and soaked in the beauty and serenity around me. Going for walks in the woods, lounging in the sun and chatting with colleagues and participants of the workshop without the intrusion of texts and alerts from phones, re-learning to live in the moment felt positively luxurious. And when I was back in connectivity after 3 days, I realized that I had not missed anything. FOMO – the fear of missing out had turned into JOMO – the joy of missing out.
Lesson #4: You learn skills – Travelling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer in skills and learnings. I had a poor sense of direction and believed in traveling with luggage which would last me for two trips. Some mishaps made me learn to travel light and become a better traveler. Travel makes you good at time management, communication and social skills, adaptability along with decision-making skills as well.
Lesson #5: You are appreciative of your loved ones – Days and weeks away from your family would make you realize how important they are in your life. Traveling certainly makes you appreciate your family and friends more. And you realize that there’s no place like home.
What life lessons have your travels given you? Do share with me in the comment box.
28 Responses
Great lessons. I would add one more. Money talks. So have money (in any form) at all times.
Thanks SG! Oh yes, money is all powerful!
These lessons are so true. Valuable gems. For anyone who is hesitant to travel, they really are underestimating themselves.
Well said, travel is one of the best teacher as it broadens our horizon and makes us do things which we believe we cant do ever!
You learn life skills through travelling. It expands your horizon. We learn about new culture, tradition, cuisine, language, weather and so much more.
True that! Travel is the best form of education!!
One thing that travel always teaches me is humility. Every time I travel, I realize that I am just a puny creature in such an enormous world. It teaches me to stay grounded and appreciate the smaller things in life.
I agree. Travel does teach humility and gratitude.
True!!
Well said. Given that travel throws so many curveballs at you, you learn to be patient and humble and have empathy as well.
Travel does teach you a lot of lessons! The thing I love most about traveling is the exposure to diffirernt cultures and people (travel companions) from around the world and all walks of life, and the many lessons I learn about our shared humanity and our idiosyncratic differences.
Agree completely, irrespective of the places you travel, you do learn so much about other people and that how similar we are and how different too!
I found these things out, when I was in Europe, four years ago and on the Alaska ferry, a year later. Challenges are what build strength.
Thanks Gary, glad that you have had similar experiences and learnings too!
All of that is so true. I think you ‘grow up’ in a whole different way once you begin to travel, specially if you’re on your own. I don’t travel much and barely ever on my own and yet there was a time I used to find the whole idea so intimidating, but I’ve become better at it over time.
I know what you mean. It’s just the initial fear and doubts. A few trips later, travels comes in your comfort zone, though with good and bad surprises every now and then!
Traveling surely teaches you a lot. I have similar experiences of traveling alone which has evolved me as a person and I’m thankful that I get an opportunity to be by myself despite other responsibilities. Eating alone in public places and combating eve teasing are a few of the things that make you proud. 🙂
I so agree with you. Travel truly evolves you and I am what I am today because of my extensive travelling.
Oh yes, the good and the bad experiences truly make us proud of ourselves and we must exchange some more such stories when we meet next 🙂
Hmmmm..so now that I know what all I stand to gain from travel, I need to actually get out and do it! Right? But, doing it alone is ..well, still a bit unsure I can do it! 😛
You must and we are waiting to hear your travel tales, Shilpa. Go and pack your bags NOW!! 🙂
So true shilpa, agree with all the 5 life’s lessons -just last week I attended a National women’s convention at Goa and the moment I reached from day 1 my mobile stopped working:) initially I was upset as I wanted to click some pics… but then my feelings changed and in no time I was happy to mix around and enjoy new experiences of learning and meeting other women.
January I had to travel to Chennai for a mental health first aid progrmme, I was wondering how would I manage, but I surprised myself, reached at odd hours and had to find the hotel and connect with the local host- I was happy to find people hospitable and kind. I hope to travel more and yes … with little planning and budgeting:) Thanks for sharing shilpa, I have always learnt something from your post.
If i had to pick one, that travel teaches it is to be adaptable. Learning to eat and stay out of your comfort zone.
Great post again, Shilpa. Maybe one day I’ll travel to India.
Yay for JOMO! There’s a lot to be said for it. I’ve been travelling most of my life, and it’s certainly shaped me in many ways. I hope to never have to stop!
I haven’t traveled as much as I’d like to, but I always find that I appreciate the time away/alone as much as I appreciate getting home. The diversity of people and cultures makes me wish more people would expand their worldview by seeing what else is going on in the world beyond their doorstep.
I love to travel. For me, it changes perspective.
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