When I think of my former self here and there in a quiet moment, I keep reminding myself that I’ve learned a lot throughout the years (it has to be that way, right?). Not only the interaction with people from all over the world, tought me to focus on the big picture.

1. t r a v e l e e . n e t
TRAVELING
TOUGHT ME
5 THINGS

2. BEING ALONE IS OK.I’ve never really had a problem being alone, but I’ve always
preferred to travel with someone I know, so I have a person of trust
in case something goes wrong. If I’m traveling alone these days, I
still feel the need to share these memories with someone, but also
appreciate the time for me and the peace I have when traveling
alone. One is master of one’s own plan and can take as much or as
little time for things as one would like. Being alone and being ok
with that is an accomplishment and I am glad that I took the step
to go on my own adventures every now and then. And let’s be
honest: you really are never really alone. In hostels you always
meet many people from all over the world. They are also the
reason for my next realization.
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3. STRANGERS DON’T BITE.At the end of 2016, when I decided to go to Singapore for a weekend trip (by
myself!) during my semester abroad in Thailand , I had great respect for the
trip. Mainly because it was the first time for me to travel alone and being the
only person to decide what exactly I would like to do on that trip. Another
reason was that I had a great deal of ‘fear’ for strangers and that amazed me
because I wasn’t really shy with other people in general. But that’s how it was.
Nevertheless, I have booked myself into a super cute hostel near the city being
determined to make friends there and talk to people. Sadly I had to realize that
my 21 year old self was not really ready for this. Skillfully, I stayed away from
any common areas and in the end I had the program that I wanted, however,
without accompaniment.
Since then, I have learned and actively go to people when I need something
because I know today: strangers do not bite. Believe me that once you have
gathered all your courage and then you are out and about with people from all
over the world, traveling alone will enrich you a lot and bring with you an
exciting dynamic and one or the other story, which you certainly will not do so
quickly is forgotten.
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4. YOU’RE ALLOWED TO SAY NO.… probably the most important and most drastic insight, because
I have always been someone, and still am today, that just can’t say
no. No matter what: if I can help, I like to help! But now I know that
I do not always have to do everything and I can’t.
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5. PLANNING IS NOT MANDATORY.I used to lean back in planning and always thought, “Oh, I can’t do
this, others can do that much better so I’ll leave it for them to do.”
In the last two years have I realized that I can plan trips just as well
and not always say: “I do not care” when someony asks me what I
want because, let’s be honest, that’s only rarely the case.
But planning everything to the smallest detail is often not
necessary. In my opinion, flexible trips are the best. When I’m
planning a trip, I usually look for the sights or events that I want to
visit for sure and plan accordingly around it. Try it out
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6. TAKE YOUR TIME.With everything you do, do it at your own pace. Take the time to do
good, be friendly, laugh and enjoy life. Don’t let others restrict you,
but surround yourself with people who help you become the best
version of yourself and enrich you with positivity.
You only have one life and travel has taught me to fully enjoy it.
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7. FOR MORE TRAVEL ADVISE VISIT:
w w w . t r a v e l e e . n e t
t r a v e l e e _ o f f i c i a l
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