Many people find this a difficult question. What about you?
For me it is ‘long term’ traveling but other peeps choose to step on an airplane to go skydiving or bungee jumping. Then there are the extreme sporters that are constantly hunting for a rush. Luckily us humans are not all the same, that keeps it very interesting.
Society thinks that traveling is what everyone should do at one point in their lives. Like a ‘gap-year’ after college or short vacations are acceptable. Get out there but not too long to get back in to the rat race. Because then it’s time to get to work, pay your taxes, get married, kids and buy a house. It boxes you in and restricts your movements to their expectations.
As I was told before; “You are escaping reality” or “running away. Well yes, we (my wife and I) are running away from the strict path that society has laid out as normal. We are running towards the world that has so much to offer and our idea of a life in full freedom.
What does traveling do to you as a person?
- It makes you smarter : – A lot of human interaction while traveling is non verbal so you learn how to communicate with people that don’t speak your language. You learn how to read and feel their body language and facial expressions. This is an exceptional skill that will help you through life. You become a better observer and communicator with sharp instincts.
- It makes you happier : – While traveling you learn how little you actually need. You will meet many people who think the same that the more you own, the more it owns you. A beautiful sunset, simple delicious street food or an ice cold beer after a long hike can … and will, do wonders.
- It makes you more Adaptable : – You deal with delayed or missed flights. That room you booked doesn’t have its own bathroom… You will adapt to those last minute changes and situations. Confidence will grow with every move you take because at the end,… everything is fixable.
- It makes you more adventurous : – Once you know there is a solution for all problems you’ll meet on the way,… you just want more. You’ll meet daily other people with the same mindset and proved that this great world has so much more to offer.
- It makes you less materialistic : – While traveling you’ll find out how little you really need to be happy. When coming back home, you wonder why you bought all that ‘useless stuff’.
- It makes you more social : – In most cultures people greed each other on the street and are ready to help you unconditionally. You’ll be more open for new friendships.
I can keep summing up all the benefits of ‘long term’ traveling however, as it is with most things in life; You’ll have to find out for yourself.
Just dare, have faith … and take the leap.
#regretnothing
#notimetowaste
