This year has beenΒ a year of change and excitement for me. I leftΒ my job in Melbourne, went travelling for three months around Asia, and moved to England.
Travelling and living in countries all over the world has always been a massive dream of mine and it’s been so fulfilling to actually get out there and do it.
After a pretty tough year, I wanted to make sure this year was different, and it certainly has been. I’ve had a year of happiness, adventure and discovery, and I believeΒ I wouldn’t have achieved all these things if I hadn’tΒ travelled.
I’m sure you can tell by now I’m a pretty massive advocate for getting out of your comfort zone toΒ travel, and I want to inspire you to do the same! Travel is not just about having a well-deserved holiday, it makes you more of a well-rounded person, it’s good for the soul, and it’s the best way to educate yourself about the world.
So, here are myΒ top fiveΒ reasons why I love travel so much, and why you should do it too.
1. New cultures
Learning about how different people live in countries all over the world is eye opening, and it can really popΒ the bubble you may live in. I love trying to fit in like a local (even though it’s obvious I’m not!) by finding out where they’re eating, shopping and simply just chilling out.
I always make sure to get involved in cultural activities while travelling. In Bangkok for example, we celebrated the Songkran New Year festivities where we participated inΒ a huge water fight. It was the one of the craziest, and one of the most random things I’ve done!
I also love learning how to speak different languages. I find even if you just learn to say ‘hello’, locals tend to respect you a little bit more, which can definitely enrich your experience in their country.
2. Reviving creativity
I find being stuck in the same place, in the same environment can halt your natural creativity. Travelling allows you to experience new cities, new food and new people, which can spur on creativity atΒ lightning speeds. DuringΒ my recent travels in Asia, I found resting my mind and spending a few weeks soaking up new surroundings, helpedΒ me find the creativity to come up with The Emasphere. When you’re bogged down with stress and worry, your brain doesn’t respond well and you can’t work at your finest. For me, having that break brought back the real me.
3. Making friends
Some of the nicest people I know are peopleΒ I’ve met through travelling. Meeting new friends overseas allows you to expand your friendship group from your circle of friends at home, which can give you a new and refreshing perspective on life. It’s also great to have friends to visit and places to stay aroundΒ the world. Β You never know, they might live inΒ a place you’ve never heard of before –Β hello new addition to theΒ travel bucket list!
4. Face fears
Travelling gives you confidence to try things you wouldn’t do at home. For example, there’s no way I would go on a scooter or motorbike at home, especially because I get pretty bad car anxiety (long story!). In Ho Cho Minh however, (the home to 1000000000 scooters) I went on a scooter during peak traffic time. Like what?! Travelling makes you face your fears, and I love that. However, there’s still no way I’ll be bungy jumping, sky diving, or eating a cockroach anytime soon!
5. New tastes, new fashion
Now this is an obvious one for me. We all know how much I like good food and fab shopping. So, eating different food and finding cool unknown shops and brands is definitely my materialistic heaven while travelling.
I love discovering unique trinkets, clothes and jewellery from other countries because they’re normally things you wouldn’t find anywhere else. If you’re not afraid to have fun with your style and you like to buy really interesting items, you’ll have a great time shopping in other countries, and you’ll definitely stand out when you get home.
Foodie lovers (yes, me again!) – If you go to the right places (normally where the locals go), you’ll be able to find the restaurants that make real authentic food, and its ohhhh so good, especially in Thailand (how I miss you proper pad thai!).
Whats your favourite thing about travelling?
E. Xx
Need some more travel inspiration? Why not check out my article on Chiang MaiΒ or have a look at myΒ photo journal from Wales.
Sheree Millington | December 6, 2015
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Great post. Love your bog too – I’m going backpacking in a month so I’m souring for tips! xx
M x K | November 12, 2015
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Experiencing new cultures and immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of the country is definitely one of the things that makes us excited every time we step off a plane! The jet lag is all worth it
M x K
Bloglovin
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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I totally agree with you lovely!! I find I suffer from jet lag more when I get home than when I arrive some where new. It must be the adrenaline of being in a new place! Xx
Dora Toubanaki | November 10, 2015
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Such an awesome post! Makes me wanna travel!
Dora http://www.bangsbang.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 12, 2015
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Thanks so much Dora!! I hope I’ve given you lots of wanderlust now!! π Xx
Katarina Ahlsson | November 10, 2015
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Such a wonderful pos! I’m so with you – travelling is one of the most gorgeous things you can do in life! Plus, I also met my boyfriend while I was travelling and studying abroad. The best things that ever happened to me. π
Look forward to hearing from your next adventures!
Katarina x
http://katarina-ahlsson.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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Ohh Katarina I love hearing positive things about travel!! That’s amazing you met your boyfriend while travelling, I love stories like that!! Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to hearing more about your fabulous travel experiences!! π xxx
rae tashman (@lovefromberlin) | November 10, 2015
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This was such a fantastic positive travel post and I loved all the photos as well. You seem like such an awesome woman and I wish you many more incredible travels to come full of making more new friends, learning about more new cultures, facing your fears, being inspired, and expanding your idea about fashion. I have so much wanderlust after reading this post!
