Is it the right time? Do I have enough money? What will I miss while I’m gone? What about my career? What if I hate it? What if something bad happens?
These are the questions that those teetering on the edge of travelling will find swimming through their minds day and night. Well, I’m here to tell you that there might not ever be a “right time” to travel, and looking back, all travellers are glad that they took the leap. The reasons to go travelling far outweigh those that advise you not to. And I’ve gathered up some of the most gratifying and straightforward reasons why you should dig out that passport and dust off that old suitcase.
Confidence
One of the biggest changes that travellers discover about themselves, is that after a few months of travelling, their confidence soars. Meeting new people every day, conquering mountains, trying new foods, taking part in activities you never thought you would – make sure you get the pictures to prove it, check out hellocanvas for the latest prices – even haggling at a local market or hitching from remote village to remote village; on the road you adapt pretty quickly so your ability to make new friends, assess situations and even problem solve will boost your confidence 100%.
Volunteering opportunities
Having the opportunity to travel, means you have the chance to give something back. Whether that’s helping to build a school, or even teaching English, you could assist with the daily care of endangered animals at sanctuaries or help with sanitation in remote villages. Whatever you decide to do, volunteering can actually be quite addictive! Helping to improve the lives of those less fortunate than you is a real eye opener and a wonderful feeling.
New friends
A big concern of any potential traveller is feeling lonely or worrying that you won’t make any friends. Well, I’m here to tell you that travelling is the single, greatest opportunity you’ll ever get too meet like minded people and make friends for life. The beauty about travelling is that you might not enjoy the company of everyone you cross paths with, but as you’re travelling you probably won’t ever see them again!
New skills
Whoever said that travelling puts a negative gap in your CV is wrong. Travelling helps you to develop and hone skills you never knew you had the ability to accomplish. Trying to find the best route way back to your hostel before it gets dark: that’s great problem solving. Lost in a strange city and unable to speak the language? You work well under pressure. Not forgetting our blossoming people skills and even your ability to ride a quad safely, your knowledge of tools and the ability to make yourself understood. All of these and so many more skills are amazingly transferrable into real life.
You appreciate the little things
When you’ve travelled through a poor region, when you don’t get the luxury of a flushing toilet, or when you’ve not showered properly for three days. You quickly appreciate the blessings you have at home!