Do You Really 'Find Yourself' Whilst Travelling?

You've seen enough people come back from trips abroad not only with their suitcase, but a brand new lust for life too. Their purpose, perspective, and priorities have shifted, as has their fashion sense (probably rocking those classic flowy pants 24/7):

They can't go five minutes without sharing an anecdote from their trip and ending it with "travelling changed me, man". For lack of a better word, it can seem pretty...wanky. ✨This whole phenomenon of 'finding yourself' whilst catching a few flights and seeing a few sights (wow, hello poetry career). I mean mate, there's only so many times I can hear about that transcendental experience you had in Peru.

I hate to say it, but in some ways you really do "find yourself" whilst travelling. I didn't find the meaning of life or decide to live as a monk for the rest of my days (but I mean, whatever floats your dingy dude! Live your truth). "Finding myself" was a little bit more subtle...here's how.

You're chucked in the deep end

Amazing things will be thrust at you. New friends, insane sights, hilarious memories.

But there'll be some pretty sucky things thrust at ya too. Things you wouldn't really experience at home. 🏠 Like not knowing where to sleep the next night, not knowing how to get from point A to B, not having service on your phone, not knowing how to speak a language and not knowing anyone.

There'll be challenges and man will you feel out of your comfort zone at times, but like a phoenix from the ashes, you'll become all the more confident in yourself! During my gap year, I became sooooo much less controlling and learnt how to just go downstream and roll with things. I learnt how to problem solve and look on the bright side. 🌈

We're not in Kansas anymore

Exactly Dorothy! And what does that mean? New perspectives. We wouldn't be able to comprehend light if we had no dark, right? So it's unreal for us to see how others live around the world, to truly comprehend our own lives.

When I came back from my gap year, I kinda thought I was the same tbh (except maybe having lost a fair few brain cells from all the partying), but I soon figured out that I was sooo much more appreciative. Appreciative of the little things too. Like the smell of eucalyptus trees when I walked out of Sydney Airport, a good ol' Tim Tam or seeing a nice sunrise at the beach. 

I also became so much more open-minded which I honestly pride myself on now.

@sydney.airport Can’t wait to be walking down the aisle. 🛫 #travel #sydneyairport #australia #travelban ♬ LETS GO - LevitatingOnTheMoonWithDulaPee

Priorities

My priorities kicked my life afterwards into gear. Seriously. I learnt, for myself that:

• Experiences > possessions ANY damn day. 
• Work to LIVE not live to WORK 
• But also pursue something I LOVE that may be considered as a "pipe dream" (filmmaking) rather than something seemingly more "legit"

So sure, when I rocked up to Australia again, I didn't think much had changed. I tried to steer clear of being that douche that only talks about their travels overseas and moved on with my life! But it's undeniable that I had...as cringe as it sounds... found myself. I pursued what I loved, knowing what makes me happy, appreciative and motivated. I was open-minded to people and stories. I found purpose! 

If you're looking for different experiences overseas and close to home no matter whether you’re looking to travel, work, volunteer, or just get down and party, we’ve got you covered. Suss out our experiences and providers here to get out there in the world!