Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Tips on How to See the World for Personal Growth.

As a seasoned traveler, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of travel in broadening one's horizons and amplifying their life. Let me say that traveling may have a slight cost, but the experience itself is completely priceless!

Whether you have the idea to travel within a group or by yourself, I highly recommend that you take the opportunity to do so. As many times that I have traveled, each experience is completely different and I never fail to learn something new!

Not only do you get to see the world through your own eyes, but you also get to experience new cultures, cuisines, and customs. It seems to open your perspective to different ways of living and thinking and helps you appreciate diversity.

Immersing yourself in a new place can be both challenging and exciting. It may even take you out of your comfort zone, but it also helps you learn new things about yourself and the world around you.

"A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there." - John Assaraf

The world is full of beautiful and unique destinations that offer a range of activities and sights to see. Whether it's hiking a mountain, trying new foods, or exploring a historical site, every trip is an opportunity to make memories that one can never forget.

There are two ways to travel:

• Group Travel

• Solo Travel

If you are a first-timer and are not comfortable traveling alone at this time, group travel is a great way for you to experience the world. I recommend that you find a group of individuals who have the same #TravelStyle as you do. What is a Travel Style you ask? It is a particular way that one may travel that reflects their personality and/or lifestyle. There is no set way on how one should travel but it is best to venture with those who have a similar vision on how you would like to spend your time while on vacation.

Think to yourself and ask your potential travel group;

1. What is your budget?

2. What would you like to do during the trip?

3. Are you open to new cuisines?

4. Are you open to exploring the new culture within the state/country?

5. Do you prefer the beach, mountains or the jungle? All the above or none?

The list can go on... I personally love to mix up the days between adventure and relaxation. If I spend every day during an excursion, I feel like I leave the trip exhausted and unable to soak in the experience as much as I like.

Again, this is not the way that everyone has to travel. It is about preferences.

Now traveling solo is another ball game that is my favorite way to travel. My first international trip also ended up being my first solo trip to the beautiful country of Jamaica! It has been "home away from home" ever since!

Solo travel can be seen as intimidating, but with research, preparation, and community you will find that it allows you to be fully present, without the distractions of others, and to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

It's the best time to amplify your personal growth and development. It requires you to be independent, resourceful, and adaptable and can build your confidence and self-esteem. When you travel alone, you are responsible for your own decisions and safety, which can be both empowering and challenging. But through these challenges, you can develop important life skills and learn more about yourself.

So, how can one amplify their life when traveling solo? Here are some tips:

1. Embrace the unknown: Traveling solo means you have the freedom to create your own itinerary and make spontaneous decisions! Yes, you actually get to focus on yourself and do what YOU want, when YOU want to. 🥰 Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. Use #TripAdvisor to see what piques your interest. They have listings of excursions, local restaurants, and attractions with real reviews to give you more information about each establishment.

2. Connect with locals: Locals can offer insights into the native culture and give you a more authentic experience. Strike up conversations with your tour guide and concierge to ask for recommendations. As great as meeting new people can be, resist giving out your hotel details, how long you plan to stay, and your personal info. Never say that you are alone.

3. Practice mindfulness: Solo travel is a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and be fully present at the moment. Take time to appreciate your surroundings and reflect on your experiences. Waking up early to watch the sunset is a great mental moment that can provide an extra sense of gratitude and understanding. Tap into the nature around you if you have the chance!

4. Keep a journal: I recommend that you journal every morning or night that you are there. You could write 5 things that you are thankful for, what you would like to experience that day, or what you have experienced during that day. This is an awesome way to process your trip and remember the details for years to come.

All in all, travel is an essential part of life that can offer new experiences, memories, and personal growth. So, if you're thinking about taking a trip, or considering traveling solo I recommend that you search the destinations' #hashtags on Instagram search (ex: #cancunmexico) to come across travel content creators or individuals who have shared their experience online.

I personally love reaching out to them after supporting their posts via likes or comments, to pick their brain on their personal experience. Please keep in mind that one's experience can be different than yours and that is okay. Be open to newness and exploration while being as safe as you can!