
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

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.

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.

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.