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Ten lessons
My immediate response was “No.”
Not once did I miss my bed during the trip, but I was grateful when I finally got back to it.
The most extended time I’ve been away from my physical home is about two months. Though this isn’t an incredibly long time, it was enough time to change, grow, and gather valuable experiences.
1. Your Empathy Will Grow
A man ran up to me after paying him, crying, asking for more. You could tell the man came from poverty and desolation, and everyone else around him was in the same predicament. Some might be too prideful to do what that man did, but in spite of his desperation, I saw him. I gave him more, and my empathy grew in that moment.
2. Some Things Will Be Different
There were many times I experienced culture shock on my travels. Learning how others live and where they come from creates more understanding and increases your emotional intelligence.
Other things you might notice revolve around yourself.
You might want to eat at different places, move, change jobs, decrease or increase your expenses, travel again, or break up with your partner; who knows?
But you won’t return the same after extended traveling – especially if you maintain high self-awareness along your journey
3. Life doesn’t always need to be planned out.
A friend told me I’m very time conscious and type A. He’s somewhat accurate. I used to believe I wasn’t spontaneous, but traveling taught me I can be when I desire to be.
We were in a different country every 2–3 days.
Sometimes we didn’t know which country we would be in until the night before. That was some of the most spontaneous adventures of my life, and we survived!
Not having a plan is sometimes suitable – especially for people who plan out every aspect of their lives (like me).
It’s okay to deviate now and then.
4. Being away from friends and family is a good thing.
You might even realize there are some people you need to drop out of your life or spend less time with.
There is something magical about space. It clarifies and heals your mind.
Thinking more clearly can skyrocket your productivity and help you experience a more intentional life and healthier relationships.
5. Work will always be there, so travel while you work.
I used to believe I couldn’t travel and work efficiently, but it’s now one of my favorite things to do.
Does it take time management, planning, and more energy?
Yes, but it’s gratifying.
6. Never abandon healthy habits.
When traveling, healthy habits are one of the first things that can go out the window.
For me, I take a different approach.
I get in healthy protein and fats daily.
I limit sugar and alcohol.
I drink plenty of water.
I intake greens daily.
7. If you don’t demand respect, you may not receive it.
There will be times when you must stand up for yourself; if you don’t, you will be run over like a vacuum does for carpet.
Not only will you be run over, but the very life will be sucked out of your dry.
8. Learn how to pivot quickly.
We were so tired that we booked flights to India before confirming we needed a few days to process the visa.
We checked every other place for entry requirements traveled, but for some reason, we skipped India. Go figure.
It was a several hundred dollar mistake we won’t make again. Still, it led to a new opportunity to explore Abu Dabi, providing some of my most memorable experiences.
We still went to India, but we took a detour first. And we had to pivot quickly because we were checking out in a few hours. 🙂
9. Choose your travel partners wisely.
Traveling can be glamorous, but when you’re on the go and in new countries every few days, it can be grueling.
With all the highs and lows, you want someone with you who will make it easier, not harder.
Choose your travel partners wisely.
There wasn’t a single moment on the trip when I got tired of my travel partner.
10. Sometimes, you get caught up
While I was traveling, I was reviewing some decisions. One, in particular, regarded a relationship. Shortly after leaving, I gained clarity relatively quickly. I knew pursuing a specific relationship was not in my best interest, and I needed to get away to gain precise clarity.
8 Benefits Of Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits While Abroad
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.