Putting yourself on the map: How travelling transforms an individual

Whether it’s a gap year, post-graduate adventures, or escaping the 9-5, many turn to travelling the world. The phrase "finding yourself" encourages an individual to discover their identity and for some, to find their sense of purpose. However, one question permeates the conversation around travel: can one truly "find" themself travelling? Travelling isn’t just extra stamps in your passport - it sculpts us as people.

Venturing into the unknown by immersing yourself in a plethora of cultures, in my opinion, is the most authentic form of learning and edification. Travelling broadens one’s perspectives and nurtures empathy. Interacting with various cultures and customs different from your own encourages an individual to adopt a global mindset. By this, I mean the ability to view the globe as interconnected and working in harmony, as opposed to observing and judging through a unidimensional view. By travelling, you develop the ability to embrace new customs and traditions, thus breaking down any previous stereotypes or prejudice. Living with locals and volunteering abroad establishes bonds that transcends cultural differences and allows one to gain a more nuanced perspective of the world and other people’s lives.   

Through the act of travelling, one can experience the world and all it has to offer, equipping them with the agency to form their own opinions and judgements through independent thought. For example, imagine a slum in India. A number of people could describe existing wealth divides in countries. However, it is impossible to digest the scale of this disparity until you are on the ground facing an overcrowded slum, of which marginalised communities live in precarious situations that they call home. You turn right and walk two-hundred metres down the road and are met with golden gates, rose pink buildings, and acres of luscious grass, home to parliamentary buildings. It is in this situation, and only this situation, that you can grasp the gravity of the divide. Travelling not only broadens your worldly perspectives, but it educates you. You transform your previous assumptions into wisdom. Upon returning home, part of you will always remain in the places you have travelled. Parts of those new places, including the people you have met, the lifestyles you have observed, and the cultures you have absorbed, will return home with you.

Beyond the keepsakes and postcards, travelling is an opportunity to quietly master transferable skills. Such skills are acquired through navigating language barriers, practicing observation by adapting to new environments and customs, and adapting to unpredictable and uncontrollable obstacles. Picture this: you’re interrailing Europe with your best friend, what are some scenarios where you would need to adapt? Depending on your budget, one of the most affordable accommodation options are hostels. This requires tailoring your usual habits to being in a shared room with eleven other people. Of course, in the process, one must bridge linguistic divides. This is where we exercise Duolingo or Year 7 French to use! Travel, at times, can test your patience. Circumstances out of your control can hinder plans, such as a flight cancellation or difficult restaurant reservations, so employing your problem-solving skills can help you overcome these hitches.

Travel acts as a catalyst for self-exploration and personal growth, promoting the very best version of yourself. So, pack your bags, take the first step out of your comfort zone, and challenge yourself. Most of all, enjoy every moment and you will quickly realise that the epic odyssey is not just one to see the world, but the one that transforms you in ways you never thought possible.