Life Changing Travels- Part II

Life Changing Travels- Part II
By Jen Campbell of Escape Destinations Travel

Life Changing or "Transformational Travel” is not merely a break from the day-to-day routine, it is a truly life changing experience.
 
It’s that unique, inspiring vacation/trip that will impact You for the rest of your life! One that changes your own perceptions, perspectives, attitudes, and perhaps even your behaviors. Your time will be spent learning first-hand about the people and land. Most your times might involve an intimate, personal settings. Visiting (even staying) with the locals and understanding what it’s like to live there is a large part of the journey. You may see and learn more than anything that’s been found on the pages of a history book or in a classroom setting. Your life may just change during the process! Your opinion about yourself and the world we live in, may alter you in positive ways (we hope). Wherever you go and whoever you meet, helps you make better decisions. You truly feel the country and begin to truly become a real part of it. Many of these transformative traveling experiences could look like activities you want to see or sights you want to visit. However, its important to immerse yourself completely amongst the local culture to become fully educated about their lifestyle and land.
 
When I spent a year as an Exchange Student to Germany (while in high school) I was exposed daily to the lifestyle of Germans. I learned the study habits of students around me (hyper focused, sports and extracurricular activities took last place in their lives), school and grades were the TOP Priority. The food was amazing and daily meals were enjoyed together. The main meal was at lunchtime, and when (if) there was dinner, it was a simple meal, such as a ham and cheese sandwich, light snack, or no meal at all. And then there were the locations I visited…imagine being one of few people who had the honor of tearing down the Berlin Wall when it fell in 1989 (yes that was me- I was there)!! And I learned the impeccable work habits of Germans (always striving for perfection) always working hard until the task is thoroughly completed- and completed well. This has helped me form positive working habits that I’ll keep for a lifetime.
 
When I left Germany after that year abroad, I was very fluent in German, dressed German, and Yes- I even acted German! Going “home” was hard to adjust the first few weeks. Since then, I have been back about half a dozen times, and to this day…it still feels like going HOME to me! One day, one of my dreams, is to again live and work in Germany for at least 2-3 years. I truly hope I can one day (soon) make this a reality for me.

Yes! You can say that travel changed me for the better. These experiences made me a better person and I am so thankful and feel super blessed to have had this opportunity.
 
What life changing vacations, or transformative travel have you experienced?

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