A new perspective
Looking at the the world with new eyes can help mend the jaded soul. As someone who has suffered from career burnout in the past, I can assure you stepping away even if for a short while can adjust ones lens and determine if the problem is really the job, or just stress.
Sometimes little things add up when compounded with routine.
Trying strange new things
Travel abroad will certainly get you out of your comfort zone. The world holds many sights, smells, sounds, and flavors that are bound to inspire. With that being said…
Be brave and take risks
Bungee jump the Nevis, climb a mountain, dive with sharks, get so obliterated in Amsterdam it takes 4 hours to find your hostel, handle snakes in Vietnam. If you want to do it, you will most likely be safe as long as you do some research and use your better judgement, so get out there and live.
Meeting new people
The kindred spirits you meet along the road stay with you forever and sometimes you never see them coming. Sometimes it’s a conversation on a bus or in an airport. Other times it’s a roommate, a stranger that helped lead the way, or somebody you were bullshitting in the bar with. However life leads you to these friends, in the end they feel like family.
Learning new lingo
I love successfully communicating in another language.
Now let’s be clear, I’m by no means proficient in any language but English, but operating outside of the restrictions of your native tongue can allow you to enjoy the company of a person who an interaction with would have been previously impossible. You don’t need to master the language. Learn a few phrases, and build from there.
Usually people fear making mistakes when speaking in a language that’s new, but remember, you are here for the experience and most locals will appreciate the effort.
Share and share alike
Travelers in the hostel community, in my experience, have been pretty open and generous people. Basic childhood lessons, like cleaning up after yourself, and sharing are quickly reinforced.
If you meet good company, share info, buy a round, buy food, and give back what you borrow. Research bus schedules and accommodations as well since it will also be appreciated if you and some travel mates are headed the same direction.
Everyone appreciates someone who is resourceful and someone who shares.
It’s just like kindergarten. That’s it, simple.
Appreciation of others
Once in Germany I got sick. Really, really sick. We are talking bed ridden, 3 days, coming outta both ends sick. I was laid up in bed in Munich and my roommates took care of me for 2 days after seeing me do shuttle runs from the bed to the bathroom for 16 hours. If it weren’t for them, things could have gone far worse. After the years, I don’t remember their names, but I remember the water and fruit left by my bedside when I would wake up. For that, I’m forever grateful.
Self awareness and self confidence
I remember the day I was boarding my flight to Japan alone. Even though though I had always dreamed of going, I was filled with anxiety.
My last trip went over budget and I was broke within a week and a half. What if I do it again?
I didn’t speak Japanese. At all. My mind raced and my hands visibly shook with stress while thoughts ran rampant in my head.
What if I get stuck overseas?!
I had never hosteled. the movie didn’t deter me much, but I wasn’t keen to the idea of a blowtorch to the face or a sliced Achilles.
Plus, what if I can’t find my hostel and have to sleep on the streets?!? What if? What if? What if?…
Fortunately, I found solace in the airport bar until it was time to leave.
After 2 and a half weeks with no smart phone, credit card, or travel companion, I did it!
Initially, I was terrified. After navigating Japan without a companion, I felt more confident than ever! In fact, it paved the way for the rest of my travels and was my main inspiration to see the world.
Like anything else, with experience comes confidence. So, if you want to travel….you know, insert corporate slogan here.
Relaxing and opening your heart
Not every person you meet as you make your way through the various cities of the globe wants to steal your money. In most cases, they just want to practice their English and every once in a while somebody just wants to help.
If somebody is looking to make a profit off of you, respectfully say “no, thank you” and walk away if you aren’t interested in what they are offering. If you don’t want any help or don’t wish to be bothered, don’t be a dick.
“Fuck you asshole” can bring a lot more problems than it’s worth.
On that note, mistakes and oversights will always happen, so remember the people helping you are your means to a solution. They are not a punching bag for your frustration.
Being polite got me a free return train to Brussels when I fell asleep through my stop and woke up en route to Paris. You will miss a train or a flight if you travel enough times. It’s all going to be ok, remember to breath.
Enjoy the little things
I enjoy travel for the simplicity it provides me, but it’s always nice to go back home. When the comforts of home are gone long enough, I find that it makes the simple luxuries much more appreciated.
