Hey guys,
I seek to find a life-changing travel experience.
Next year, in December/January, I have just over one month of free time in which I want to travel somewhere, solo, and possibly have a 'life changing' experience - or at least some kind of amazing experience that will impact me in some way - I want to learn, travel and discover.
I have an unlimited budget, but within reason of course (i.e. no super yachts or private jets.) However, if I'm travelling I'd prefer to stay in hostels or go on a tour or program or something so I can meet people.
About me: I'm a female, eighteen years old, from Australia, and I speak fluent English, a bit of Spanish and conversational Japanese - I'm tough, resilient and love adventure, and have travelled solo before (but not as a backpacker yet.)
Preferably I'd like it to be some sort of journey, or it could be volunteering - as long as it's not voluntouristing. Ideas I've had so far are: trekking in the Himalayas without technology, teaching English to Tibetan refugee monks in India, working on micro-finance projects in Ghana. Interesting stuff like that. But most of those ideas aren't really viable because of the time of year / my age.
So yeah, give me your thoughts! What amazing life experiences have you had while travelling? What have you accomplished in one month?
Sarah xx
I am not sure what you mean by a "life changing experience" but if you want to go outside your Australian comfort zone then I suggest either Nepal or India, as you seem to be thinking that way anyway. I cannot comment on Ghana but the Ebola situation might be worth considering.
My first big trip outside Europe without my parents was three months in India and it certainly exposed me to things that I had never even imagined - both good and bad. I have no idea if you can teach English to Tibetan monks but you can certainly immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest, most complex, most interesting, and most challenging cultures. Just doing the normal tourist round will achieve that. No need to seek out an "amazing experience" - India will find you. As a solo eighteen year old female India might be a bit too much and there are real security issues that you should consider carefully. You would need to be "tough and resilient" but the rewards could be huge.
Nepal might be a safer choice. It is possible, if cold, to trek in the major areas such as Everest Base Camp in Dec/Jan. Search TT for detailed information. There is plenty of it. The female alone issue does still apply but not as much as in India. The key is to find a good and safe guide. Again, search TT for comments on that. The Kathmandu Valley would also offer you an old Hindu culture to explore with less hassle than in India.
Wherever you go stay safe and have a great time!
Missed this one yesterday (When she was 'Afghani')
But Afghani didn't work because, as I pointed out, what Afghani parent would allow their eighteen year old daughter to travel the world alone? So she's now 'Australian'. I wonder if she's even a 'she'?*
Why would an eighteen year old need to have a life-changing' adventure?
Seems to me you're a much older person, trying to put together some ideas for 'amazing' tours. Is this a college assignment, or have you been asked to do this to secure a job?
No, sorry - I don't buy it.
Oh my god. I am a real person. Get over yourself. Eighteen year olds, uh, have brains you know? I'm just sick and tired of this school system, and I want to do something DIFFERENT. Yeah, I get that you can't really pick a life changing adventure, but I posted this mid-exam in desperation that SOMEONE on this forum for people who love travelling - which I only discovered yesterday, hence the bare profile and error in country location (notice: Afghanistan is the first option on the dropdown box where you pick your country. I couldn't be effed to choose one, okay?) - would have some amazing experience to share that could possibly inspire me to go down the same track. I don't work for some travel company. I'm not some internet robot or something. I'm a real person, with real feelings, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and all I wanted was to here what experiences other people have had while travelling - I just wanted something to brighten my day, okay? Is that too much to ask?
(And yes, I did post on multiple forums because I wanted responses FAST - i.e. before my silly brain reminded me that this was in fact procrastination and I did in fact have exams the next day.)
(And yes again, I am going to copy and paste this reply to your comment in the other forum, okay? Just so everyone understands that i am NOT A ROBOT or from Afghanistan. Thanks.)
Thanks!! This is so helpful! Totally agree India sounds like a good idea, but I guess I'll probs have to go with an organisation because I'm a young girl and yeah, it could be a bit too much. But sooo keen on Everest Base Camp! It's something I've wanted to do for years. Thanks!
You are most welcome. I have no idea what mothercourage is on about. With such a positive attitude I'm sure that you will really enjoy whatever you do.
I've been to Everest Base Camps in both Nepal and Tibet. They were great experiences but there was nothing life-changing about them. If you want to do something life-changing it really depends on what it is that you want to change about your life. But I did have the following ideas for you:
get pregnant;
become a drugs smuggler; or
join the Hare Krishnas
Hope that helps.
trusted partner
