You’ve Returned from Travel and Are Settling into Your Usual Routine: How Travel Changes You

Travel has a profound effect on our lives. It brings new experiences, new cultures, and new perspectives. We are exposed to different ways of thinking, different ways of living, and different ways of being. There is no doubt that travel changes us, sometimes in big ways, but often in subtle steps that we may not even notice.

As you settle back into your usual routine after a trip, you may start to notice things that you never paid attention to before. You may see your world with new eyes. This is a good sign. It means that your travel experiences have had an impact on you, and you are growing and evolving as a person. Here are some of the ways that travel can change you:

1. You take photos to keep memories and share with people close to you; not to show off.

When you first start traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and want to document everything to share with your friends and family. However, as you gain more experience, you learn to appreciate the trip for what it is and take pictures to keep memories, not to show off. You’ll select shots that are meaningful to you and share them with people who know you well. Travel becomes a way to connect with others on a deeper level.

2. You keep a sense of curiosity and wonder.

Frequent travelers can become jaded and blase, but those who hold on to their sense of curiosity and wonder continue to see the world through new eyes. They observe little details, appreciate magnificent architecture, and are wowed by spectacular views. Their travel experiences bring new discoveries that fuel their curiosity for life.

3. You easily strike a conversation, not just during your travels.

Travel brings out a different side of our personality. We become more relaxed, and we are free from the social norms that govern our lives at home. We find ourselves enthusiastically sharing stories with strangers and making lasting connections. When we return home, we renew our interest in people and are more open to making friends.

4. You respect culture and history.

As we travel, we become more mindful of and respectful of other people’s way of life. We learn about their customs and traditions, and we gain a deeper appreciation for their history. We also become more aware of our own culture and how interconnected nations are.

5. You are open; there’s little room for prejudice.

People who expose themselves to different cultures embrace the differences among us. They become comfortable mingling across cultures and are less likely to tolerate ethnic jokes or negative remarks about race, religion, or gender.

6. You have a reverence for nature and the environment.

When we visit natural sites, we become committed to protecting them. We observe the wondrous beauty of nature, but we also see the damage inflicted by humans. We become environmental activists, organizing cleanups and supporting animal rights.

7. You become deeply grateful.

Travel experiences can bring peak moments in life. We may witness natural beauty or human achievement in a way that moves us deeply. We become grateful for the privilege of bearing witness to these extraordinary moments. We learn to appreciate life in general.

8. You don’t sweat the small stuff.

As we travel, we learn about other people’s lives. We realize that our reasons for feeling discontented with life are often petty. We value life more and vow to never again let unimportant things get to us.

9. You stop being an indifferent bystander.

Travel experiences can move us to act like environmentalists, animal rights activists, and human rights advocates. We make choices based on our values and become activists for positive change.

10. You totally get what “travel essentials” mean.

We learn to trust that what we have is enough, and things will work out. We understand that surprises are part of the adventure, and we’ve learned to let go. We’ve got our travel essentials covered: a good novel, a camera, an open mind, a sense of humor, and making the best of what comes our way. We’ve become the best version of ourselves, ready to navigate the biggest adventure of all: life.

In conclusion, travel changes us in ways we may not even realize. It broadens our perspectives, exposes us to new cultures, and teaches us to appreciate life more fully. As we settle back into our usual routines, we may see our world with new eyes and embrace the changes in outlook and attitude that have made us a noticeably improved version of ourselves.