10 LIFE CHANGING LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MY TRAVELS

1. MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING

I know you’ve heard this a thousand times before, but I am going to tell you again! Money isn’t everything! During my holiday in BALI, I fell in love with the warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people. They are always of good cheer and in high spirits! I wish I could be like them, they might not have much but they’re living their best lives! Their positivity is infectious! Life really is very simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Don’t get me wrong, money is undeniably important, but experiences and relationships matter more!

2. WHEN WE KNOW GOD, WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR

Skydiving in HAWAII taught me how to trust God. I knew there was a possibility I will not come out alive from the moment I set foot thru the door of the skydiving centre. But I have faith in God and I know that he’s got me! We all reach a point in our lives when we simply have to let go and let things happen! If skydiving is in your bucket list, don’t chicken out! God will not let your parachute fail and the plane crash. God will hold you securely as you freefall in the sky! You just have to trust Him completely!

3. HAPPINESS BEGINS WITH GOOD HEALTH

I have lived in AUSTRALIA’s northern beaches for 6 years and I’ve been surrounded by people who live and breathe health and fitness. The country doesn’t only have amazing weather, ridiculously pretty beaches and delicious produce but also great citizens! Aussies have inspired me to eat better and exercise often. My yoga teacher always says, the best investment you can ever make is your own health. So, don’t forget to take care of yourself… Love your body, there is no better feeling in life than being fit, strong and healthy!

4. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR RUDENESS

During my travels in JAPAN, I met the most polite people in the world! May it be in the streets, the subway station, the temples or in the malls, Japanese people always offer a sweet smile and a nice bow before and after a single transaction! Whether or not your purchase is big or small, you are treated with utmost respect! They are very dedicated to helping others especially tourists regardless of what country you’re from and no matter how old you are! They always go above and beyond to help you with translations and directions to make the best of your stay in their beloved motherland!

5. STOP HURRYING

I can clearly remember the first three days of my trip to PARIS… Running around like a chicken… trying to squeeze so much in one day! Like everyone else, I wanted to see as much as I can in a short period of time! But guess what? I was so tired and exhausted that I decided to have the 4th day spent without any itinerary! That day I ate the best baguette in a not so famous boulangerie, people watched from a random café, stopped for a glass of wine in a French bistro and discovered the sweetness of doing nothing in an unfamiliar garden! It was the best day of my holiday! This really hits me as all my adult life was spent rushing and racing. Paris has certainly taught me how to slow down, how to find joy in little things and how to be in the moment!

6. CELEBRATE EVERY MOMENT

In the last 5 years, I’ve been celebrating my birthday in different parts of the world. I want to be away from work and my everyday routine as soon as my birth month starts! This year I was in SANTORINI! I wanted to have lunch in Ammoudi Bay and somehow scored a seaside table even without a prior booking because it’s my birthday! When I left the restaurant, the waitstaff who gave us a table said “Enjoy the rest of your vacation and may you celebrate each day like it’s your birthday!” He is absolutely right! Why wait for a party? Treat every day like it’s the most important day of the year! Be thankful because you’re alive & breathing. Today is a gift, cherish every second of it!

7. THE SIMPLER, THE BETTER

It was my mission to find the best pasta dish during my trip to ITALY, so I made sure to try as much variety as possible! Pescatore, Alfredo, Puttanesca, pesto, amatriciana, name it, I’ve tried them all! After weeks of non-stop searching, I found my fave of all time: CACIO E PEPE, literally meaning cheese and pepper, the simplest of all Italian pasta dishes. It tastes like mac ‘n cheese plus carbonara rolled into one, a bit spicy with extra pepper. This creamy pasta dish is actually very straightforward, requires only few ingredients and it reminds me of what life should be! Don’t clutter your life with too much material things. Remember, you don’t have to care so much about your wealth, possessions or status quo. Embrace simplicity. Soon you’ll realize… Fewer things mean fuller life!

8. IT’S OKAY TO BE VAIN

During my visit in SEOUL, the number of plastic surgery clinics I’ve seen were shocking! These days it’s not only the models and actresses that are getting plastic surgery, it’s EVERYONE. I didn’t do any major cosmetic procedure though! What I’m trying to say here is… Who cares if you’re spending too much time in the gym? Who cares if you wear too much make-up? Who cares if you love dressing up? Who cares if you take so much selfies? Vanity is not evil if it gives you extra dose of confidence and happiness after all! Maximize your potential, just don’t be self-obsessed okay?

9. EVERYONE IS FAMILY

My close friends and relatives know how much I love going to SINGAPORE. The reason? (drumroll, please) To eat, eat & eat! Forget hotel buffet breakfasts and head over to the nearest hawker centre near you! I call the vendors aunties and uncles and they serve me my coffee and toasts like I am their daughter. Even as a tourist, I feel valued and I feel like I belong in a humble community!

10. KEEP PUSHING & KEEP DREAMING

Growing up in a small town in the PHILIPPINES, I learned at a young age that money was not easy to come by. The only way out of poverty is to study hard, get a degree and work your hardest. No matter how hard life was, I’ve always dreamt of exploring the world! Seeing the pyramids in Egypt, going on a safari to Africa… The list goes on. With my goals in mind, I work late nights, holidays and weekends day after day! I work tirelessly for my dreams. So, during my recent travels to Asia, America & Europe, the child in me kept bursting in tears. Have faith in yourself guys, You’re unstoppable! And Yes, Travel dreams do come true!

Now it’s your turn… What has travel taught you?
Let me know in the comments below!

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Love,

The Travel Belle <3