"Don't listen to what they say. Go see." - Unknown
Go. JUST DO IT. It IS possible!
When you sit there wishing and waiting for the opportunity to arise, time is being wasted. You might have to work a little for it, but it’s there, and you should chase it. Traveling the world--even if you just get to visit one different country--will change you forever, and here are some reasons why.
1. You’ll understand jet lag, and that alone will change you.
"Sorry, jet lag made me do it." -Me
Jet lag is so, so real, and it will make you do some crazy things. I can’t even explain it. You might just start crying out of nowhere because you’re so tired. You might have a random burst of anxiety at the beginning. You might go to take a nap and end up sleeping for fifteen hours. Jet lag can suck, but you can do things to make it better. Even so, it is WORTH IT to travel. Seeing the world is so worth the weirdness your body feels. Go.
*Make sure you wear sunglasses to cover up the eye bags after being awake for 30+ hours....and the tears. I still promise it's worth it!!! :)
2. Your eyes are opened to a new culture.
"Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer." - Unknown
People speak differently. People eat differently. People act differently. People dress differently. People live differently...and it’s amazing. You will become more open-minded to the people who share this planet with you. Being immersed in a foreign culture may be uncomfortable at first, but there is no room for growth within a comfort zone. Go.
3. You will learn more about yourself.
"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." - Cloud Atlas
Being in an new environment causes you to act differently and conform to some of their norms. In doing so, you learn how to be more independent, and how you handle changes. I highly suggest traveling alone or at least without family or people of whom you’re extremely close. This way, you will learn how to be even more independent, and you’ll realize you really can do this thing called life on your own. Go.
*This picture was taken sitting on the grass, leaning against a water bottle, set on a timer. You gotta do what you gotta do to get a good shot without having someone to take it.
4. If you don't go alone, you'll learn grow closer with whoever you’re traveling with.
"Those who travel together stay together." - Unknown
If it’s your family or your closest friends or someone you talked to once in history class, you will return home closer than before you left. You’ll get to share the fantastic experiences and make everlasting memories with them. No one can take that away, and no one else will understand the awesome times you had quite like the person who was actually there with you. Go.
5. You will be in awe of this magnificent earth we call home.
"Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show." - Unknown
No matter where you go...if it’s across your continent or across the globe, you WILL see the majesty of this planet. Whether it’s seeing it in the people you meet, the food you eat, or the landscapes or landmarks you encounter, your mind will be blown when you see all of the amazing things earth has for us to enjoy. Seeing the world will make you feels so small, and that’s a good thing. It will make you see how there’s so much more out there, and your problems aren’t really as big of a deal as you think.There are so many adventures waiting to be taken. So many different, amazing people waiting to met. And so much love and passion waiting to be encountered. Go.
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." -Unknown
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go. I cannot express the importance and privilege of travel. Just do it. Make it happen...you can. I promise you will not regret it, and you'll become a cooler human because of it. Go.
*Shameless plug: if you enjoyed these pictures, follow my travel Instagram @MalWeisey_travel for many more :)
