I recently came across an article that emphasized five important lessons to learn while traveling. While I would like to think I am pretty seasoned when it comes to travel, this article made me look at it in a whole new light. Most of the time I view the delays and long lines as a burden to my plans and I let those bumps put a damper on my day; but with this article and an open mind I intend to look at it differently going into this new year of adventures.
Lesson #1: Assumptions can get you lost.
This lesson really focuses on keeping an open mind in different environments, which is something that I can really attest to. While I have done my fair share of traveling throughout different continents and countries, they all share one thing in common; they all keep me on my toes. I adapt to change pretty well, but sometimes I am quick to make assumptions based off of my norm. I think traveling by myself has shown me just how important this lesson is.
Lesson #2: Delays can be a call for respite.
When I think of delays, one specific trip comes to mind. On my way to Peoria, Illinois from Omaha, Nebraska, I went from having a 35-minute layover at the O’Hare airport to a four hour layover. Needless to say, I wasn’t a happy camper. In the heat of the moment I was pretty upset, but I think there was a reason for the delay. The layover allowed me the opportunity to take a break from the rush and give my mom and dad a call to catch up. It also gave me the chance to have dinner with a friend that I hadn’t see in quite some time and was long overdue. While I didn’t want the delay, looking back I am so happy it happened. Now I’m trying to spend more time stopping to smell the flowers and being okay with going against the plan.
Lesson #3: Giving things a chance.
“To expect the unexpected and to give things a chance.” A recent trip to Hartford, Connecticut is what instantly came to mind when I read this quote. While I was there I went out to dinner by myself for the first time. I would like to say it went over seamlessly but that was hardly the case. After receiving my glass of wine and dinner, I had gotten up quickly to use the restroom. When I returned, they had cleared off my table thinking I had already left. My confidence in the moment was quickly shot down as I found my waiter to ensure him I had not left. I did my best to continue on with my solo dinner. While this experience didn’t go as smoothly as I had planned, I am definitely willing to try it again and not let one experience hold me back.
Lesson #4: Travel is a love story.
When I first read the title of this lesson, I wasn’t quite sure how they had made the connection between love and travel but after further explanation it became quite clear. When I reflect on my travel adventures over the past couple years, there have definitely been trials and triumphs throughout them. Everything from delayed planes and lost luggage to unexpected dinner dates with friends and exploring an unfamiliar place. I think there is a reason behind why it all works out and why sometimes it doesn’t. It provides a constant opportunity to take a step back and enjoy the moment, whether it was planned or not.
Lesson #5 We are all as different as we are the same.
I think this is my favorite lesson of all because it demonstrates the real reason why I love to travel. While the concept of experiencing a new surrounding and culture may be the reason I go, what makes the trip unforgettable is the concept that even while being away from home and the familiar, every place has the potential to provide some similarities of home.
Growing up, I was the biggest homebody I knew; even just being away from my family and home for a couple days made me incredibly homesick. Yet as travel became one of my favorite things, the reason I become less and less homesick every trip is because home is never really that far away when everywhere I go has some semblance of home.
These lessons may not be relevant to everyone and their future travels, but I think they can serve as a friendly reminder that taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zone provides us with a chance for a new and thrilling experience. Travel will always have a near and dear place in my heart, and I think this article and lessons furthers that appreciation.
Article: Morals from Miles Traveled
Allie Lang is a Student Outreach Coordinator for the Student Outreach division of Aureus Medical Group.