You may be wondering, “Why am I reading this?’. Well, I’m also asking myself as to why I am writing this in the first place. Like hello? I’m supposed to write about my adventures to share them to the rest of the world.
But, someone dear to me requested that I write something personal and suggested that I wrote about how traveling changed me.
So… Here I am, sitting in front of my laptop and listing down both trivial and significant changes that had occurred to little old me.
For the past years, I have been traveling on and off, either for work or for pleasure. Looking back, I’ve realized there were indeed so many changes.
The old me would never dream that I will be this independent or this adventure-lover. I was once fearful- fearful to try new things and thought of very little of what I am capable of doing, especially on physical activities.
I would rather read a book on one corner or maybe write a thing or two. These changes (may it be good or bad) have definitely changed the way I look at things and the way I perceive life and its endless possibilities!
So, after days of just thinking over how traveling changed me, here’s a few things that definitely did:
Table of Contents
1. Travel Sickness is Almost Gone
Just almost. I still eat candies (menthol flavored please!) when I ride buses, planes or fast craft. But not as much! I have learned to deal with it.
My personal compilation of things to do to avoid travel sickness helped a lot. I love looking at the view and through this change, I have enjoyed the travel more.
Before, I will get uncomfortable just thinking of the long travel time, but now the discomfort is gone and I have learned to embrace it!
2. Conquered Fear of Heights
Well, not entirely! I still get that tingly feeling on my feet whenever I am on top of a high place but it is bearable now.
Before traveling changed me, I had this tendency to immediately pull back when looking at the edge of a tall building/ cliff. Now, I don’t do that anymore. In fact, I have enjoyed activities such as trekking and ziplining among others.
3. Learned to Love Adventures
So here’s a thing or two about traveling. You learn to love that feeling of exploring new places, of meeting new people and of the general feeling of being on an adventure with people you love and are dear to you.
Before, I was a homebody. I would rather spend my weekend at home with my books while listening to music and the sound of silence.
Now, however, I still long for stillness but I’d get that itchy feeling at the sole of my foot and that drive to get out there and discover new adventures!
4. Learned to Swim
Yey! Back in college (or rather in my early years after graduation), swimming has been my greatest weakness.
I remember being joked of my fear of drowning. I would complain or get tense when I’m on a small boat or maybe just crossing a small bridge because of my fear of toppling over and drowning.
So how did traveling changed me on this aspect?
Well, because of the activities that I usually do on one of our travels, I have learned the basics in swimming and I am not so afraid anymore. I am not that strong a swimmer, but I am able to swim and paddle my way across a pool or during our island hopping escapades with families and friends.
5. Learned to Pack
Before I started traveling, I was a messy person. The type that doesn’t even know how to fold my things properly.
The type that doesn’t know how to organize my stuff and plan ahead. Traveling changed me in a way that made me learned the art of packing.
That is, to organize my stuff, where to keep them, the basics that I will need, planning the clothes that I will wear, even learning a thing or two on properly folding my clothes to save space.
I even have this habit of still organizing our things (mine and my husband) during our travel to make it more easier when packing up and leaving. Pretty great, huh?
6. Appreciate a Good Photo
When I started traveling (mostly for work), I was so amazed of having the privilege to travel that I became a selfie addict. LOL.
Looking at my profile and the vast collection of photos, it was mostly my selfies with small photos of the places that I got to visit.
Now, this changed as time goes. I’d rather capture that great scenic photo than that of my face. There are even times that I will not take a photo anymore but just take in on the view and enjoy it!
7. Less Awkward
My travel buddy – my husband- is a photo/ video enthusiast. He is my official photographer and videographer. I can always count on him to get the perfect shots for me.
During our years of travel, it has been one of our hobby to get tons of video clips when we travel for our year-end video.
It’s just actually a compilation of things we did over the year. A memorabilia of our year together that we can look back when we’re both gray and old, maybe showing it to our kids and our grandchildren 😉 .
