Last updated on March 1st, 2022
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Traveling the world sounds overwhelming, so overwhelming it can prevent you from going, especially in this day and age. However, it has taught me much about the world, others, and myself. So, in this post, I’m sharing what I learned while traveling in hopes that it will inspire you all to take the leap and do some traveling yourself.
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We are all the same
Although we may speak different languages and live differently, we are all the same human beings who experience life in its entirety. We love, we hope, we dream, we work all the same. During my travels, I learned to see myself in others which enhanced my ability to connect with others.
The world isn’t as scary as you think.
I remember the first time I went abroad; my parents & grandparents were against it. They felt it wasn’t safe, especially since I was going alone. Not to mention I’m the first one in my immediate family even to have a passport. So if something happened, the chances of getting to me were very slim. So understandably, they were worried.
However, the unfortunate part was that they tried to push those insecurities onto me. They constantly told me about all these crazy stories they saw on the news trying to scare me from going.
It didn’t work, and I went anyway. However, I’d be lying if I said some of what my parents told me didn’t get to me. But, of course, it did. I’m traveling across the world to a foreign country, where they speak a language I’m not fluent in, alone. And to top it off, I’m a black woman. Talk about terrifying.
But what I learned while traveling was that the world isn’t as scary as you think. Of course, numerous injustices happen worldwide; that is undoubtedly a fact. Although, generally speaking, the world is much safer than the news would have you believe. While a few are the exception, most people are kind-hearted and not trying to hurt you.
Be open to the unexpected.
I am a planner at heart. I love to have every detail mapped out; where I’m going, how long I’m going to be there, how I’m going to get there, what I’ll do when I arrive, and on and on. But if any of you have ever traveled before, you know that things don’t always go as planned nine times out of ten. You might miss your flight, or your flight might get delayed, which throws the entire itinerary right out the window. As a major planner, this would cause me much stress. (And assuredly has in the past.)
And a stressed traveler isn’t having a good time. So to remedy this, I’ve learned while traveling that it’s best to be open to the unexpected and go with the flow. Of course, sometimes things aren’t going to work out as planned & that’s ok. But when you are open to the unexpected, it doesn’t feel like the end of the world. (Often, it leads to exciting adventures!)
You are never too old to learn.
With each year that passes, I think I know more and more about everything. A modern-day know-it-all. Ha! But traveling, amongst other things, has humbled me. I don’t know nearly as much as I thought. And that’s ok. While traveling, I was constantly learning every day and I’m sure that if I were to visit the same places as before, I would learn more! We are never too old to learn.
Real growth is outside of your comfort zone.
Another tip I’ve learned while traveling is real growth is outside of your comfort zone. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned traveler or not, traveling will push you out of your comfort zone because often, people around the world are living much differently than you. Sometimes that’s very shocking and requires adjustment. You’re usually put into situations you’ve never been in before – which is very frightening.
Yet, these experiences when you’re out of your comfort zone are where you grow the most. It’s in these moments that you find out what you’re really made of and who you are as a person. And the beautiful thing is who you are as a person is constantly evolving (at least it should be), which means there is always something for you to learn. This leads me to my next point…
Waiting on others to make you happy is never a good idea.
How many of you are dying to travel the world, but you’re waiting on someone to get their passport? They’ve been saying they’ll get it for months now, but they haven’t even filled out the application. How frustrating! You aren’t getting any younger.
Leave them behind! Yes, I said it. If you take nothing else from this post, take this. You cannot rely on or wait on others for your happiness. They will let you down EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. And that’s not because they are a terrible person; it’s simply because only you can provide yourself the happiness and contentment you desire—no one else.
So, if you’re dying to travel, go travel! Even if you have to do it alone. Some of the best experiences come when you do things by yourself. And just because you are alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. On the contrary, you’ll more than likely meet so MANY people & make so many new friends when you travel alone.
Here is your sign to take your happiness into your hands and start doing the things you really want to do!
I have gained so much by seeing the world; I am a better person. So, I encourage those that have the privilege to travel to do so! You won’t regret it.
What have you all learned while traveling? Let me know in the comments below!
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