The Best Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling
Life is full of lessons. It’s the small things that we do and says throughout our day that add up to create a life worth living. I’ve learned many lessons while traveling around the world, but there are some in particular which have really stuck with me and changed my perspective on life for the better. Here are 9 of those lessons:
1) The best way to learn about a culture is by getting lost in it
There’s no better way to learn about a culture than by getting lost in it. When you’re out and about, exploring on your own, you’re bound to stumble upon some interesting sights, sounds, and smells that you would never have experienced if you were just following a tour group. Plus, interacting with locals is always a great way to learn about a culture.
2) Traveling alone can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do, but it will make you stronger than anything else
Traveling alone is often very difficult. You don’t have anyone to keep you company when your motivation is low, and sometimes it can be hard to make decisions on the fly without someone else’s input. However, if you persevere through those times (and there will be many), traveling solo will teach you more about yourself than anything else ever could. You’ll also build up the courage to try new things, which will help you grow in all areas of your life. This is only 2 of the Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling. Keep reading for more!
3) No matter how much money you have or what your job title may be, everyone needs help from time to time
No matter how successful you may be, or how much money you have in the bank, at some point in your life, you will need help from someone else. It could be as simple as asking a friend to watch your dog during your travel, or as serious as needing financial assistance to get you back home when your wallet gets stolen. The sooner you realize this, the better off you’ll be and more appreciative of the help that is given in return.
4) You don’t need a lot of things to be happy
One of the best things about traveling is that you don’t need a lot of things to be happy. In fact, all you really need is a positive attitude and an open mind. When you’re out exploring new places, surrounded by different cultures and lifestyles, you quickly realize that what matters most is the experiences you have, not what material objects you own.
For example, you don’t need a five-star hotel to have an amazing holiday, you just need to find the right destination with nice staff and affordable accommodation.
You don’t need a fancy car to get you from point A to B, just an efficient form of transport that fits your budget. Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling keeps on going!
5) You don’t need to speak the language of a country to feel welcomed
Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling. Even if you can’t communicate verbally with someone, or even read any signs around you, holding open your hands and saying “please” is all it takes for most people to understand that you’re in need. This has happened on numerous occasions when I was traveling through countries where I didn’t know the language. The locals were always happy to help, and it was a great opportunity for me to learn some new words and phrases.
6) Better at time management
When people travel for the first time, one of the things that frequently surprises them is how effective they become at managing their time. This is especially true for solo travelers, as you quickly learn that wasted time equals less money in your pocket. As a result, many travelers develop skills such as packing and unpacking quickly planning itineraries and being able to find their way around new places with little or no help. This can be extremely beneficial in everyday life, where time is often precious and needs to be managed well.
7) Making friends from different cultures is one of the best ways to learn about other people and their lifestyles
When you travel, making local friends can be a fantastic way to experience a new culture up close. Not only will it help you feel more immersed in your surroundings but what you learn from them may even inspire some changes back home. This was certainly true for me, as I’ve made some of my best friends from all over the world while traveling. We keep in touch via social media and Skype, and it’s always a pleasure to catch up with them and hear about their latest adventures. This is almost mandatory in these days, so it is most certainly a Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling.
8) Money management
One of the biggest challenges for many travelers is managing their money. This can include everything from budgeting to dealing with currency conversion and understanding which banks are best to use when you’re abroad. While this does take some time getting used to, it’s definitely worth taking note of if you want your travel plans not only to go smoothly but also be a positive experience.
To do this best, make sure you have a debit/credit card that doesn’t charge too much for overseas transactions and always take out the maximum amount allowed to ensure your travel money lasts as long as possible. You should also look into mobile banking apps or online tools that help you keep track of your spending, so if there’s any leftover once you return home it will be put towards your next trip!
9) You can travel on a budget
One of the biggest fears for many people is being unable to afford their dream holiday. But with some careful planning, you really don’t have to break the bank in order to enjoy yourself. In fact, there are plenty of ways that you can save money when traveling abroad without having to sacrifice any of your comfort or experiences. For example, food is often one of the biggest expenses when on holiday so try to find local restaurants and cafes that offer good-value meals. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try cooking some of your own meals in your accommodation? This is certainly a Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling.
Another great way to save money is by booking flights and accommodation well in advance. This will usually help you take advantage of price drops and make sure that your trip will be affordable.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Six life lessons that I’ve learned from traveling the world. I’m sure there are many more that I could add to this list, but these six particulars have really stuck with me and changed my outlook on life. I hope they do the same for you too! 🙂
What are some of the best life lessons you’ve learned while traveling? Let me know in the comments below!
