I learned a lot from studying abroad, but I learned more from traveling around to different countries. Here are the six things I learned while wandering about.
1. Independence is a beautiful thing
Some of my favorite memories of my time spent abroad are of when I was alone wandering around European cities. There is something so freeing about being your own person, doing your own thing, and just enjoying your independence. Independence doesn't necessarily mean being alone, but it means being able to be alone—feeling comfortable without the support of someone else. Learning to be independent is one of the best things you can do for yourself and traveling is one of the easiest ways you can accomplish this.
2. Optimism is vital
My number one tip for anyone traveling abroad is to be an optimist. When you’re traveling, it’s far too easy to get caught up in your high expectations and be disappointed by the slightest things. Of course you want to have a great time and you want everything to be perfect, but that’s not how traveling works.
Things are guaranteed to go wrong. You could lose a wallet or you might miss a train. There might even be some bad weather that ruins your plans, but regardless of what happens it will only be made worse with a bad attitude. Being able to brush off the bad and chug along will make a world of difference in your travels.
3. Be aware
When you’re traveling, it’s so important to be aware. Be self-aware. Take a good look at yourself and think about how the natives are going to perceive you. You could be inadvertently making yourself a target by how you dress. Perhaps your demeanor will have others stereotyping you in a negative way. It’s important to know how you come across, especially in a strange country.
It also helps to be externally aware. Read the news. Be familiar with the culture and the language if you can. Your experience will be richer and likely safer if you have a decent idea of what you’re getting yourself into while traveling.
4. It’s actually pretty easy to be environmentally-friendly
The United States has a big issue with environmental-friendliness, and by that I mean we’re not environmentally friendly at all. We use plastic bags, water bottles and K-cups that do nothing but destroy the environment in the name of convenience. Most European countries, on the other hand, have this reduce, reuse and recycle thing down, and seeing it done first hand helps you realize it's easier than you think.
My tip: carry around a reusable bag with you. Keep it in your car and use it when you can. Buy yourself a cool reusable water bottle that you'll want to use instead of buying plastic ones at the store. It's the little things like this that can make a big difference and they get much easier the more you do them.
5. The world is a big place
When you step out of your comfort zone and leave your home country you see that there’s much more going on in the world than what you see day to day. It’s so easy to live in a bubble and be ignorant of what’s going in the world around you. It’s also easy to be ignorant of just how much there is to the world -- how large the world truly is. Traveling is a humbling experience that leaves you with a greater understanding of your role in the universe.
6. Everyone has a story
One of the best parts of traveling is definitely the people you meet. People who grow up across an ocean from you, experiencing a different culture and speaking a different language have so much to share with you. You can learn so much from others in your.
One of the main things you can learn is to never judge somebody. You don't know what it's like to be someone else, and you should never assume you do. This can be applied to more people than just those you meet while traveling. This can apply to your neighbors. Even your friends, and especially strangers.
Traveling leaves you with lessons that can help you grow as a person and broaden your mind, not just your horizons.
