101 Ways Travel Changed Me

Whether it’s your intention or not, there is no doubt that travel changes us. Whether it is in some profound, revelatory way or just a few additional skills to add to your life tool-belt.

This month is the 3rd anniversary since I took off on my round the world trip that would ultimately change my life (even if I didn’t know it at the time). These travel anniversaries always spark a period of reflection. So, here is:

101 Ways Travel Changed Me

1. I get lost (a bit) less
2. I can ride a camel…side-saddle…for days…without crying
3. I appreciate my family and friends more
4. I can make very little money go a very long way
5. I’m more observant of my surroundings
6. I feel trapped by the idea of a 9 to 5 and fixed location
7. Make-up is a rarity
8. I enjoy talking to strangers
9. My knowledge of world history has increased exponentially
10. I’m more tolerant of people and situations
11. I’m stronger – mentally, physically and emotionally
12. I can get by with less than 10 items of clothes
13. I’m not freaked out by dirt and germs
14. I’m way less stressed
15. I can procure coffee, pizza and beer in myriad languages
16. I realise that the sun setting is a phenomenal beauty that should be observed daily
17. I’ve got a better perspective on what’s important in the world
18. I have fewer regrets
19. I understand more religions, beliefs and cultures
20. I can haggle (politely and in good humour)
21. I’m more independent
22. I can swim and snorkel in the deep ocean without panicking
23. I enjoy a bargain top more than a designer dress
24. I let my hair dry naturally…and it looks better for it
25. I haven’t worn a suit in 3 years
26. Buying gadgets, stationery and books are my biggest material purchases
27. I rarely drive any more…unless it’s a golf buggy
28. I can live without beauty products except perfume and nail varnish
29. I can perform some Kung-Fu moves
30. I’m less concerned about what other people think
31. My world geography has vastly improved
32. I’ve learned that sunshine and the ocean are my quickest route to calm
33. I’m less materialistic
34. I’m a more adventurous eater
35. I realise I can live without TV and celebrity gossip
36. I realise I can’t live without books or music
37. I’m so much more grateful for life’s basics – food, water and a dry bed
38. I plan less and live by impulse more
39. I’ve been beaten black and blue in self-defence classes…and feel safer for it
40. I’m confident I can work out bus and train timetables in any country
41. I understand politics better
42. I realise we are all different but in many ways we’re all the same
43. I’m more adaptable
44. I’m no longer freaked out by bugs, snakes or big spiders
45. I’ve become an expert at booking flights, accommodation and transport
46. I’ve learned that going slower correlates with being happier
47. I can have a mini-spa in an airplane bathroom
48. I’m calmer in a crisis
49. I have tackled my fear and swam with whale sharks
50. I can sleep happily for a whole night in a hammock
51. I’m better at applying sun cream (despite being English)
52. I’m more environmentally aware
53. I’m better at facing my fears
54. I get excited by airline food
55. I’m more confident (most of the time)
56. Putting toilet paper in the bin no longer disgusts me
57. I can function across multiple currencies without getting ripped off
58. Instant noodles have made it onto my favourite food list
59. I can read between the lines of travel reviews
60. I can sniff out happy hour at 100 paces…in any country
61. I realise I don’t need to be a lawyer, but I do enjoy working
62. I’m more adventurous
63. I’m better at asking questions when I don’t understand
64. The unknown excites me instead of scares me
65. I feel alive today – I wouldn’t trade that for any future-planned bucket list
66. I realise I can’t control everything or everyone
67. I’ve seen things I can’t unsee…mainly in India…that will endure for a lifetime
68. I can spend 10 days in utter silence without losing my mind
69. I know what I want in life – and it’s a feeling not a status or material possession
70. I’ve learned how to deal with bouts of loneliness
71. I’ve discovered I’m an ambivert…and things make so much more sense now
72. I ponder the more philosophical things in life, which help me live happily
73. I take more rest without feeling guilt at being lazy
74. I realise life is about people and experiences not bags and shoes
75. My appetite is smaller
76. I have realised that where there is a will, there is usually a way…even if it’s not the easy way
77. I have less worry lines than I used to
78. I’m better tuned into my needs and moods
79. I’ve accepted that fast, free wi-fi is a hope not a given
80. I have one less tooth
81. I can read people better
82. I realise it’s ok to fail
83. I’ve eaten deadly puffer fish and survived
84. I’ve learned how to start and manage my own business
85. I don’t enjoy zoos – I want to see animals outside captivity
86. I know how to disconnect when I need time alone
87. My stories start more interestingly – “I was up a volcano in Nicaragua in the dark..,”
88. I’m happier
89. I’ve discovered you can get travel burn out and I’ve learned how to deal with it
90. I’ve tasted foods beyond my wildest dreams…and worst nightmares
91. My foot arches are collapsing from wearing flip-flops too much
92. I’ve had toilet troubles more than any other time in my life
93. I take responsibility more and blame others less
94. I have made amazing friends all around the world, all of whom have taught me something
95. I don’t care (as much) about looking stupid
96. I’ve managed to stand up – for whole seconds – on a surf board
97. I’m determined to grasp Spanish fluently
98. I get angry less often
99. I’ve jumped out of a plane and would do it again
100. I’ve accepted that my ‘to visit’ list will never have an end
101. I have wanderlust so bad it can’t be cured

That’s how travel changed me. How has travel changed you?

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