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