The last three months have been a crazy, exhausting but super fun time for me. Armed with my savings, a new-found thirst for adventures, and an open mind, I went traveling in and out of the country. I used to travel twice a year at most, but just over the summer I went on 5 trips — way beyond my quota. On all these trips, I left with so much excitement, no expectations and came back with lessons. Here are some of the stuff that I’ve learned and re-learned from my recent travels.
1. Travel heals heartaches.
If you’ve read this and this, you know that I started traveling way more than I used to a few months after I went through a breakup. Nothing new about that, people do that. And it would seem cliché by now but yes, I am the living proof that travel does heal heartaches. I’m not saying that you should book a flight, pack your bags and leave as soon as you get your heart broken. No. I waited for a few months so I could be ready emotionally, mentally, physically and when I finally took that first trip alone, I was not only prepared — I was also excited. Travel plus a great support system and prayers healed me.
2. Travel is good for the heart — literally.
I used to get sick a lot. I’d like to think that travel indirectly affected my health. Because I was happier and viewed life positively, I guess it kind of lessened my stress levels, thus making me a little bit healthier. Plus I always tend to walk and move more on my travels. I’m not making any claims, but hey, this might convince you.
3. Traveling is the most enjoyable way of meeting new people and gaining new friends.
Joining tour groups is awesome. Joining tour groups ALONE is even more awesome. Traveling with strangers is one of the best things I’ve done this year. Sure, it’s a little bit daunting at first, especially if you’re an introvert (and a little bit of a snob hahaha) like me. Just view it as an adventure — you’ll never know what’s gonna happen unless you try it. And for me, an amazing thing happened. The strangers I met on my trips are now my friends!
4. The Philippines is a beautiful country.
Not that I don’t know this already, but it felt so good to be reintroduced to the country’s beauty on my last four domestic trips. There are so much to see in the Philippines, places that are yet to be commercialized, unspoiled beauties proving just how blessed this country is. We have good food, great people, rich culture and history. We, Filipinos, don’t have to spend much just to see Instagram-worthy places like these!
5. Travel changes people.
Meeting new people, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, and getting out of my comfort zone changed me. Time and travel turned me into a better person — someone more patient, more outgoing, kinder, braver and happier. I know this not just from my own observation but also from other people who know me and tell me that my seem “lighter and happier.” It came naturally with traveling alone, I guess, but on some level it was also a conscious effort because I encounter people who inspire me to be better.
6. It’s not the destination — it’s the journey and the people that matter in traveling.
Don’t get me wrong, I love getting to the destination. I love arriving after a long, exhausting trip. But on long road trips, there are so many opportunities to bond with your travel buddies. That, and the anticipation and excitement makes for a good journey. Everyone’s got a story. When you open your eyes and ears, you’ll be amazed at what you discover.
7. Attitude is everything.
No one likes a buzzkill. No one likes pessimists. No one likes wussies. You do have to be careful, especially when in foreign lands. But a little courage and open-mindedness won’t hurt. Smile, relax, and be spontaneous from time to time and you’ll be surprised at how much difference it makes for you and your travel companions.
8. Breaking itineraries is fun!
I’ve always been the planner type. I like knowing how my day would look like or where I’d be at a particular time. But I also enjoy spontaneity from time to time. It’s fun!
9. You can learn more about yourself from traveling.
Frequent traveling helps you discover things you didn’t used to know about yourself. It refines your travel preferences. For instance, I learned that I don’t mind plane rides but I enjoy road trips more. I love climbing, I hate descending. I love looking at beaches and walking on the sandy shores but I prefer to swim (or bathe — I don’t know how to swim) on rivers and waterfalls. I discovered that I don’t often get hungry when I’m traveling.
10. All good things, even travel, should be done in moderation.
If you think you can’t get tired from traveling, you’re wrong. Frequent and consecutive travels, especially if you have a full-time job, can drain you physically… and financially. Traveling is fun and exciting and has so many benefits but learn to take a breather from time to time so you don’t exhaust yourself.
It’s true that travel for travel’s sake is a waste. I do agree that not being able to travel does not mean that you’re less of a person or that you’re not as cultured or worldly as people who are able to travel. Travel alone does not help you achieve those things. But if you do have the choice and the privilege to travel, do it, and do it with a purpose. Whatever your reason for traveling is, you’ll end learning a thing or two about yourself, your country, your destination, and the people around you.
What did you learn from your travels? Share it in the Comments section!