Because of this ‘hobby’, I have learned to be less awkward and self conscious when I pose before a camera and just have fun!
8. Manage Time
Have you ever felt that feeling of rushing to get to your plane/ fast craft? Don’t you just hate it? I had experienced that more than a couple of times and it was not great.
Hence, I have learned to manage my time including preparing my things days before the scheduled trip and giving enough allowance to rush to the air/ sea port.
Re-booking is never an option really.
9. Be Money-Wise
Traveling changed me in terms of spending hard-earned money. My husband and I are saving money entirely for our travel.
This is a big step for us since before, we were not that conscious. Now, we spend less during our travel and make sure that we stay on budget. This is something we now appreciate since we are starting to make a family of our own.
10. Opened My Perspective
Like everyone else, traveling changed me in terms of opening my eyes to the variety of ways one can live life to the fullest.
Growing up, we are programmed to go to school, graduate, look for a stable job, work your way up and settle down. But with traveling, it made me realize that there are a lot of things that we can do and that we do have options.
We don’t need to stick around and just take in what life throws at us. We need to be out there and get what we want!
Traveling is not really just about collecting memories and going to a new place. It’s an adventure that will change you in more ways than you can count.
If you really look into it, aside from the things that you can get from traveling, you will definitely experience some small yet important changes in you as the time goes by.
How about you? Any changes that you want to share?
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I love how this traveling thing changed everyone’s life. Love your Swimming learning experience. Way to go for more!
Yey! Thank you Ferna. Swimming is really one of the great ‘accomplishments’ I have ever done so far. LOL.
Such a lovely post! One I can really relate to! We are also trying to make more videos to really capture a moment and hopefully play at our wedding in a couple of years- I still find being on camera really awkward so will try to embrace it like you have. M x
Thank you, Minna 🙂 making videos while traveling is really a gem! I often find myself watching them when I’m not doing anything and it gets me really excited for more adventure!
Love this! I agree; traveling teaches us a great many things and definitely expands our horizons. There are so many things that scare me that I never would have done without travel.
Glad that you felt that way too, Aireona 🙂 Traveling is really one of life’s great teachers!
I hope that one day I can happily say that travel has helped cure my travel sickness. My boyfriend and I both get super ill on the road.
Some great points here less awkward and time management are things I learnt whilst travelling too. While I’ve always been outgoing you find yourself in social situations where you just have to throw yourself in the deep end.
Thanks for sharing it’s always nice to read someone else’s perspective on how travel has changed them or helped them grow!
P.S will I ever be money wise? I will learn to budget better!
Thank you Bryony! Being money-wise has been a recent change in us and I must tell you, it took time! Haha
What a wonderful transformation! Almost seems unbelievable that so many changes can happen to a person, conquering fears, learning to be time and money conscientious. Travelling is the best teacher! I have always appreciated the aspects of travel that teach me history, but you have showed a whole aspect of how a personality can be developed!
Thank you Alina 🙂 I couldn’t agree more. Looking back, it’s just amazing to see so many changes occurring to you (trivial or otherwise!)
Love this post. Amazing how many things travel changes about yourself. Looks like you have been having many adventures.
Yes I did. It has been a great many years! 🙂
Great post – I love the idea of looking back and reflecting on how you have changed. We learn so much from travel, but I think it is so important to take the time to do just what you have done in this post – consider how it has changed you.
Thank you Dawn. 🙂 It has been a great experience just to reflect on the changes that traveling has given me 🙂
Awesome write-up! Relate much…?
Thank you Ai Lin! 😀
Congrats on the swimming! Its a great skill to have. Traveling has made me a better listener, I think, and taught me to look beneath the surface of my first impressions. Great post, made me think!
😀 Thank you, Megan! I know! It’s something you’ll need to survive. LOL.
Wow! Those are great changes!
Great post. I love the idea of a yearly video to look back on! I might have to start doing that.
