I’m starting to realise that full time travel is not for everyone. The more things I experience, the more I think, wow, a lot of people would crumble in this situation. So many people I know personally love their little bubble with people they know, doing the same things. That comfort of the familiar. I love travelling. I love not knowing what’s around the corner, who I am going to meet or when I am going to be staying. It’s all part of the buzz and excitement for me and I wouldn’t change if for the world. So here are my top 5 personality traits I think it helps to have if you want to be a full time traveller. Do you have these?
Adaptability
This is without doubt my number on trait. You just have to be able to adapt to your surroundings. Different people, different cultures and different ways of doing things. If you can’t adapt you are going to be in trouble. This is especially true when you are travelling like me and staying in other people’s houses. Everyone has their own way of doing things and you have to be ok with that. Respect how other people choose to live and go along with it while you are in their home.
People Person
The fact is you aren’t going to have your old friends from back home with you the whole time. So unless you plan on spending your time in your room watching Netflix (which is totally ok btw) then you will need to be confident going out and talking to new people. It really helps if you find this easy and enjoyable! If you are staying with people then its always a good idea to get to know them, it helps the whole dynamic and in some situations is part of the deal (couchsurfing etc is all about sharing your experiences). I also find that by having a wide network of connections online I am able to get information and even places to stay all over the world. Being a people person is an amazingly beneficial personality trait for a traveller.
Problem Solver
No matter how much you plan when travel is involved things always come up that can cause problems. Being able to think fast and on your feet is really helpful. Whether you’re travel is delayed and you need to plan a new route or you are in a country where you can’t speak the language and need to communicate, being able to solve problems is really going to get you out of sticky situations.
Observant
Being aware of your surrounding and being able to figure out situations is actually really important help to keep you safe. If you are good at reading people and dynamics you will probably be able to tell if a situation is about to become hairy, if a person is trustworthy or if you should get yourself out of the situation.
Diplomacy
You ARE going to come into contact with people who have very different views from your own. Having the ability to get your opinions across without offending anyone or being offended yourself takes some skill and tact. Learning how to accept others difference of opinion and agree to disagree is something you will find yourself doing a lot. Also learning to hear criticism and not let it get to you is something you will need to learn fast.
I’d love to hear others thoughts on this. Do you have these personality traits? What have I missed?
Millennial Mum In Business 