Rae of Love from Berlin
Bloglovin’ // instagram
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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Oh Rae you’re too kind to me!! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it’s really made my day π I wish all of that right back to you! Keep wanderlusting and aspiring to travel the world!!! Xxx
carolinapage | November 10, 2015
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I agree with everything you wrote, traveling is such an enriching experience! I love meeting people from around the world, getting to know different lifestyles and cultures and challenge myself through travel.
http://carolinapage.eu
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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Thank you so much Carolina!! It certainly is an enriching experience! I love how it challenges me as well, I believe you become stronger and are more aware of the world and other people once you’ve travelled! Xx
luxurycolumnist | November 10, 2015
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I’ve met so many wonderful people on my travels, that’s definitely one of the highlights for me
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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It’s just the best isn’t it Suze?! Thank you so much for reading π xx
Nadia | November 9, 2015
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You couldn’t round it up more perfectly, hon. These are the exact reasons I love traveling and will never stop traveling and exploring! I love seeing all your adventures so much!!
Which country / city was your ultimate favourite (so far)?
I am actually on the go tomorrow. Flying solo, sadly. Will miss my hubs.
Are you based in Liverpool now, girl? We should totally hang out! We are only 45min away woot woto π
xox Nadia
http://mielandmint.blogspot.co.uk/
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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Ohhh I’m so glad you enjoyed lovely!!! I’ve got plenty more travel stories and videos to come so keep an eye out ;)! I think Italy would have to be one of my favourite countries in the world, but when we went to Vietnam a few months ago I really fell in love with Hoi An, it’s just beautiful! Where’s yours lovely?? And, where are you off to now?? Yes let’s definitely hang out, we’re so close!!! #bloggerbabes π xxx
Gemma | November 9, 2015
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I would to travel right now. It’s so cold in the UK. Gemma xx
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Emma Spencer | Author | November 13, 2015
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I know right?! It’s getting so cold here! I’ve heard this is nothing compared to how it gets though! I’m glad I’m running away to the sun in Aus for a few weeks haha! Xx
randomstein | November 8, 2015
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What an awesome post! You are living quite a life girl! <3
Traveling (and discovering) is one of the main pleasures in life!
Mari XX
http://www.randomstein.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 12, 2015
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Thanks so much lady!!! I couldn’t agree with you more π xx
kelseybang | November 8, 2015
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such a cute post! meeting new friends is one of my favorite parts of traveling too!
kelseybang.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 12, 2015
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Aww thanks so much lovely!! Yes it’s just the best isn’t it?! Xx
Gabrielle | November 8, 2015
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I love how you left everything to go travelling, that’s so exciting – and inspiring with regard to stepping out of your comfort zone! Number 2 is a brilliant point, I can imagine how freeing travelling for elongated periods of time must be π
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
Emma Spencer | Author | November 12, 2015
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Thank you so much for reading Gabrielle π it’s definitely something I’m super passionate about! Travelling for long periods is super freeing and you gain a huge sense of achievement! I hope I’ve given you lots of wanderlust to get out there and travel lots and lots too! Xx
Jamie Lee | November 8, 2015
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Love this!! A couple months ago I made the decision to put my studies on hold so that I can go travelling. Its something I have always wanted to do and it feels like the right time. I’m currently saving up as much as I can before I set off and this just makes me even more excited!!
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Good on you Jamie!!! What a great idea! Exploring the world is so important. You’ll go back to your studies with a fresh mind and a new take on life. It’ll be so worth it! π Xx
Yousra Nawied | November 7, 2015
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I love this post so much! The photos look great and the reasons you stated just makes me want to travel!
Yousra | Mystic Tales
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Thank you so much Yousra!!! I’m so glad it’s given you a case of wanderlust π get out there and travel the world!! Xx
Nicky | November 7, 2015
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Love it Emma! The video clip is so awesome too. Can’t wait to get out into the world next year
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Thanks so much Nicky!!!! Your support has been so fab for this post, I really appreciate it π can’t wait to follow you on your adventures!! Xx
Barbara Sara | November 7, 2015
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Amazing post π
http://ordinaryblondie9.blogspot.hr/2015/11/balmain-for-h.html
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Thanks so much Barbara!!! π Xx
Courtney | November 7, 2015
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This is such an awesome post!! I always love to hear about how travel has totally changed peoples’ lives!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Thanks so much Courtney!!! Travel certainly can change people’s lives, it’s the best!!! π Xx
Emma (@LondonKiwiEmma) | November 7, 2015
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Travel is just good for the soul, isn’t it?
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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It’s the best isn’t my fellow Emma?! π Thank you for reading lovely!!!! Xx
outlanderly | November 7, 2015
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Travelling is really great for the soul! It letβs you discover who you are in a way that only the road brings. I left home (London) back in 2013 and moved to Taiwan where I get travel to so many places within North and South East Asia. Living in a different country really does change you in positive ways I hadn’t expected in terms of how you see the world as an expat or traveller. I enjoyed reading your post. It’s nice to know you’re someone who has the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take the leap. Have a great time in the U.K π
Jo x
http://www.outlanderly.com
Emma Spencer | Author | November 8, 2015
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Thank you so much for your fantastic comment Jo!!! I also love hearing other stories of travellers and expats, it definitely gives you that extra boost of inspiration. Sounds like you had a massive change moving from the UK to Taiwan. It sounds really amazing, and the ease of travel sounds like heaven. Another reason I came to the UK was so we could explore Europe. Australia is so far away from everything. Being here means I can head to say Tuscany for a weekend, itβs perfect! Thank you so much for your kind wishes Jo, and for reading π xx