Travelling is by far the most awesome thing someone could ever do for themselves. I’m a travel addict. But I didn’t anticipate that travel would help me feel powerful again after a difficult time in my life…
Often in life, we’re thrown these massive curve balls that really make or break you as a person. About a year and a half ago, I was in an awful teenage relationship with someone for 3 years, who was very emotionally abusive – and sometimes, out of frustration, physically abusive. Nobody tells you how hard it is to leave a relationship with someone when you’re already dealing with emotional distress.
When I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. The thing about mental illness is that the stigma often causes people to push aside what they’re truly feeling, just to avoid feeling embarrassed or judged. However, I don’t regret what happened to me, nor do I have any resentment or hate towards my ex.
I took my very first trip all by myself this year, which I thought was pretty badass considering the circumstances – but it’s also how I discovered Contiki. My mom had told me that she heard of Contiki, and had asked me to look into it so I’d have a little more structure on my first alone trip to Europe. Let me start off by saying it was truly the best thing I ever did for myself.
RELATED: CONTIKI HELPED ME RE-DISCOVER WHO I REALLY AM
I did the Amstersam to Barcelona trip, and met so many cool people. It’s pretty much a massive road trip with amazing people you’ve never met before and honestly, I don’t think it gets any better then that. I’ve created friendships that’ll last forever. In fact, how cool is it to say I have friends in New Zealand or Africa? That’s something you don’t get to hear often.
This trip helped me realize that I can do anything, and my independence is through the roof. Contiki helps make traveling solo a little less nerve racking, but still helps you to do all the things you wanted to do. I finished off my Europe trip with my mom, touring Italy. My new found independence did not stop me from missing my mom. She and I learnt so many things about each other on this trip, which helped us really bond and become closer then ever. It’s an experience i’ll never forget.
Travelling helped me realize that I am so much stronger than I thought, and I don’t need anyone to tell me otherwise. Some days may be worse than others, but I know now that I have the tools to get through life. To my contiki family, you guys rock. You have no idea how you changed my life for the better. To my family, thank you for taking me different places every year and nurturing my desire to seek what’s out there. My travel experience may be short, but i’m just getting started.
Has travel helped you to overcome a difficult experience? Share your stories with us here and you could see your work published on six-two…
