I hardly say no when offered to travel to some new place. I prefer if it is with the people I have recently come closer to. Not that I have a problem traveling with the ones I know for decades but with new friends it lets me explore myself a bit more.

Let me clarify some things. First, I am not against visiting places with your loved one, old friends, family or simply the people you know for a long time now. Right now, I am particularly talking about traveling with the new friends. May be, because I make new friends quite frequently and I like going to trips with them. Second, I am not an experienced traveler. I haven’t been to different countries or the popular travel destinations. But I want to. I am just a beginner, if I may call myself that. At least, I have started choosing places that I’d like to visit and have visited a few. Call it the “list of places to bring back memories from”.

Planned, unplanned, with a huge group, with just a friend, low budget, or high budget (hardly!), I think you should try all of these. I know all the places can never be visited; satiating all the wishes cannot be possible but no need to make it an obsession. You should visit these new places (with new friends) because it enlarges your perspective about things, people, and life. You get to recertify what you like and what you don’t. Yes, these keep changing from time to time, not about everything. Even the planning becomes fun. I have learned most of life’s important lessons from people I hardly knew and at places I had never been before. It lets you open up a bit more. Dig into your own thoughts little deeper. Verify your opinion about certain things. It helps you upgrading your thinking with the continuously moving helm of change.

Out of the comfort box

Travelling with new friends lets you give away the comfort of feeling secure, taking the other person for granted for knowing their choices, and not elaborating your thoughts knowing that other person knows you enough to understand. In a way, it is letting go of your attachment, I believe. At times, there are some bad experiences, which let you be grateful for learning the lessons. Upgrading!

Stand on your feet

Most importantly, traveling with new friends lets you be independent again. You don’t expect the other person to know how you like your coffee or if you sleep with your socks on or not or that you are afraid of darkness. You have to take care of yourself and be responsible for whatever happens to you. This is difficult when you are with the people who know you well; there some perks about that too, though.

Finding yourself back

It also helps you heal when you need to. You might not have to share some problems that you face in your life and simply let those slide back for some time till you gain your sanity and fighting spirit back. Lets you be stronger!

Never say no if you can really make it!