With new travel blogs and social media accounts popping up every day, the concept of travel has begun to seem almost cliché. It was for that reason I was hesitant to begin this journey at all. But when it comes down to it, the opportunity to travel is what keeps me going; what motivates me to work harder in my career, what keeps my creativity flowing, what makes me happy. So here we are.
My adventures have shaped my worldview and opened my mind in a way that I had not anticipated. Our constant news cycle of dread and tragedy can make the world seem like a dark, scary place, but when you open yourself up to new cultures and experiences and possibilities, so much of that seems to melt away. Our world is a give-and-take kind of place. For every time you encounter something wicked (like having your phone stolen out of your hand in the middle of a crowded Belgian square), you inevitably will see unending kindness (like an absolute stranger buying you a waffle from a nearby vendor and offering comfort because they saw you crying over a stolen phone). Connecting with others when you're outside of your comfort zone is one of the purest connections of all because it transcends language and culture.
Travel teaches you about the world, yes, but it also teaches you about yourself. The experiences I've had have allowed me to grow in so many unexpected ways. I've learned that my personality has the strange dichotomy of someone who loves planning and having a solid itinerary, with someone who enjoys spontaneous adventures and exploring the unknown. It's not always easy to balance the two, but I'm learning. On solo trips I've tested the boundaries of my curiosity and independence while group experiences have cultivated my patience and compassion, two things that all my friends can attest do not necessarily come naturally to me.
It's humbling to realize that while I've seen so many countries, there is still so much of the world left to see. I won't end this with a cheesy, inspirational travel quote, but I hope what you read here will inspire you to seek some adventures of your own. Big or small, domestic or international, luxury or ballin' on a budget, every experience will shape you and allow you to grow in the most magical way.
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