Travel is great for getting you out of your comfort zone and facing your fears, isn’t it? I’m not exactly fond of heights but I really wanted to do the Fremont St zipline in Vegas and I managed to conquer my fears and do it – felt awesome afterwards!
Thank you, Nicole 🙂 It was partly because of my husband. He just LOVES to capture moments!
Wow! Cheers to us conquering our fears! 😀
I am glad you are writing personal stuff as well as the travel recommendations as well. I always like reading these kinds of posts and getting more of an idea of the person who is writing. Thank you for sharing!
It was something new to me and I must say I enjoyed it. Thank you Sara! 🙂
I can totally relate to many things. Swimming is something that I have become more comfortable with while travelling. I also have a fear of heights, would love to try ziplining some day. And videos is something I need to focus more in the future too. Thank you for sharing this great post!
Thank you, Piia 🙂 It was great writing this too! 🙂
Love this! Travel has changed me too. I think it has changed my perspective and opened my mind to new experiences.
That’s great to hear, Anisa! We could really grow as we travel 😉
I so agree with so many of your points. Travelling is so good for you. I am still afraid of heights but working on that as we speak hehe
I’m glad you feel the same way! Good luck on your latest adventure! 😉
So true. I can so much relate to some of the points you have mentioned in your post. Travel changes us in some or other way, we learn to adapt to changes and situations.
I totally agree. There’ve been several life changing moments that made me realize I’ve matured so much! 😀
This is such a great list! And man, I’m totally jealous that traveling has helped you conquer your fear of heights! If anything, I feel like I’m even more scared of them now. It’s so frustrating! I can totally relate to everything else on your list, though!
It has really helped me conquer it. Maybe you need a little more push to conquer it? 🙂 Thank you, Sarah!
I can totally relate to this! Except that i still did not overcome my slight fear of heights even though i did put myself into in my eyes “dangerous” situations ha-ha. I hope it disappears one day. Good for you that you learned how to swim! I think we all get so much out of traveling and seeing the world, opening up to different cultures. Great post!
Thank you, Kat! I hope you do conquer it one day, too! 🙂
That is such a great post. I have so many things to still work on especially conquer my fear of heights. You post is so inspiring.
Thank you Salome! 🙂
I have a lot of the same. My husband and I LOVE travel and I’ve become a WAY better saver as a result of wanting to travel more.
Traveling can really help us set our priorities 😉
It’s true that travel changes so many of us. It’s changed my photography too. I’d now rather get a beautiful photo of the scenary itself rather than getting me in the photo.
My husband has been trying to get me to learn the technicalities of working the camera, but I have always set it aside. LOL. Getting awesome shots are super important to me that I leave it up to him! 😉
I grew up in a small conservative town in the South and traveling to 100+ countries has given me an empathy and understanding of other cultures, races and religions I would have never had if I’d stayed stationary.
Though I STILL haven’t gotten over my motion sickness (at 34) so I commend you for that!
Wow! That’s great to hear! 🙂 I hope you do get over it. 🙂
Travel teaches such great lessons! I can totally identify with the love of adventure and learning to pack! Great read!
Thank you Cherene 🙂
I LOVE how you learned how to swim! What an incredible challenge you set yourself. You list so many fantastic achievements – such as becoming more comfortable with heights too – that I would be very proud of this if I were you. Thanks for sharing!
I can’t take all the credits for that. LOL. My husband used to challenge me whenever we go on a beach holiday to learn the basics. I’m pretty proud of myself too for accomplishing it. 🙂
Wow! What a journey you have taken. I hope to someday reflect on my travels as you have. Great post.
It sure is! Thank you Janelle! 🙂
Traveling changes us all in so many ways. It was great reading about your experiences and fears you’ve overcome. I also was always the type that just wanted to read a book in a quiet corner-and I still do. That’s the introvert inside me needed that alone time. But traveling is my adrenaline rush, the thing that gets me out and about and outside of my comfort zones into doing things that I consider amazing!
