If asked how much traveling I had done 5 months ago, I would have told you just the typical family vacations to Florida or to the caribbean. Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't give back any of those trips. They left me with so many amazing memories that I wouldn't trade for the world. However, it wasn't till this past fall where I started to travel on my own without my family, which opened up my eyes to the world and everything that it has to offer to me. My travels have taught me countless things about life that I will always keep with me.
Traveling taught me how to act in stressful situations. Nothing gets more chaotic than sprinting through an unfamiliar airport trying to make your connecting flight or trying to maneuver a busy train station with a train to catch in 5 minutes. My experiences have taught me to stay calm in these situations and everything will work itself out.
Traveling taught me to take more risks. From jumping out of a helicopter 15,000 feet above the ground, to going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and everything in between, those were experiences that I will never forget. These types of experiences add so much thrill and excitement to life and adventure. Who knows if and when I will get the chance to visit these places again, so I learned to make the most of my time in every ccountry that I'm in. Living in the moment is very important when traveling. Taking everything in and taking advantage of everywhere you go is something that everyone should do when they travel.
Traveling has taught me how to be more organized. Arriving at the airport and forgetting where your passport is in your backpack is not a feeling I want anybody to feel. Now, I will never forget to bring my passport and know where it is on me at all times when I'm traveling. You really can't get too far without it on you.
Traveling has taught me how to stay safe. From being cautious of my belongings when on the streets, to never walking alone at night, to always locking my doors when I leave the house, I now know how prevalent crime is around the world and how to prevent myself from coming in contact with it.
Traveling has taught me how to try new things. Immersing yourself in all of the different cultures that you come across really helps you get a taste about daily life around the world. Trying the native food in each country is a must. Even if you don't like it, you are still getting a taste for what it's like to live there. Living like the locals do is a great way to not feel like a tourist everywhere you go.
Traveling has taught me how to branch out to new people. Whether I'm traveling with unfamiliar faces or meeting new people along the way each day, I learned that all of those people can help make my travels that much more memorable and exciting if I let them. It's great to meet people from all over the world and learn about all of its different cultures. That friend from Cape Town may come in handy if you ever find yourself needing recommendations and a place to stay in South Africa.
Overall, traveling has inspired me to want to see more. I have seen so many beautiful places, but the world is so big and it has so much more to offer to me. Everyone should take advantage of travel if an opportunity presents itself. The world is such a wonderful place, filled with so many adventures waiting to be discovered.
