I've spent a lot of my mid 20's worrying. Worrying that I'm being left behind, worrying that I haven't quite made it in life, worrying that I haven't found a career, that I'm not financially independent...etc etc. I've seen all my old friends from school land their jobs, buy their first property, get engaged to their partners...
As I approach my 30's, I've decided it's time to stop worrying. If all these emotions are familiar to you and you feel as though you're a bit stuck in a rut, here's my top reasons for travelling!
1) Travelling opens your eyes.
As you visit more countries, you will discover new cultures and learn about other ways of living. Vietnam has certainly done this for me, and completely changed my opinion on the Western way of life. I have always felt quite different to others in the UK, but I feel very at home in Asia and I wouldn't know this if I didn't travel. (Though I am still incredibly grateful for the NHS!)
2) You meet people who will change your life, for better or for worse- and you might not have met these lovely people had you just stayed at home.
I've made some wonderful friends in my travels that I would never have met in the UK. I've also had some really horrible experiences that have changed me emotionally. I've fallen in love and had my heart broken- but these experiences are what shapes us into the people that we become.
3) You can develop new skills along the way.
Planning and organising, problem solving, team work....all part of the package deal! Meeting and working with people you've never met before really proves your work ethic, and looks great on your CV.
4) You will have experiences that you may never get at home.
I've been so set on teaching for the last 10 years but really struggle with maths, so I can't teach in the UK. Travelling enables me to pursue my passions, and I'm incredibly humbled to have been given these opportunities.
5) Travelling gives you freedom.
The freedom to decide what to do with your time, who to spend your time with, how you want to spend your money (and how to save it!) what kind of phone and sim card you need...all the things you might not be able to do at home!
6) You become more confident.
Although I've studied Performing Arts and had tones of experience performing in front of large crowds... travelling forces you to start standing up for yourself more. When you travel you only have yourself to rely on!
7) The world becomes your classroom.
What better way to learn about the real world than to actually experience it yourself?
8) You learn about the kind of people you want to surround yourself with.
You also discover who your real friends are - the ones you want to keep, and the ones that cause too much drama!
9) Last but not least- You have the chance to learn more about yourself.
When you travel, you have more time to try new things- what you like, what you really don't like, what your needs are, and what you might want in the future.
I hope you enjoy reading this slightly deeper post- and I hope it inspires you to travel in the future. These are just a few discoveries I've made, and I'm sure there are many more! x
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