The concept of travelling is one of the oldest out there. It started way back before any religion was established. Travelling will change your life if you only allow it to and of course if you travel.
Every great prophet had to climb a mountain or travel to a foreign land to meet his destiny and then he had to travel some more to spread the word.
- It's a journey of self-discovery
Travelling is about two things: discovering new parts of the world while discovering oneself. For the latter to happen, try to focus on what and how you feel in your travels. Take something back home with you and try to apply your new findings in your life.
What happened to me was the greatest discovery one can ask for: What I want to do with my life. I don't believe all people are the same, or that there is one recipe for everyone. We all define success in a different way, we have a different definition of happiness. What for me is my dream job, may seem a burden for you.
- You will become more sociable
A new environment will scare you and make you curious at the same time. Human beings are sociable by default. At some point, you will start to engage with people on your travels. At first, for certain needs you may have, and then for the sake of sharing and connection to people.
While for some it may come naturally to talk to strangers for others may not. Don't worry, being sociable is a skill which can be developed. Being yourself is the best advice to keep in mind.
- Building a new set of values
This may seem something awkward to say. People form their values and beliefs in time, and there are not so many ways to change them over the years.
What happens while travelling is observing new and different perspectives over common topics, which often leads to a change in your personal perspectives.
This is a long process and can take a while. Being aware of it can help a lot. It is not wrong to change our belief at some point in our life. There is no right or wrong idea. The point is to have arguments for your beliefs and travelling will result in a lot of information to back up your beliefs and even build new values.
- Personal growth is achieved
Stepping out of that day to day routine, that comfort zone, will be tricky. Your brain will try to talk you out of it. But I can tell you this: it's all worth it. Every step outside that comfort zone is a step forward, a step towards personal growth.
Progress is achieved only in an uncomfortable environment. I' sorry, but to become a greater version of yourself, yes, you must be put in an uncomfortable situation. Travelling alone can help you with your personal development.
- It can be addictive
Everything worth discovering or having is hard at the beginning. Or it's hard to get. Travelling was a terrifying thought at the beginning of my journey. Change is hard, in general.
With no expectations, the discovery is beyond anything you've ever imagined. The life will be shaped differently, your own perspectives will change and sometimes even core beliefs.
Discovering there is always something more to be discovered, can create this never-ending thirst for new sights, pieces of information, places, feelings.