“Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.”
Paul Coelho
A few months have passed since I’ve returned from my year of travelling around the world. It’s an understatement to say that my sabbatical year has been one of the best years of my entire life. It’s been life-changing and my only regret is that I didn’t go on a sabbatical earlier in my life.
Returning home, it took me weeks to get back into my usual routine. It’s mind-blowing to think that I’ve experienced a lifetime of new sights, new people, and new cultures all in a short amount of time.
Each day I’m still reflecting on everything that has happened this past year. It sparks so much joy to my soul whenever I get flashbacks of small moments from my journey. Here are 15 life lessons I learned while travelling on my sabbatical.
1. People are good, kind & have the same goal of finding happiness
I’m so lucky to have met so many kind-hearted people all over the world. Sure, there’s a good share of murderers and terrorists too, but it’s comforting to know that as a solo female traveler, the world is relatively safe out there.
In Laos, I really enjoyed getting to know the family whose guesthouse I stayed in. The host told me about his kids’ aspirations of getting an education in hopes of starting their own businesses in the city. It’s heartening to know that no matter where you are in the world, at the core of it, everyone shares the same goal of finding happiness and purpose in life.
2. Always strike up a conversation with the person next to you
You never know what connections you can make, who can end up inspiring you, and vice versa. Of course, if they look sketch, by all means, pop in your Air Pods and tune out the world. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised every time I did talk to the person next to me. I still remember most of the conversations I’ve had with strangers on the road.
The only time I ignored my own advice was on the 8-hour ferry ride along the Mekong River. There were quite a few empty seats on the ferry, and my row was pretty much full, but this guy squeezed into a tiny space next to me. Yep. I was annoyed as I arrived early that morning to stake out my window seat! Anyway, had I talked to him, I’m sure I would’ve gained a new friend in Guangzhou.
3. Experiences are priceless & greater than any material possession you own
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef, a thousand lanterns being released in Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Festival, the majestic Patagonia Mountain Range, and so many more world wonders with my very own eyes is priceless.
When I became serious about going on this trip around the world, I changed the way I budgeted my finances. I started prioritizing what I really needed, got rid of most wants, and always asked myself – Do I really need that grande latte with an extra shot of espresso at Starbucks? Do I really need that $18 cocktail with dinner?
I traveled the world this year on a carry-on only and I got by just fine living off the clothes on my back. Packing minimally helps you not to be overwhelmed by stuff as you travel between countries. When I returned home, I was actually put off by how much material possessions I own at home and have since tried to simplify my life. Streamlining feels cathartic. Collect moments, not things.
4. Travelling makes you more understanding, empathetic, adaptable, patient & humble …
… you know, all those good traits. After being stimulated by so many new cultures and meeting people from different countries, how can it not change you?
I now appreciate people in the world who speak English slowly because it means they probably know and speak more languages than you do. Showering over the toilet, living with 8 people in a hostel room, multiple people squished into the back of a truck with no seatbelts? Cool. It’s such an adventure to embrace and adapt to different ways of living. We’re so used to Western creature comforts that it’s easy to forget that that’s not how the rest of the world lives and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
5. Any problem you think you may be going through pales in comparison to the plight of others in the world
This lesson keeps my #firstworldproblems in check and helps me tone down any urge to complain. Life in other parts of the world is not a bed of roses and the world is definitely NOT as it appears on Instagram.
Poverty, hunger, lack of sanitation, lack of access to healthcare, resources, education, and clean water are major struggles in many places – even in parts of North America. As a traveler, it’s so important to educate yourself of these struggles before visiting a place. When possible, find ways to contribute and leave some good behind. Read my blog post on ethical travel considerations here.
6. Home can be anywhere in the world
To me, home can be anywhere in the world as long as it’s where you feel the most alive. Of course, the concept of home is defined differently by different people. Point is: beware of falling in love with new places that may possibly alter the course of your future. There is so much potential to live anywhere in the world and you’re never confined to the place where you were born.
7. You don’t need to travel on a fully planned-out itinerary
What’s ironic is that I’m actually an organized person in most aspects of my life, except when it comes to travel. It’s so much more liberating and adventurous to fly by the seat of your pants.
When I arrived in Australia, I had absolutely no plan for the month. It was the same way in Laos. I booked all my domestic flights and accommodations spontaneously using travel apps on my phone. Everything went off without a hitch. Travelling this way allows for longer stays in places that vibe with you and that’s something you won’t know until you get there. You will also meet new friends along the way who may influence your travel plans. I also ended up revisiting the Gold Coast a second time during my trip as my first visit of 4 days just wasn’t enough!
8. Don’t work through a check-list of attractions
It’s all about quality over quantity. You absolutely DO NOT have to see and do everything in each city! Your decision may be budget driven, interest driven or heck, Instagram driven. By carefully selecting activities, I was able travel slower and savour each thing I ended up doing. In Sydney, I chose not to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb or visit the Blue Mountains. This also gives me a reason to revisit the next time!
9. Travelling doesn’t mean you’re running away from anything
For those in your circle who don’t understand the travelling lifestyle, it may appear as though you’re running away from something – stressors at home, commitment, work, or “settling down”. I disagree. Just because you have a different view of what a “normal life” looks like doesn’t mean you’re shirking responsibilities. When you travel, it takes a lot of courage to encounter the unknown and in that way, you’re running towards new opportunities.
10. Don’t buy into the idea of “finding yourself”
You should already have a good sense of who you are at your core before embarking on your adventure. Sure, you will enhance certain characteristics as you Eat, Pray, Love your way around the world, but who you are pretty much doesn’t change that much.
11. Travelling will not make problems at home disappear
If you have problems at home when you leave, they will still be there when you return. Traveling is a distraction that masks what you will eventually have to face. It’s inevitable. So, either deal with all your shit before you leave or be prepared to face it head on when you return.
12. Traveling solo doesn’t mean that you’re completely alone
Traveling solo is great. You have complete control over how social you want to be. It’s so easy to meet new friends at hostels (as opposed to hotels), guided walking tour groups, meetup social apps, local classes, cafes frequented by expats and travelers, and yoga classes.
Another great way to meet new friends is through Instagram. Through this social media platform, I was able to connect with influencers I’ve been following for years. The best part is we share the same passions and could chat non-stop while inspiring each another.
13. Embrace being disconnected from technology
You may counter saying, “Deb, you’re on Instagram all the time!” While this is true, I latergram all of my posts and stories. News flash: when I post a story, it doesn’t mean that it’s happening live! This way, I’m always fully present when travelling. My sister always reminds me to put my phone away and “just live”. Best piece of advice.
14. Your life will still be waiting for you at home when you return
“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald
I love that quote so much because it describes my experience returning back home. Of course, everyone’s situation is different and some things may and will change – relationships, jobs, financials, living arrangements, etc. I’m lucky enough to be in a situation where I was able to put everything on pause for a hot minute.
15. Travel with an open mind
You’re more resilient than you think. Never turn down an opportunity to try something new. Interact with the local people and try local foods, ask about local religious practices, learn a few new phrases in the local language, and find out about cultural customs. Traveling should make you hungry to learn more.
It surprises me that certain travellers still have a narrow-minded view of the world and hold a strong dislike for certain places they’ve traveled to, or refuse to try local foods, etc. Let’s always try to find beauty in each place to be able to fully appreciate it.
Final Word
There you have it! Those are the 15 life lessons I learned while travelling on my sabbatical. I’ll never know whether I made the right life decisions until I’m retired and sitting in my Gold Coast condo writing my memoirs but in the meantime, I have plenty of incredible travel memories to reflect upon for years to come.
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