Very few things in life have the power to change your perspective like travel does. There’s something about opening yourself up to a new destination that spurs the Universe into giving you thoughts, feelings and aha moments that don’t often occur in the experience of day to day life.
I encourage every young person to make travel a priority early on in life. Exploring differences among people and cultures is a wonderful opportunity to expand our consciousness and be more open to change. The ability to be more understanding and flexible pays dividends throughout life.
When I set out to travel solo through Europe at age 19, I learned as much about myself as I did about the people and places I saw. I discovered I was capable of managing my own life. Backpacking across Europe taught me how to prioritize my decisions – find transportation, shelter, then food. It taught me how to be aware of my surroundings, to stay safe, to be resourceful, and plan ahead. These are amazing skills for a young person to carry into the rest of their life. When change is the only constant, the tools we have to combat stress and make important decisions are key.
Travel has also taught me that angels in the guise of helpful people often appear when you have exhausted your resources, so look for them. I learned to never give up; you never know when the next moment might hold an amazing gift. Be open. Be expectant. Be acceptant. Be grateful.
Travel can be our best teacher and companion, no matter what age we are. I try to not travel back to the same places I’ve visited. As I get older, there’s just too much still to see in this world to waste it looking to rekindle the same experience in the same place – I’m into gathering as many different experiences as I can, as I am able.
This sometimes becomes the crucible in which difficult decisions must be made – which places do I most want to see before I die? Hmmm.
Are there some iconic places you haven’t yet seen, adventures that still await? Nibbling croissants on the Champs aux Elysees, paddling the charming canals of Venice, exploring the mystical ruins Machu Picchu, combing through the passageways of Old Jerusalem, sharing an icy beach with penguins on the world’s loneliest continent, Antarctica? Summitting Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, building an igloo, trekking across the desert like the original spice and silk caravans, playing with a koala bear? Have you been to Timbuktu? How about Casablanca? Have you seen the Oberammergau Passion Play, which only happens once every ten years? What about a World’s Fair, which happens once every 5 years. (Both are happening in 2020, by the way!)
Some experiences elevate themselves above the others because of their significance on the world stage – these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that one should never miss.
Yet it’s the uniqueness of a picturesque village in an off the beaten path location that sometimes wins the day — where rubbing shoulders with the locals and sharing a pint or two adds a new experience and a new friend to your stash of travel trophies.
Whatever your taste, there’s a travel experience waiting for you.
Does this stimulate your imagination for where your next adventure might lead you? Make this the year you tick something off your list of must-see destinations or experiences.
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