Do You Actually Find Yourself When You Travel?

*Eyeroll* but as cliché as it sounds, travel is the key to finding yourself.

Eat Pray Love, Walter Mitty and that girl from your high school who backpacked through Europe are proof; a person that leaves travelling is rarely the same one that returns. So, what the heck happens out there?

I first started travelling to escape. To escape a breakup, a crappy job and the stresses of uni. But seeing the world changed a lot of my opinions and perspectives on life. I almost did a complete 180 in some instances. But it wasn’t the new destination that solved all my problems, it was new perspectives.

My first solo adventure was to Vietnam with Contiki, where I ate some delicious street food and kayaked through stunning fjords in Halong Bay. I made friends from all parts of the world, partied, stayed with local families, caught fish with my bare hands and even learned to cook.

As a 20-something, I was considered reckless for ‘throwing away’ all my money on overseas  trips rather than saving for a house or applying for full-time jobs. But I wasn’t (and still not) ready to settle into a ‘proper adult life’. I’m still figuring out who I am, and that’s okay.

Life is full of outside influences. Our parents are telling us to work hard and find full-time jobs. Our teachers are telling us to get good ATARs so we can go to uni. We even have girlfriends and boyfriends swaying our decisions. But life isn’t some linear, one-size-fits-all mould that we have to fit into.

When you travel you do things you love because it interests you. You find new things you love and things you despise, but you’ll also discover your passions.

You might discover your love of adrenaline paragliding riding through the Austrian alps or the opera in Vienna might make your heart soar. Maybe the tumultuous history of Berlin makes you want to study history or a wine tour in Tuscany may prove you’re quite the connoisseur. The Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik might make you wanna take up a job in film, or a trek up through the Himalayas will push you to your limits.

Exposures to new cultures and experiences each come with their own quirks. But through the ups and downs and the inevitable travel slumps, it’s all about the journey of self discovery.

In 2021 it’s time to make up for lost time, find ourselves and make it count. Our mates over at Contiki have got ya covered with some pretty awesome deals. You can check them out here.