A few days ago I returned from my 10-week trip through Northern & Eastern Europe. It’s only a short stopover for me here in Switzerland. Time to repack, to meet family & friends and to let the many experiences set a bit. Because “after the travel is before the travel” and at the beginning of November I will continue my journey in Central America. Being at home in my familiar environment gives me the necessary antipole to the adventures. I can process the impressions of the trip and gain a few insights. On my travels, I not only collect great memories of undertakings and encounters, but also insights and experiences for my personal development. I would like to share a few insights I have gained along the way with you.
Trust your instinct
When travelling, I am exposed to unknown places and unpredictable situations. To me it seems essential to listen to my inner voice, when discovering a new city, staying in an accommodation or meeting new people. I try to trust my instinct when I have a bad feeling in a place or with a person. This can mean that I change accommodation or spontaneously decide to go a certain route. A mix of my intuition and common sense has worked well so far.
Create space for your needs
For me this means a longer break after a few hiking days, an afternoon of Netflix in bed even when the sun is shining outside or a break from the daily grind of travel when I’m having a hard time with the constant planning, organizing, and decision-making. Or telling my fellow travellers that I need time to myself. Then I spend a few nights alone in one place. That way I have enough space for myself and my needs and I’m open for company and joint activities.
Live and learn
It’s uncomfortable when I stand helplessly in front of a ticket machine on the streetcar in Gothenburg, because I don’t know the ticket system. Yes, sometimes I may act stupid and make a fool of myself. But I prefer that to being too proud to make mistakes. I try not to take myself too seriously (it doesn’t always work, but I’m working on it) and just try things out. If I don’t try something new, I don’t evolve.
Be spontaneous
On my recent trip, organization took up a lot of space, because some ventures needed a minimum of planning during peak season. I chose safety over risk and thus lost some spontaneity. Which is a shame, because for me being spontaneous is the best part of travelling. Not having a plan often leads to the most wonderful places and great encounters. When nothing is certain, everything is possible. Memo to myself: find a good balance between planning and flexibility.
Can’t run away from troubles
No matter where I go or how far I travel, I can’t run away from my problems. Certain patterns or underlying conditions are not easily shaken off, even on a long trip. But the changed environment at least gives me a new perspective on things and helps me see the challenges with different eyes. Often, new approaches to solutions emerge along the way or the problems are put into perspective. And at home, I have a fresher view of certain circumstances.
Travel light
My personal motto is “travel light around the world” and yet I feel like I have room to grow. I could have left out a few items of clothing on this trip. Because in the hostels and airbnb’s there was usually a washing machine that I could use for free or for a small extra charge. I also washed smaller items of clothing by hand sometimes. For the next trip, I’ll try to pack fewer items. Maybe a smaller backpack will help 😉
Be open-minded
I have learned that it is always worthwhile to approach people. It feels incredibly enriching when I start a spontaneous conversation with a person around me. In a short time, there is a familiarity and I learn personal things about their lives. I am gifted with trust, a nice conversation, a smile and sometimes even a joint activity. And with a nice memory – priceless! Moreover, such encounters remind me that people are basically good and open-minded.
Everything you need fits in a backpack
The last few months I lived out of my backpack and I didn’t miss anything. Everything I needed fit into my luggage. Then at home, my material things overwhelmed me a bit, even though I don’t own that many things anymore. Shortly after my return, I sorted out my belongings again and gave away superfluous things. If I’ve learned anything from travelling, it’s that too many possessions don’t make me happy. At the end of the day, it’s the experiences and people that enrich my life.
Home sweet home
How nice it is to come home! For me, it is precious to know that I have a home to return to at any time. I am grateful for the wonderful people in my life who take time for me and are there for me. When I return from a long journey, I learn to appreciate my family and friends even more. Thank you, you’re the best!