Lessons From Travel
What travel looks like today is different than what it inherently was a few years ago. Yet despite the challenges that are now associated with traveling, humans crave it. What is it about traveling that inspires us all to put it on our bucket list? Why is it such an aspirational goal to travel, whether that’s going somewhere nearby or far away, by car, train, or plane, etc.?
or me, even the worst experiences or incidents that happen during a trip still pale in comparison to the overall joy and growth I’ve acquired. I always come home with a positive lesson or experience from any trip, most likely because I learned I’m an observant traveler. I like to blend in and not be a tourist. I want to see how people interact with one another, take note of cultural customs and influences, and learn from locals. I travel with the intent to connect, and that fulfills me.
That being said, whether I travel alone or with people, I build in ime for me to sit and watch the ways of the world unfold in a new space. Yet that feeling is not isolated to travel, even though sometimes it feels like that.
It’s important to understand who we are when we travel because that version of ourselves needs the exact same things at home, just packaged differently. Because if you can identify what brings you the most joy out of your trips, then who's to say you need to wait until your vacation days roll around?
If you’re an activity based traveler…
What is it about seeing and doing as much as you can brings you joy?
Do you approach your own city or environments with a similar fervent curiosity?
If you’re an observer…
What do you like to take in? Is it culture, language, music, an aesthetic?
How can you build in time in your day to sit back and take in the world around you?
If you enjoy learning…
What museums, concerts, presentations, etc. can you visit?
Push yourself to physically be there if possible. Virtual can be good and in-person can be greater.
If you If you like to sit back and relax…
Is it just that you need time to unplug, beyond an hour here or there?
Maybe it’s more about silence and being uninterrupted, a place to fully let go. If so, find a room, another office, your car, a park, to sit in silence. Build it into your schedule so others know and you hold yourself accountable
Authored by Lizzie Somabut, LPC Associate