Many travelers' vacations are a way to take a break from their daily lives, see the sights, and get some much-needed rest. For some, their trips were so powerful their lives changed for the better. Users from an online travel forum describe the trips that forever changed their lives, and their stories are incredible.
1. A Physical Transformation
A hike up the Monserrate hill in Bogotá, Colombia, was enough to compel one wayfarer to lose weight. Their struggle to climb the mountain at 6'3″ in height and weighing more than 300 pounds was a wake-up call. Because of that trip, they lost 75 pounds and have since traveled to Costa Rica, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Paris, Spain, and Sweden.
2. Cultural Connections
For a first-generation American whose father is from Nigeria, visiting the country was a life-changing experience. They met people in high-level professional career positions and other walks of life that looked just like them. For the first time, they believed they could be anyone they wanted to be.
3. Big City Dreams
A kid from the Midwest travels to New York City with their parents and feels their view of the world changes as if their universe is expanding beyond their world at home. They say that as an adult, they're still chasing that feeling.
4. Iceland's Natural Beauty
When you suffer from environmental allergies like pollen and mosquitoes and are sensitive to direct sunlight, it isn't easy to find enjoyable places, as one experienced traveler can attest.
By taking a trip to Iceland in the spring while it was still cold, they could take advantage of attractions such as icebergs, rainbows, waterfalls, and black sand beaches and see the adorable little puffins. They were able to enjoy their Icelandic vacation without any ill health effects.
5. Caught the Travel Bug
Someone caught the travel bug soon after earning their graduate degree. First, they went on a four-month excursion to the Dominican Republic, making them want to see more of the world. Next, they took a motorcycle trip from Boston to Patagonia, giving them the realization that they wanted to travel to more remote and less traversed places.
6. New Lifestyle
One jet setter in the discussion used to go on vacation to eat, drink, and visit museums. A trip to Maui, Hawaii, changed all of that. They went cliff diving, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, and ziplining. Their newfound love of nature carried over into their everyday life, and now they love to hike.
7. Local Interactions
To break away from their usual tourist trips to Europe, one digital nomad went to Sri Lanka and connected with the local population by visiting tea fields, rock climbing, and riding in the locals' train cabins. Eight years later, they still think about the friendly family they met during their train ride. Seeing the world from the locals' perspective helped expand their preconceptions about global travel.
8. Parlez-Vous Français?
A frequent visitor to France recalls that at the age of ten, they were so fascinated that people spoke in a language other than English they became obsessed with the French language and culture. When they started secondary school, they were placed into English as a Second Language classes because the school administrators thought French was their primary language. To this day, they still speak in French.
9. Practical Lessons
When a student undertook a study abroad trip to Germany, they were able to pick up practical life lessons for traveling. They learned how to be resourceful independently, that it's much easier to get around when you know some basic phrases and words in the local language, and, most importantly, how to pack appropriately.
10. Love at First Sight
Another wayfarer remembers the first time they traveled from Switzerland to the Southwest United States when they were 17. They fell in love with the region at first sight and have been in love since, visiting about 20 times since that initial trip.
This thread inspired this post.
More Articles From The Frugal Expat
celand, the island of fire and ice, has elevated itself to the top of travelers' lists worldwide, attracting both nature lovers seeking a unique experience and thrill-seekers. In this sparsely populated country, located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, you can find active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, ice fields, and fjords.
15 Must-See Things to do in Iceland: The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List
Escape to Paradise: 15 of The Most Stunning Bucket List Destinations to See
What items are on your wish list? Do you keep a list of all the places you want to see before you pass away? Or perhaps it's a list of the places you want to go in the upcoming years.
You go to a lot of places that alter your life. Some are mystical, some are historical, and some are simply stunning.
15 of The Most Stunning Bucket List Destinations to See
14 Unique Things to do in Cusco, Peru – An Expert Advice
This former Inca capital is not only one of the most popular tourist locations in Peru, but it is also where most visitors and hikers begin their journey to Machu Picchu. Spending time in this bustling city may make choosing from the many archaeological sites, museums, markets, views, and other attractions difficult. To make your trip more accessible, we've compiled our top fourteen suggestions for things to do in Cusco.
14 Unique Things to do in Cusco, Peru – An Expert Advice
15 Epic Things to do in Croatia
Not surprisingly, visiting Croatia is a dream of many of us with its coastline of fine sand beaches, historic structures, and beautiful national parks.
Visitors can choose from many epic things here: hiking, trying affordable water sports, visiting bars, exploring the castles, and picturesque drive-through towns.
15 Epic Things to do in Croatia
16 Fantastic Things to Do in Portugal
Known for its soccer legends and dessert wines, pristine beaches, and ancient attractions, Portugal’s a glorious – and oft-overlooked – European travel destination that delights visitors of all ages and interests.
To help, we’ve assembled a long list of 16 must-do Portugal activities as well as some incredible sights to see in Portugal while you’re there. Let’s dive in…
16 Fantastic Things to Do in Portugal
15 of the Smallest Countries in the World
In the vast tapestry of our planet, the smallest countries stand as remarkable jewels. These miniature marvels may be small in size, but they boast an abundance of wonders, from rich cultural heritage to breathtaking natural beauty. In this article, we will explore the 15 smallest countries in the world and what they offer to their visitors.
15 of the Smallest Countries in the World
