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Alphabet of Travel: Every emotion you will experience when you travel for the first time

A group of first time travellers jumping in the air.

You’ll never forget your first time overseas, and with this comes a huuuuuuuge range of emotions. You ready to discover the Alphabet of Travel?

Anxious

Definition: Feeling worry and anticipation about the trip.

Tip: Stop worrying. If you’re afraid of being or going alone, don’t be. Over 50% of travellers go solo on Contiki, so leave those worries at home and soak up the adventure.

Bold

Definition: Wanting to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Tip: Say yes to trying new things you wouldn’t otherwise consider.

Crazy

Definition:  Let your hair down and have fun.

Tip: Lose your inhibitions and get a little crazy without overdoing it.

Discomfort 

Definition: Initial stress and panic.

Tip: Push through it. Find some good reading material or self-help books whilst you’re on holidays.

Empathetic

Definition:  Understanding and sharing the experiences of those around you, including your own.

Tip: Buy a travel journal and document the experiences around you.

Free

Definition:  Releasing your inhibitions and letting go.

Tip: Don’t doubt yourself, you’re stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for.

RELATED: 20 WAYS TRAVEL MAKES YOU THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

man jumping off george's boat

Gratitude

Definition:  Being thankful and showing appreciation TO both yourself, for making it happen – and those around you who made the trip amazing.

Tip: Keep a little notebook, pen and paper and write down the top 3 things you are grateful for today.

Happy

Definition:  Feeling elated at how much fun you’re having.

Tip: Ride the waves of happiness by taking lots of photographs along the way.

Imaginative

Definition:  Letting your creative juices flow on your trip, and thinking about all of the new possibilities of what to do with your life.

Tip: Act upon your imagination by turning those ideas/dreams into action. Everything is possible when you travel.

Joy 

Definition:  Taking pleasure in your activities.

Tip: New adventures will feed your soul so seek to try new things as opposed to standing on the sidelines and doing nothing.

eating food at the contiki chateau

Kindness 

Definition: Extending your kindness to locals and your travel family, and feeling their generosity in return.

Tip: Be kind to other travellers, local guides, shop keepers, tip where appropriate and say ‘thank you’ in the local language.

Love 

Definition: Forming new friendships for life, and falling in love with yourself.

Tip: Let your guard down and have an open-mind. Maybe even give Tinder a break and just be beautifully you and love might just come your way…

Melancholy 

Definition: Missing your friends back home, feeling blue once the trip has ended.

Tip: Feel the nostalgia sink in but start planning/saving for your next adventure. Cos baby, it ain’t over!

RELATED: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RETURN HOME? THE CYCLE OF TRAVEL

Naughty 

Definition: Breaking your own rules and living outside of the status quo.

Tip: Have a healthy disregard for the impossible every now and then.

Open-minded 

Definition:  Abandoning your preconceived stereotypes and trying new things.

Tip: Try new things, make connections by having interesting conversations. Accept differences and leave your ego behind.

 

Powerful 

Definition: Feeling empowered and strong, having faith in your abilities.

Tip: Allow for travel to change you.

Quirky 

Definition:  Discovering new personality traits you didn’t know you had.

Tip: Realise that we’re all different and that’s what makes us all special and unique.

Rejuvenated 

Definition:  Re-charging your batteries, and self-nourishment. Look after yourself.

Tip: Eat healthy food on the road from time to time.

Sentimental 

Definition:  Looking back on fond memories of the trip.

Tip: Buy a film or polaroid camera and document daily. Create a DIY scrapbook upon returning to let the memories live on.

Thoughtful 

Definition:  Reflecting on how the trip has changed you.

Tip: Have a few thoughts you want to share? Head over to our community program and submit your story. 

Understood 

Definition:  Feeling like your travel family understand what you’re all about.

Tip: Share and share alike. Just be yourself, and people will love you.

eating ice creams in Santorini

Vulnerable 

Definition:  Feeling lost and overwhelmed in a new place, far from home.

Tip: Talk to someone or a friend who has done this before. Perhaps a seasoned travel expert who can help answer any questions you may have.

Willing 

Definition:  Having the drive to try new things and push yourself to the limit.

Tip: Ask questions if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about anything.

X-treme 

Definition: Doing something wild that you would never have done if you weren’t on a Contiki.

Tip: Start a bucket list and actually tick them off. Face your fear of heights by doing something completely outside your comfort zone.

Youthful 

Definition:  Feeling young – and remembering you have your whole life ahead of you.

Tip: Clock is ticking my friends, enjoy the present moment as you’ll never feel as young as you do today.

Zen 

Definition:  Feeling inner peace, and practicing self-care.

Tip: Meditation is an art – try it sometime!

Hitting you in all the feels? If you need more inspiration on how travel can change you head over to The Travel Project, or if you’re ready to make all your dreams come true, check our Contiki’s tasty Europe Summer 2018 offering here.