I couldn’t agree more!
Oh my gosh, congratulations on getting out of your comfort zone and learning how to swim. Seriously, that’s what’s so beautiful about traveling. Loved this read. Thank you!
Thank you Lindsay! 😀 Learning to do it was great!
Great article! I think we all change and evolve during our travels. I learned to be less awkward as well and more adventureous! 🙂
I couldn’t agree more! I love how you have become adventurous and less awkward too! 😉
This is awesome! I love how travel can really challenge us and make us grow as people. It’s awesome that travel has done so much for you and I’m sure it will continue to!
Thank you Kassie!
I hope this post gets to many people 🙂
Travel does change you in ways that nothing else will!
Keep going and learning and experiencing 🙂
That’s soooo sweet of you!. Thank you Brigitta! I hope people do discover the beauty of traveling, not just on the joy of seeing new places but in experiencing the changes that traveling has made!
Love to read about changes like this! It really makes us look back and see how different we were then and now, and how it will only get better from here!
I totally agree. We can really see the effects traveling can change us through time! 🙂
Can relate totally to this post. Traveling has made me discover myself!
Wow! That’s so great to hear! Cheers to more adventure!
I totally agree that travel changes you in a million ways. I’m definitely smarter and more confident thanks to my time on the road.
It really does! You’ll be amazed on the changes that you will encounter! 🙂
Oh, my gosh! I can’t imagine having travel sickness. You poor thing! You are certainly a trooper! Traveling with my family has really made me be introspective as well. I love this post because it makes me think about my own growth as a person due to travelling.
That’s kind of you.. Thank you, Kristi 🙂 It was something that I have struggled with. Glad you loved it! 😉
Excellent read! Traveling can inspire us to appreciate the little things and see beauty in everything as well as conquer our fears! I love your story about conquering your fear of drowning by learning to swim. I had a fear of the ocean and sharks until traveling and spending more time near the ocean.
Jessica
Yey! It’s great to know that others have conquered their fear of the ocean too (though mine is drowning, but I think the concept is still the same. LOL).
I love this post! I love your candidness and honesty! beautiful!
Thank you Harmony! 🙂 It was fun writing this too 🙂
Great post! You really do learn so much about yourself travelling – I have a similar post on my site as well 🙂
Thank you, Charlotte! Will check yours too and see if we do have the same changes 😉
Great share! Travel has made me more appreciative of what I have and the people I am lucky to meet!
Thank you, Tinger! That’s so good to hear! Hope you meet more people to inspire you! 🙂
What a great list! Travel really adds something to everyone’s life but it added a lot to yours (mine too)!
Thank you, Erin! I do agree! 😀
This is such a great post! I love all your thoughts and can relate to them. Travelling also changed the way how I allocate money and it also taught me how to pack 😀 😀
Thank you Liz! It’s great to know that there are soo many people out there who can relate to the changes that have occurred to me! 🙂
Great post! I love that travelling changes people… I can definitely relate 🙂 Although I should learn a bit more about budgeting for travel better 😛
I think budgeting is really a challenge for most of us! haha. Thank you, Danielle 🙂
Love this! And it’s true, traveling does change your whole life! I used to be so impatient with things and now I just roll with it…come what may.
Also if shits happen you’ll learn to react logically, assess the whole situation and figure out the problem instead of spending the day freaking out hahaha.
It’s really great to read amazing changes on other people too because of traveling. 🙂 Thank you, Alyssa! 🙂
Can totally relate to a lot of these. I went from being petrified of heights to skydiving in Namibia! Congratulations on learning to swim, it’s a skill for life.
Wow! That’s just a great milestone for you! I’ve never tried skydiving. Need to store more courage for that. heheh. Thank you, Lara!
I love this, it’s always great to take a minute and appreciate how traveling has changed us!
