8 Lessons that travel teaches you

We all know that travelling is transformative. We simply can’t deny that travel teaches us what college never did–and never will. The lessons are endless yet there are eight which I cannot but tackle.

1- Independence.

When you are away from home, you are basically away from friends, family and every other person you know. You don’t have someone to call if you’re in trouble or sick; you are on your own. This might seem like a spooky idea at first, but once experienced it is highly beneficial. When you have no one or anything around to be dependent on, you learn to become independent yourself.

2- Change is vital.

To travel is to change. Whether it’s your bed or your whole country, there is an enormous change that it’s taking place. This in return, will let you see how life operates. Everything changes but we always resist it and try to take control over things. Be it ourselves or life situations, we constantly seek the old habits. Travel teaches you that it’s beautiful to experience change and once you do, you will instantly adapt, seeking more change in return.

3- Fear is a liar.

When you are experiencing an adventure outside your country, there is no place for fear. To fear is not to live your journey fully. When you travel you learn how much courageous you can be and your capabilities will constantly keep on shocking you.

4- Countries aren’t what people think they are.

Before travelling to Nepal this year, I was getting the same comments from almost everyone. They kept telling me how much dangerous the country was and how unsafe it is for a girl to go there. The negative thoughts which people tried to implement in my head instantly dropped the moment I set foot in Nepal.

Nepal is the most peaceful country one can ever be in. The locals are very friendly and I felt safer than home. Never believe someone who tells you about a country he never visited. Go and experience if for yourself.

5- Connecting with the other side of the world.

When you travel, you will meet local people and be introduced to their traditions. Once introduced to another culture than yours, you can’t but bond and connect with it. In return, it teaches you respect and appreciation to what they have. Connecting with locals and living with them is worth a hundred book of geography.

6- Adapting.

If you are a backpacker or a nomadic traveler, you will undoubtedly know what I’m talking about. Not all food will be tasteful and not all beds will be comfortable. Most of the days which a backpacker will encounter won’t be as expected–yet it doesn’t stop him.

When you travel–or mainly backpack–you will learn how to adapt to the worst conditions. When you do, you learn how to let go and utterly enjoy everything.

7- Living the moment.

The most exquisite thing about travelling is having no past or future. You are feverishly living your moment–something we are troubled with in our daily life. When on an adventure, you tend to enjoy every moment without worries or fears. The noisy pattern of thinking decreases and you find yourself delightfully basking in what life is throwing your way.

8- The person who set foot on foreign lands isn’t the same one who returned home.

As simple as this: Travel will change you; you won’t be the same person you were before. Every ticket you are buying, is basically another lesson for you.

This article can also be found on Backpackr.