The Traveller's Magazine
You know when you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach, “what have I gotten myself into?” That’s usually a good clue that you’ve just stepped over the boundary of your comfort zone. But hey, isn’t that the thrill of travelling? Travellers on Twitter buzzed about their “out of their comfort zone” stories this week on #TTOT.
Whatever doesn’t kill you…
…makes you stronger right? Well, if not at least these types of experiences make good stories for later (once you recover from the shock). Of course, travelling doesn’t always go as planned and suddenly you can find yourself in some pretty interesting situations! Here are just a few stories from yesterday’s Travel Talk on Twitter session that really made travel look like an Indiana Jones film.
Q2 via @crozul: Share your most memorable “out of comfort zone” experiences.
@LucyLightfootHK: Burning llama waste and getting stuck in the atacama desert having hitch hiked with bandits.
@traveldudes: Sleeping in a hut on a lake in Thailand with maaany cockroaches! Even running over my head!
@kymri: The moment I discovered a leech in my hair while trekking in Nepal.
@Hejorama: Spending ten hours standing up in a night train from Cairo to Luxor because we missed the one we had tickets for…
@marksmayo: Having to re-mug the thieves who stole my bag with cameras, laptop etc inside in Argentina! Got it back though!
@HW_Travel: Sometimes my most uncomfortable moment on a trip is walking into a full dorm room and knowing no one. Time to make friends!
@raintravels: You gotta agree that using a squat toilet in Asia is so out of your comfort zone.
@lizenespana: Also in Morocco, being there when the cafe was bombed in the souk. Too close for comfort for me.
@nickhealy: Fleas and bedbugs seem to be the biggest hotel gripe for #TTOT folks! Hotel and hostel owners better be listening!!!
@PLUSHOSTELS: Having to watch Disney on ice.
A whole new world
(Sorry, it was that last Disney tweet that triggered this heading)
Without a doubt travel changes us, especially long-term trips lasting more than a couple weeks. You’re constantly tested, challenged and put on the edge to adapt to new cultures, time zones and deal with experiences you’d never encounter at home. These types of experiences are bound to change something about you!
Q5 via @danielmartinadv: How has being pushed out of your comfort zone changed you and your views on the world?
@HW_Travel: It’s made me more accepting of other beliefs and cultures. We’re all people in the end, with something special to offer.
@Aventuramango: A quote, “A boat is always safe in the harbor. But that’s not what boats are built for.”
@theridingdutch: Definitely caused me to have a more open mind. Also, a lot more self confidence! That’s for sure.
@firsteventsph: I learned that I needed to do more research. Ask around! Get feedback before staying or traveling to any place!
@SwannySA: The climb may have been uncomfortable at times, but the view’s magic from the top of my mountain!
@SEA_Backpacker: “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all!” I think this sums it up nicely.
@thetravelmav: Taught me world is an extraordinary, magical, living thing… learn to take the knocks & shocks -feel more alive.
@Xplore724: Funny, I was out of my comfort zone, integrating back into the US, after long term travel. It’s all relative!
@traveledearth: It’s reminded me that life’s too short to not love what you do each day.
What were some of your “out of your comfort zone” travel experiences?
Travel Talk on Twitter takes place weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30 GMT and 21:30 GMT, why don’t you join in? Follow the #TTOT hashtag on Twitter and answer the travel questions that pop up every 10 minutes for an hour. Next week’s topic: time zones.
