3 key elements to set yourself up for a life-changing travel experience

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru //

I think if you are craving adventure and travel, and want to get said adventure and travel on the cheap, then Southeast Asia is the place to go to.  Travel isn’t new to me – I’ve journeyed throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.  I’ve climbed mountains in Patagonia, hiked the jungles of Peru, stood atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, gone on safari in Tanzania, and swam around the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.   But for some reason, none of these experiences have the same sense of adventure to me as Southeast Asia.  I think it is a combination of knowing that—if you’re coming from the USA like me—you’re almost completely on the other side of the world.  Knowing that the culture and people are so different yet wonderful in their own unique way.  Knowing that not everyone speaks English, hamburgers are going to be hard to come by, and boxing (of the Thai variety) is more popular than baseball.

There are three key elements that I’m incorporating into my trip to make sure it is a life-changing travel experience, which I would recommend you consider if you are planning your own trip:

1. To crank up the intensity a bit, travel for an extended period.  If you get away from work for a week, you can usually “disconnect” and feel like you are out on your own.  Multiply that feeling by 14 weeks, like I am, and you’ve got a real, good old-fashioned life-changing experience.
2. Next, if you really want to push yourself, do it on your own.  My first pick would have been to travel with my wife, but she unfortunately isn’t able to get the time off.  With that option off the table, rather than take this trip with a friend, or sign up for a tour group, I’ve decided to travel independently.  Don’t get me wrong – I hope and plan to meet many interesting people along my journey.  And would love if friends want to meet up along the way!  But venturing out alone will force a certain mystique that will only add to the adventure.
3. Finally, be intentional in your travel.  What do I mean by intentional?  Well, figure out why it is you want to travel, and what you hope to accomplish.  And then intentionally direct your travel to allow you to meet your goals.  For instance, if I wanted to become fluent in a foreign language through my travels, I might plan a very different trip vs if my goal was to explore as many historical sites as possible.

By traveling for a long period of time, on your own, with intent, you are setting yourself up for a life-changing experience where you’ll learn about yourself — and have a great time, too.

Photo credit:  Jacksoncam, flickr.

What have you learned during your own travel experiences?  Any other tips to share on how to get the most out of traveling?