Traveling , whether it be to another city or a different country, can be a big awakening about how you look at life and who you are as a person. The greatest gift I've ever received was from a friend who inspired me at 19 years of age to go on an international journey alone so that I would learn valuable lessons on my transformation into an adult. This article hopes to give insight and inspiration to all those in search of more than their day to day existence.
Planning where you are going is an exhilarating experience.The thoughts arise in you weeks before you leave and at the airport your mind races with visions of what is to come. As the plane takes off, you feel like a child again, in search of new horizons and unfamiliar experiences.Your heart pumps with anticipation and you can't stop thinking about the endless possibilities of what will happen on your excursion away from home.
If you're open minded, many beneficial opportunities will arise. New faces and a different environment greet you, and as you disembark it's almost like you've entered another world. Confusion and excitement begin as the first steps of your adventure unfold. This is the turning point, a new chapter in your life where many lessons can be learned. Traveling humbles you, it puts you in unordinary situations and teaches you life changing lessons that are harder to learn in the confines of your familiar day to day reality.
Suddenly, you start a conversation with a stranger,who becomes your first teacher, someone who will give you insight and guide you through the first steps on your mission. There are so many paths to take, it is your choice to chose the one that is right for you. From exchanging currency to finding a hotel, hardly anything comes easy when you leave the nest that is your home for the first time. One choice, good or bad, could alter the direction of your trip; dealing with the many new aspects of being in a foreign place can overwhelm you at times. It's good to really think out every option and judge most people with a third eye. By choosing each decision wisely, such as where you stay and the people you befriend, your adventure will have a lot better chance of living up to your expectations.
Traveling by yourself can really change your life.When you travel alone,there is no one else to lean on, to ask questions of or to help in the search for whatever it is you're looking for. Only you create what will happen and that in itself is a great way to build self confidence. Sometimes when you travel with a friend, you use them as a crutch to help you through situations. I've found it extremely rewarding to travel by myself so that I can only rely on myself for everything I will encounter. You are one with your thoughts and although it can be a scary experience, the rewards far outweigh the momentary anxiety. It builds character, patience, self-reliance, respect and forces you to change your outlook on the many ups and downs that life throws at you. Furthermore, it also helps you appreciate friends, family, relationships and what you do have at home. Things that you've become numb to because it is always a part of your everyday reality.
It is nice to go with a friend on some vacations, to share with the things you've done and seen, but from my experience locals are more willing to talk with you or take you into their homes if they know you're alone. This is a perfect way to learn about where you are, the language, and their culture and traditions.
| Traveling isn't for everyone. Unfortunately, women can be subjected to the advances of men. In some countries the male species is so forward that it would be best to have a companion along. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of well traveled women that can hold their own in any situation, but for the rookie traveler it might be best to have an experienced friend along to learn some of the common road rules. |
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Traveling in general, by yourself or with a friend, is like going to school. The school of life where you grow as a person with new found eyes and an ever-changing perspective on the beauty of life. You won't know until you go whether it's for you or not, but remember that memories are forever. Challenge yourself and set sail, lose sight of shore into the uncharted territory of the world and live life to its fullest!
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Created: June/20/96 Updated: 11/10/98
