My Favorite Things About Traveling
7 of my absolute favorite things about traveling the world.
Traveling holds a special place in my heart, as it unveils the magic of new places and experiences. It is the essence of exploration that ignites our passion; here are my favorite things about traveling.
I want to take you on a journey through my favorite things about traveling. As someone who has been exploring the world full-time for the past six years, I have had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, embrace a new meaning of freedom, and forge unforgettable connections with people from all walks of life.
Traveling has become not only a way of life but a transformative experience that has enriched my soul in countless ways. From the freedom of wandering through unknown streets to the joy of meeting new people and the awe-inspiring moments of discovering different cultures, traveling has opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of our world.
Join me as I reflect on travel's transformative power and delve into why it has become an integral part of my life. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's embark on this virtual journey together as I share my absolute favorite things about traveling the world.
Freedom
Freedom is, without a doubt, one of the most cherished aspects and my absolute favorite part about traveling. It embodies the essence of exploration, adventure, and personal growth. Traveling provides me with boundless freedom to choose my own path and create unforgettable memories; plus, it encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and the development of valuable skills such as adaptability, resilience, and open-mindedness. However, while freedom offers all these things, spontaneity is the best part. Whether it's embarking on an impromptu adventure, discovering hidden gems, or simply following my instincts, traveling empowers me to live in the present moment and embrace the unexpected.
Cost
I never chose to run my own business or decide to become my own boss because of the money; I am after the freedom that comes with it. And in my case, traveling gives me just that and actually allows me to save money. While I do have ‘bills’ that come along with being an adult, mine are very minimal because of the lifestyle I choose to live. Instead of having a car payment, I drive a car that is ten years old, and I trade that payment in for plane tickets and transportation costs. Living in a camper, while it may be small, allows me to cut out the costs of rent and replace that with hotel stays. Plus, healthcare is cheaper, or it has been in the five countries where I’ve ended up in the hospital. If you are someone who uses costs and finances as an excuse for not traveling or going after your dreams, if it’s truly important to you, there is always a way.
Perspective
Living the life that I live requires an open mind and a perspective that is welcoming of others and free from judgment. Gaining a new perspective and mindset is one of the greatest rewards that come along with traveling the world, especially solo. I am constantly around people who speak other languages, are from different places, and have different values. While these may not be the same as mine, that doesn’t mean they are wrong. Seeing other people's perspectives teaches you why they live the lives they do, why they think a certain way, and, most importantly, how, deep down, we are all the same.
Culture
Discovering and experiencing new cultures is an enriching and eye-opening experience that broadens our understanding of the world and is one of my favorite parts about traveling. Interacting with locals, participating in cultural activities, and engaging in respectful conversations, allows me to gain insights into the challenges, triumphs, and perspectives of people from different backgrounds. This exposure allows me to break down stereotypes and try to influence others to do the same. Until you have actually experienced a new culture firsthand, you really don't know much other than what you've seen in the media, which, nowadays, is often way off track. I hope the cultural differences and experiences I have abroad inspire others to learn and celebrate our differences while recognizing the universal threads that connect us all.
People
Meeting new people is undeniably one of the most rewarding and exciting aspects of traveling. It offers the opportunity to connect with individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life, often with the same mindset or outlook on life as myself. I am able to learn about different perspectives, create lifelong connections, and am able to have a more immersive and impactful adventure. I have made so many friends around the world who I still keep in contact with today, and I know wherever I am, there’s a friend somewhere close by.
Impact
Being able to make an impact on the lives of others is a big goal of mine, inside and outside of the realm of travel. However, traveling allows me to do that in a way that encourages me to chase my dreams, and others, at the same time. Whether it's doing my best to minimalize my carbon footprint and keep our planet clean, helping a local family put food on the table by participating in cultural activities or allowing others to live vicariously through my adventures, the impact that comes from traveling is a big blessing and one of my favorite parts.
Difference
Lastly, we have difference. I have always been a little different from those around me, but it took me a while to fully accept that. Society views being different as being wrong, but being different, and making a difference, is what sets me apart from the rest. I like that my life is different. I am happy that I live a life that is outside of society's box, and I am proud to make a difference wherever I go in the world. I want to influence people to think differently about other cultures and other places. I want to show people and inspire people that even though you may be a little weird or a little different, that weirdness can go a long way in making your dreams come true and making a huge impact on the world and those around you.
Traveling is a transformative journey that opens our eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world. It allows us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Whether it's the freedom that sparks your interest, the fascinating cultures, or the connections we make with people from different walks of life, traveling enriches our souls and broadens our perspectives. I hope you have enjoyed this list of my favorite things about traveling and that it has inspired you to go out and see the world for yourself!