I’m not a coward anymore!

Do you like traveling abroad? I didn’t like it but I changed my mind after this summer vacation. I visited Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam with my friend during the vacation. I’ve been to Philippines to study English for a month, so I didn’t need to make any traveling plans. However, it was totally different this time. I visited three countries to go on sightseeing. Since I didn’t book any tickets through a travel agency, I had to make my own plan. Searching for some information on three countries took me a lot of time because there were too many tips to read. I didn’t try traveling abroad because I was scared. I had no idea how to find cheap plane tickets, buy them, take up quarters and get information about transportation. That’s why I avoided traveling.

I suppressed my fear and I learned many things from this trip. First, it was an eye-opening experience. I usually stayed at dormitories not hotels so I could meet many people from various countries and talk with them. I asked them about their hometown, purpose of their trip and their occupations. I have learned how to understand and embrace the differences since their ways of thinking are different from mine. I have also learned different culture from sightseeing. Things happening in Korea aren’t everything. I should free from my narrow viewpoint.

Second, it’s not always important to make plans ahead. I have always thought I need exact plans when I do something. I have stuck to making a plan, so to speak. In Hanoi, Vietnam, I decided to take a trip to other regions alone because my friend couldn’t afford it. I just got tickets a day ahead. I didn’t have enough time to make plans so I thought ‘what will be, will be’. Right after I arrived at Da Nang International Airport, I got a map and started searching for places where to go. It was a fantastic trip even though I didn’t have a perfect plan. I have been under stress whenever I make plans. However, I realized that I didn’t need to be like that.

Third, it motivates me to study hard. When I was in Hong Kong, there were many Chinese characters on the signs. I could read some of them. I thought it would be really cool if I could read and understand them all. And I met many people who spoke English so I felt I should study English harder.

It was an exciting challenge I’ve ever had. I took a trip alone at overseas without a precise plan. I feel like I can do everything and I’m so proud of me. I have overcome a fear of traveling, and learned a precious lesson from it. If you are hesitant to do anything, go for it! Don’t be afraid. Challenge has a value within itself.