From Backpack to Daily Life: The Lessons Travel Leaves Behind
Introduction: How Travel Changed Me Beyond the Trip
After a year and a half of travelling I’m settling back into my old life for the time being. But, I didn’t come back as the same person who left. I’ve learned so many valuable life lessons throughout my experiences abroad. Here are the most important lessons I’ve learned and how I use these lessons daily while back at home. Whether you’re on the road, back at home or still awaiting your big adventure these lessons will help you wherever your journey is taking you.
You Need Less than you Think
Living minimally the past year has really shown me how little you really need to survive. A few clothes and basic items are really all you need. As somebody who used to be a serious overpacker when I left with just a small backpack I was definitely nervous but, I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. It’s really empowering to know you have everything you need on your back. After spending months living out of a small backpack I became much more intentional with what I purchased and realized how unnecessary most of the things I wanted were.
We live in a time where we can’t even open up our phones without being bombarded by ads and people trying to sell us something. We are constantly sold this idea that we’re lacking and that we ‘need’ X, Y, Z to be satisfied. Nowadays, I am much better at controlling the urge to impulsively buy something just because I want at that moment. Being able to be rational with my purchases helps me not just save money and space but helps me not value my worth based on the things that I own.
Be Prepared—But Stay Flexible
Planning is important, but preparing yourself for things to go wrong is even more important, especially for long-term travellers. You can plan as much as you want but things will change, buses get cancelled, visas take longer than expected, and your once perfect plan can seem ruined. But, I’ve learned that these unexpected annoyances can actually lead to some pretty incredible experiences. Learning to see the positives in these setbacks made long-term travel more enjoyable and ultimately has made me a lot more adaptable and resilient in challenging times in my personal life.
Most People Are Good
Before my travels I was excited, optimistic and of course a bit nervous about being a solo female traveller on a long term trip. So many people thought what I was doing was crazy, dangerous and unsafe. People are so used to living in fear and 99% of the people giving me these warnings had never travelled solo, long-term or had any real knowledge to back up their claims. What I learned over the course of my travels is that most people are good and don’t have ill intentions towards you. So many strangers whether they’re locals or other travellers offered me hospitality, words of wisdom and genuine kindness at times I was feeling overwhelmed.
When our news cycle is constantly bombarded with horror stories and cruel acts that make you question human sanity. I try to remember all of the incredible people I’ve met and the beauty of connecting with well-meaning people. In a world that wants us to live in fear and see differences between one another I choose to see oneness, stay open, kind and non judgemental.
Rest is Productive, Too
Travel taught me to slow down and appreciate the present moment instead of constantly thinking of the next thing to do. In a society that praises hustle culture it can be hard to feel productive, or like we’re doing enough. We are constantly adding things to our plate when we’re already struggling with what’s on it. Of course I enjoyed some of my travel days that were go, go, go but I equally appreciated the slower, quieter moments. Spending hours reading in a cafe, aimlessly wandering around a city and enjoying a peaceful dinner alone. Not every single moment needs to be packed full of stuff. Taking time to enjoy the seemingly ordinary moments will help you cultivate more presence and peace in your life.
This lesson is helping me enjoy this slower season of my life while back at home. It can be all too easy to wish I was out travelling or off on a new adventure. But, I am learning to make the most out of this somewhat ordinary life I’m currently living by appreciating all the little mundane moments I get to enjoy here. Being back home with family, having a real sense of routine again and spending time with friends has been really special because I know this era I’m in is only temporary.
You Don’t Need Anyone Else
Probably the most important lesson of all, all you need is you. There is nothing more freeing than doing it on your own and knowing you can handle it. Becoming your own best company, making your own decisions, trusting your instincts and just enjoying your solitude are magical. As somebody who can be quite anxious, on hard days being able to look back and knowing I’ve handled so much on my own makes me feel so much better. The self-trust I’ve been able to cultivate this past year and a half has been revolutionary and life changing.
Conclusion: Lessons That Stay With You
It was a difficult adjustment coming back home and feeling like I’ve gone back in time to this life that is no longer mine. But, it’s important to remind myself even if I am not currently traveling, the girl who travelled the world on her own lives within me and I think that’s pretty extraordinary. I’m not sure when I will be on my next adventure but, I can enjoy where I am now through the lessons I’ve learned over the wild-ride that was my year and half abroad.