I know right! I am glad I was able to write this and reflect upon everything! 😀
Marvi,
Thank your for sharing such precious information. I see that travelling has changed you and gave you confidence to succeed, in your own way. 🙂
Thank you Telma! <3
What a beautiful reflection. It’s awesome to realize, upon reflection, how getting beyond our comfort zones creates such massive growth in us, and you wonderfully expressed how traveling can be that catalyst within us.
It has been a really life-changing experience for me! 🙂
Wow you know you’re traveling right when you have taken so much away from your experiences! I love it!
Thank you Gabby. It was great reflecting on those changes when I wrote this. It made me realize that I really did change! 😀
Brilliant idea for a post 🙂 Amazing how many things travel changes about yourself ! Mindful traveling enriches my experiences… It helps me to slow down, enjoy the moment and see those little beautiful details that so often escape our attention. I am not talking here about escaping the crowds and hiding in the middle of nature (although it is such a lovely experience), but about being able to appreciate all the aspects of traveling.
Thank you! 🙂 I agree on that. There are so many things that do change in us when we travel 🙂
Oh I agree! Traveling changes you body, mind, and soul! Sometimes it’s hard to explain to people exactly why we travel other than the obvious reasons. For me, it’s like a drug. An addictive hobby. Once you get bit by the travel bug – you don’t want to stop! I crave the unknown and the limitless possibilities that this world offers. I crave the unconventional and oddities. Simply put, I crave the anything that’s not (my) daily life or routine. I like your list!
Thank you Jin! 🙂 It really does get us out of the monotony of life 🙂
I still havent conquered my fear of heights, even though i do trekkings in the mountains of Nepal, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The fear is still there. My respect for you that you really did get over it.
Thank you, Ellis 🙂 It must have taken you a lot of courage after all the trekking that you did 🙂
Sounds like traveling has had a very positive effect on your life! It’s great that you learned how to swim because there are so many fun water activities! Traveling has made me more open to trying new activities and food.
Yes it did and it still is. It’s great just learning about the changes traveling has made to other people too 🙂
What a lovely post! I love reflecting on these changes and adaptations in myself – it was so much fun to read from a fellow traveler! Cheers 🙂
Thank you Amanda! 🙂
Yes!!… don’t travel now… but some changes. I got used to discomfort, that is travelling in local transport to go around new City. I have learned to be more friendly, talking to home stay people, drivers etc… learned to enjoy everything food, views, the experience. I have become more outgoing and even attractive and I fear less about the outside world. Also learnt about packing, planning and such things… but yeah I am not able to travel now): … life has changed… it’s work and doing things within my City only… but its ok(: …
That’s soo good to hear, Stefinia. 🙂 I’m glad traveling has changed you too! Cheers to more travels! 🙂
This is such a nice post! I think that independence and appreciation for other cultures are the biggest benefits that come from a life of travel – whether that is full time travel or occasional trips. I see the world in a totally different way now that I’ve traveled a bit, and it’s one of the most rewarding things ever. I also LOLed at your part on being less awkward – there’s nothing worse than rewatching yourself on video for the first time! It’s crazy how quickly you can adapt to it, though, and then it’s as if you’re watching yourself in real time – no awkwardness whatsoever!
Thank you Kelly. I’m glad you liked it 🙂 Traveling can be an eye-opener indeed. It took me a couple of travels before I finally overcame being awkward in several photos and videos! 😀
I can relate to most of the points here. Travelling changed a lot in me too. But I still have to conquer my fear of water.
What a wonderful transformation! Almost seems unbelievable that so many changes can happen to a person, conquering fears, learning to be time and money conscientious. Travelling is the best teacher! I have always appreciated the aspects of travel that teach me history, but you have showed a whole aspect of how a personality can be developed!
Love this! It’s always great to take a moment and see how far we’ve come. I find that travel is one of the greatest ways to transform yourself into the person you’ve always wanted to become 🙂
Love the list! I enjoy taking photos for my friends while traveling.