Travel is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Each destination is a revelation in itself. There’s no denying that travel indeed widens horizons, and helps you form a more open, honest opinion of the world. And with each journey, there may be some life lessons that are involved. We spoke to a fellow traveller, Shivani Vij, a content producer at an entertainment portal, who shares what her freedom to travel has taught her about life.
1. Transforms Fear Into Curiosity
Vij’s initial solo travel made her fearful. The idea of exploring an unknown region, of being completely on her own did scare her. Fortunately, she did not let that hold her back. “Travel is the ultimate laboratory for questioning and testing all of the assumptions that underpin your anxieties, allowing you to come to fresh conclusions and grow not only your thinking, but also your identity,” she says.
2. Fodder For Storytellers
When you’re travelling, there are stories waiting to be told at every nook and corner. And that is where Vij has found a lot of inspiration. She elaborates, “Travel gives you the opportunity to tell your narrative and hear other people's tales, then return home and present a new, shared story.”
3. You’re Not Alone
When you travel, whether you’re alone or in company, whatever issues you may be facing, Vij attests, you realise you’re actually not alone. She affirms, “Travelling will make you understand that whatever physical, mental, or financial issues you are facing, someone halfway around the world is going through the same thing.”
4. Shifting Perspectives
When you’re out exploring and experiencing new places, it also shifts your perspective. Vij adds, “Travel not only changes our perspective on the places we visit, but it may also help us bring a spirit of creativity back into our personal and professional lives.”
5. Unexpected Plans
Vij stresses on the fact that no matter how much you think you may have planned for a trip, the unplanned surprises always make for a great learning experience. “We all want to discover something new, something we could never have imagined, no matter how meticulously we organise our itinerary. Travel is frequently rewarding,” she says.
6. Wisdom And Learning
Perhaps the most common travel advice one gets is to explore the area by foot, as if you’re a local. According to Vij, it’s for good measure. She explains, “It's one thing to read about a city; it's quite another to stroll through its streets, sample its cuisine, and interact with its residents. Travel is one of the most powerful forms of experiential learning available.”
7. Humility
When you travel, you genuinely get to know your place in the world. Vij expounds, “The bigger the world becomes, the smaller your place in it becomes. Fortunately, this resizing of self is accompanied by an awareness of our own impact on others' lives.”
8. Stereotypes, Who?
It’s no secret that we have grown up with certain stereotypes and prejudices. But if you’re fortunate enough to travel, your experiences are bound to challenge these stereotypes. “Travel aids in the deconstruction of prevalent narratives about others and oneself. Travel, as described in the many TED talks I’ve watched, can help you move from a "single tale" to "multiple stories" with various threads,” says Vij.
9. Independence And Interdependence
Travel brings about a sense of independence, whether you’re travelling with a companion or not. “It’s the ‘get out there’ independence muscle, whether you travel solo, with your family, or with a group. At the same time, if you are a solo traveller, travel teaches us that by constantly pushing the boundaries of our comfort zones, we achieve those own triumphs,” she explains.
10. Shared Experiences
When we travel, we come across many people, while also introducing ourselves to others. “Travel reveals the diversity of being, and allows us to experience what it means to be human. Travel lets us interact with myriad people and exposes us to different cultures. There is so much to learn and experience,” says Vij.
Also Read: Working From Home? Head To These Places For A Much-Needed Workation
Also Read: Self-Drive Caravan Road Trips You Can Hire To Experience Incredible India