Hoping travel will help clear my head

I'm a second semester college student right now, and I've been very low on my ambition and drive. I think a good part of it (despite having a plan and supportive girlfriend) is that after high school, instead of doing this, I went straight to college. So, I'm considering traveling around Europe with a friend for a summer, so I can clear my mind, have time to think, and get the want to travel out of my system.

Has anyone here had any success in traveling to rethink their life? And after traveling, did it help any?

It's something that, I realize, isn't a global experience, and that some will, and some won't. But I'm curious, nevertheless, as to what the experiences of people here are. Reply to this

Hello Nick 😊

It did help me get my head together. All my family and friends are super academics, with multiple degrees who earn a lot of money. I always felt that I wasnt as good as they are, because I am not miss academics, and sitting still long enough to study and pass exams was a struggle and a bore for me.

Moving to another country at 19, getting a job, saving money and then taking off on some travels showed me that I too can do things, and it is not all about university degrees.

I did go to the university I got into on leaving high school, after working and travelling, but dropped out a couple of years later. I think, it was just too conservative and rigid to suit me.

I did some more working and travelling, and then a few years later felt a genuine need for more education, and went to a college which suited me more(because the skills it thaught were more practical, and the exam method of continual assessment reassured me along the way that I was doing well). The important point here is that I was ready for more education and doing it for myself, rather than doing it because I thought I should.

Then during this college course I got a job, and travel added the fun to life, so I had some of that balance Stephanie mentions above. I used to work long hours, but in return they gave me lots of holiday time.

I dont know if a summer trip around Europe will be enough to get your head together. Getting my head together in life has been a continuous and gradual process, and travel helped, and so did other things. Remain open minded, but dont put too much expectations on what travel can do for your head.

An option for you might be to defer your ccollege place for a year. That was an option in Ireland where I come from. I did it twice, while I was at university. Maybe trying new things will help point you in a direction that will determine some aspect of your life.

Mel Reply to this

So, my girlfriend has to go to Cleavland for a little bit in July (2 weeks) so I may take the time that we have to spend apart anyway to travel the US with a couple friends (assuming I can uproot them from their lives for two weeks).

Thank you everyone who responded! Reply to this

travel is one of the best amazing and experiencing way to enjoy and have fun. Reply to this

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Ah, yes, travel provides great clarity, but be careful what you ask for

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Since I was ten years old I have known I was going to be a traveler. I've always been a little restless and a dreamer, planner. I have a gypsy in my heart.

There have been years in my life were I did "what was expected", "what I was supposed to do" -- went to school, became a functioning human being, made a good living and saved my money for retirement. In 1990, I was a one of life's crossroads and took off to work in Antarctica for five months. That was a time of clarity for me. I finally made decisions about what I wanted and what was important in my life without too much influence from those I loved. When I returned I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a few years. I had some drive, focus and ambition, I did it and was content.

For me the restlessness always seems to come back eventually so in 2007 my husband and I quit our jobs, put everything in storage and traveled the wonderful world for several months. Starting off on this great adventure I was expecting the same kind of clarity that I had come back with in the 90's. Each adventure is different and so will be the results. The people you meet will have a different impact on you.

Re-entry into the work world has been difficult for me this time. I enjoyed the time on the road so much. Each day now my free flowing thoughts are filled with fabulous memories and thinking, planning and desiring the next trip around the world. This last trip changed me in that I want to help others more than I ever have. It is a strong desire. I love the moments when you meet a stranger on a bus, standing in a line or in a cafe and start talking. I long for those. I love to hear their stories.

In Vietnam, we met a gentleman who had served with American forces for seven years during the war. He was so proud to have done his part. Meeting him was something special for me because I lost my brother in that war. It was good to hear how he felt about things all these years later.

So, my point of all of this rambling is-- be careful what you ask for. You may leave hoping for clarity-- It may come or maybe not-- but more than likely you will be changed in some way that you are not expecting. I am 100%!c(MISSING)ertain this will be good for you but it may help to change your life path. It may change the direction that you will head next.

OK- so now I'm going to sound like your mother. You will be able to travel more in the future if you actually return and finish your college degree. You will need to find an avenue to fund all of your future travels.
My personal opinion is that those of us who have replied to this question are working for the most part to fund our next adventure!! Reply to this

I don't know if I would classify this as "clearing my head" but I have traveled to get rid of that nagging feeling of ordinariness, repetition, of being "in a rut." When I get this way one or two weeks at a beach, B&B, or ski lodge is not enough. I need to get away not for weeks but for months, living and working overseas in order to rekindle the fire in the belly, if you know what I mean. Does that qualify? Reply to this

Traveling is a great way to gain perspective, and yes, clear your head. Highly recommend it, and as often as possible. There is a big world out there to visit and explore, people to meet and share new experiences. Start traveling while you are young and you will always have the travel bug, the desire to always see more and more will always be with you.

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