For me, travel is more than just a ‘holiday’, it’s an experience. An experience that opens up a whole new world. A new way of thinking, a new way of dealing with things and a feeling of overwhelming inspiration that makes me feel I can take on this new world. Travel is a lesson on life and of yourself. It teaches you where your comfort zone lies and then to push past that comfort zone. To be brave, to be stupid, to be reckless and to be sensible.
You will laugh, you will cry, you’ll be scared and you’ll be empowered. It will push you into uncomfortable situations, allow you to grow and learn how to deal with them. You will form an instant bond with some people whilst others will irritate you to the max. Friendships formed can feel intense, as if you’ve known the person for years when it’s only been a week. However, as many a plan you make for meeting up back home, these friendships are usually short lived. Yet some will last the distance and at a minimum you’ll have a load of new Facebook friends and like-minded connections. You’ll share stories and knowledge and discover a million different things about something you never knew even existed.
Why Travel?
I feel like I have a purpose when I’m travelling, that I’m actually doing something with my life rather than wasting it back home in a dead end job. The memories I have made will last a lifetime and I’ll never run out of funny travel stories to tell the grandkids. Of course I’ve worried about my major lack of career, house or husband but then I look at what I do have and remember all the incredible things I’ve seen and done. For me, it’s all worth it. I want to look back on my life and say I’ve done everything I wanted to do.
There is no perfect time to travel, it’s something to be done at any age but of course its a whole lot easier before the stresses of work and kids. That being said there’s not any reason why that should stop you. I would like to make the most of the freedom I have now though and do the crazy stuff like skydiving whilst I have the energy and the courage! I mean, people have complete career changes at 40 these days so what’s the harm in starting mine a little later. I’ve learnt to take life as it comes and to enjoy going with the flow.
There are always new opportunities and adventures around the corner. Things can change quickly whilst travelling or lead you somewhere unexpected. It’s this unknown of never quite being sure of where you will end up, that I find most thrilling. The unknown is exciting and keeps travel interesting and engaging. I feel alive when I’m travelling. There’s always somewhere new to explore, something crazy to do or a weird new food to try. As soon as I’m sat on the plane home I’m already debating the next destination, that’s the travel bug caught by so many, being so awfully hard to get rid of! Although your expectations and experiences will alter through time.
Travel Evolves…
As you get older or travel longer what you look for within travel will change and develop. You might seek out different adventures or new things may take priority. Travelling in your twenties, staying in dirty hostels and partying all night may take a backseat later on. Each trip, each journey, holds something different and is experienced by a different you. The things that interest you will change and that’s ok. Times moves on and new things will become more important. This is why I will never stop travelling, because it always holds something new. It always delivers, even if it’s not in the way you expect or want. It always teaches and most important, it will always be there.
Thanks for reading, would love to hear your comments below.
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2 Comments
Hi. Thanks for writing this. I wish I can show this to all my friends and family. This is the way I feel! and guess what? Iโm 63! Iโm retired and Iโve done the marriage, houses, kids etc. but my soul is a gypsy. In October Iโm packing up my apartment to stay with different friends and family to save to get to Europe in May 2019. Except for Canada and a cruise Iโve never been out of the US. After Western Europe who knows where else I will go.
Thanks for your story and safe travels.
Leslie Ohio, USA
Thanks for your comment! It’s hard to explain to others sometimes but at least I’ve found an understanding audience! Your adventures sound great, solo travelling is not just for people in their 20’s! I’ve met plenty of older travellers too so you wont be alone! Good luck ๐