We often think of people who travel as fearless, free-spirited nomads who take every challenge on the chin and never think twice about stepping out of their comfort zone because in a way, the world is their comfort zone. But in reality, whether it’s your first trip abroad or your fiftieth, many aspects of travel can be quite daunting for the average person.
Nevertheless, amongst its many benefits of expanding your worldview and exposing you to new experiences, travel can also teach us to become more adventurous and embrace the world in new and exciting ways. With that in mind, these are just a few ways that travelling can transform you into a braver individual.
1. You Don’t Have Time to Say No
When you travel, you’ll be faced with many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You won’t have the chance to do it again, and it can be offered in such a split second that you rarely get the chance to say no either. When you grow accustomed to saying yes without deliberating too much on the risks or consequences, you’ll become braver and more willing to embrace new challenges.
2. You Realise What You’re Capable of
It takes guts to travel – especially if you’re going alone. With so much that can go wrong – or at least, not quite according to the plan – and so much that requires you to rely on your own initiative and abilities, but as you adapt, you learn just what kind of resilience you’re capable of.
This can translate to your everyday ambitions, from changing your job to learning something new. You can even take these goals around the world with you – try an online degree from ARU Distance Learning, or consider applying for roles with an international company.
3. You Become More Independent
It’s entirely possible to be a sociable, outgoing person with a wide circle of friends and still be wholly independent. But it’s something we’re all guilty of getting sucked into in the 21st century – constantly connected via social media, and ever-exposed to the adventures of others, it’s easy for that FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) to kick in.
But when you’re travelling, you begin to truly understand the joy of a little alone time. Travelling with others can be incredible, but it can also leave you subject to other people’s schedules as you plan around one another and make concessions to accommodate the other person’s must-see hotspots and activities they want to enjoy – even if you’re not as invested.
And likewise, when travelling with others, you may be conscious that some of the things you’re doing don’t appeal to them quite so much. But travelling alone gives you the freedom to embrace your own agenda, call the shots yourself and, though it may sound cliche, go where the wind takes you.
When you master this independence, it’s much easier to put into practice in your day-to-day life. Ready for a life-changing adventure? These are just three ways you may be transformed by travel.