Dear Sam,

Hi my name is Isabel and I am a travel junkie. (This is the part where everyone in the hypothetical room goes, “Hi Isabel.”)

It is so easy to get hooked though, isn’t it? It’s like getting a tattoo; it is almost impossible to only have one. After you get the first one, you start getting this itch of having another one.. and another one.

And with over 40 cities to date, I still want more.

I find there are two downsides to travelling: money and time. You have to save up for a trip and take time off work. But at the same time, you get so much out of it that it makes it all worthwhile.

The two best upsides of travelling are the stories you get from the trips and the lessons you learn. Both very priceless things that no one can ever take away from you, they become engrained in you and become part of who you are.

I have learned a lot from my travels and I will share with you some of my favourite ones.

Slow down

I was travelling in Barcelona with three of my friends who have all been in the city. Being the only true tourist, I decided to leave them and go on a bike ride around the city. Cycling in a city you are unaware of, you tend to slow down and take in the moment more. And this is true for everything, I walk slower, eat slower- basically become a turtle version of myself. Lol. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Living in hustling city, we sometimes forget to slow down and just enjoy the moment.

Appreciation and Inspiration

I have learned to appreciate everything I have a lot more. At the same time, seeing all the different cultures and lifestyles, it made me realize the way that I want to live my life. I can’t even begin to explain the sense of inspiration I always get when I meet new people or when my perspective develops. Travelling has also inspired me to work harder to, well, get more money and travel more.

Open Mindedness

It has been said so many times by so many people, “Travel broadens the mind.” And I think this is so true because you learn so many things on a trip that you would never if you were just stuck in your own little bubble. We missed a ferry ride to Estonia–no problem, we explored more of Helsinki. We missed a plane ride back to Wellington–that’s fine, we can still gawk at Queenstown. Travel changes you: makes you more tolerable, flexible and understanding.

I follow so many travel bloggers and Instagrammers because if I’m not out and about, I want to be inspired by these jetsetters conquering the world (while I am wearing my PJs lying in bed.) Social media has certainly paved the way for a lot of my inspirations. It has given them the voice to reach out to people and show them what the world has to offer.

So it made me wonder what travelling has taught them– what lessons have they learned?

Mad appreciation to each and every one of these guys and extremely thankful that they took the time to reply to me and sending me a picture.

(Please note that all pictures following the names belong to them and I do not take credit for it.)

Lauren Bath

“For me traveling has definitely taught me to be more accepting of others. Being in different countries and learning about other cultures has shown me that people are often the way they are because they are different, not because they are better or worse than what I’m used to. Like you I have become more open minded due to this. Travel has also taught me patience and flexibility as it’s so hard to control circumstances when you’re in a strange place.”

Follow Lauren!

Olga Chagunava

“Probably the fact that, regardless of ethnic, cultural and religious differences in this world, we are all the same. All we need is love. As cliche as it might sound. Travel broadens your mind and opens up your heart.”

Follow Olga!

Chris Burkard

“In life there are no shortcuts to joy. Anything worth pursuing is going to require us to suffer just a little bit”

Follow Chris!

Travis Burke

“The lessons I’ve learned while traveling are endless, but the one that has made the most impact on my life is that it’s always key to be as flexible as possible. Try not to have a minute to minute itinerary—the more open you can keep your schedule the more you’ll be able to adapt to life as it unfolds. Unexpected adventures can sometimes be the most worthwhile.”

Follow Travis!

James Asquith

“Only use your guidebook as just that, a guide. Be open minded and say yes to exciting sounding adventures. There were times where I followed the guidebook too closely when I first started travelling, but feel confident to listen to new ideas. “

Follow James!

Hoping to see more and learn more,

Isabel

 

Dear Sam,

However short, I loved our Sydney trip. If it were my first time going, I think I would have been stomping my feet, telling you off, why you made me agree to only five days.

My first time in Sydney was five years ago and that was my first ever trip outside Asia. And overall, my second trip outside the Philippines. (Boy, much has changed since then!)
Continue reading “The One Down Under” →

Dear Sam,

As you know, my two biggest dreams in life is to (1) Write a book and (2) Open a cafe. Because I thought the two would be highly unlikely, I just thought I would aim to make a blog and bake for friends.
Continue reading “Happy Anniversary, London.” →