In Around the World in 80 Days, Phileas Fogg decides to embark on an adventure to experience traveling from a different perspective. This can be a far-fetched dream for some; however, more people are now willing to take the risk and let go of traditional travel plans for a purer experience. Backpacking has been on the rise for a while now because it is easier, cheaper, and more convenient. You just need to pack your essentials in your backpack and immerse yourself in different cultures.
If you are new to backpacking and are still unsure whether it is for you, check out the next few points to understand how it can be spiritually great.
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You Become More Self-Reliant
Backpacking means that you must handle all the details yourself, not rely on others to arrange your trips. This might be scary at first if you are a beginner. However, in fact, it is quite liberating. Doing some research, getting your visa, and finding good accommodation are steps that offer valuable lessons. Nonetheless, no backpacking trip is complete without some guides, so the expert guides and gear reviews on https://gearsignal.com/ can be a good place to start. Thus, you will make sure that your trip goes without a hitch. This kind of self-reliance and long-term planning will help you personally and professionally when you come back to your normal life. You will find that you are more independent and able to achieve your goals without anyone’s help.
You Learn Minimalism
Backpacking is all about minimalism, meaning that you will learn not to depend on extravagant luxuries. Such trips will also help you assess your needs because you will not be able to pack a big suitcase. You can only pack the bare minimum and stay in hostels, which will change your perspective about life. When you come back, you will find that you can save more money, and not splurge on unnecessary things.
You Get Some Time to Reflect
Nothing is better than getting some time alone to reflect and thoroughly think about your life. Backpacking offers clarity in this aspect, as you will think more about where your life is going and how you want to achieve your goals. Being alone does not have to be a scary experience, because it allows you to discover more surprising facts about yourself. This is especially the case for people who have suffered personal losses; backpacking lets them reflect, accept, and move on.
You Become More Flexible and Confident
Hopping from one place to another in the span of days can be both exhausting and exhilarating. Are you done with sightseeing at your destination? Who says you cannot explore another part of the country or spend the night in the city? You are free of schedules and can tailor your trips to your liking. Changing your plans quickly teaches you about adapting to your circumstances and becoming more flexible. In the end, it will give you a boost of confidence that you can handle anything life throws your way.
You Make New Friends
Staying in hostels is a great way of meeting fellow backpackers and expanding your network of friends. Backpacking enables you to meet different people who share the same interests, which is a good opportunity to share experiences. You can even go on an adventure together and get some time to bond. Nothing brings people closer than common circumstances.
You Become More Tolerant
Seeing different cultures and mentalities up close will help you broaden your horizons. By witnessing how our world is full of intricate personalities, you will learn to appreciate differences. In addition, backpacking enables you to put yourself in others’ shoes, which will only increase your tolerance and acceptance of others who do not share your opinions or background.
You Experience Everything More Intimately
Traveling on your own on a tight budget can be eye opening. Every sight, every city, and every feeling you experience become more intimate because you have fought hard to make it happen. In every corner, you will stumble upon new things, thus allowing you to enjoy life more and appreciate every opportunity that comes your way.
Enjoying the world to the fullest and saying your curiosity are two of the main hallmarks of backpacking. This life-changing experience will allow you to become more confident, self-reliant, and tolerant. All you need to do is take a leap of faith and go on your first backpacking adventure. Just make sure to read some guides to plan well and know what to expect; have a safe trip!
