Adventure travel changes lives, no embellishment necessary. But the hard truth of the matter is that real life awaits us on the other side, whether we like it or not. The transition back to our urban reality can either be easy or ugly. So how are you coping? Here are five signs you’re suffering from adventure withdrawal.
1 » You’re Victimized By Reverse Culture Shock
So much for culture shock, how ‘bout reverse culture shock!? Many of us take the necessary mental energy to prepare for the unforeseen social differences of our destination, but few of us prepare for the impact it has on our worldview and subsequent return home. Our best friends seem weird. Our oldest routines seem pointless and wrong. Our world seems askew. The cure? It’s your choice between time and more travel. I prefer the latter, but sometimes am forced to settle for the former.
2 » You Are Experiencing a Sudden Rush of Life
On the other end of the spectrum, an adventure can invigorate us with a burst of ambition and energy. Adventure travel thrusts us into such an active and “yes-I-can” lifestyle that it has wonderful residual effects on our home-lives. People who have always simultaneously loved and neglected nature are prone to opening up to adventure in their hometown upon return.
3 » Altered Public Behaviour
It is a common opinion that one’s hometown setting isn’t exactly a friendly environment (more so for cities). People are busy, have places to go, and no time for anything in between. Conversely, travelling abroad teaches us to open up to our neighbours and invite their stories into our lives. Travellers returning home are often enlightened with this new connection to our fellow man/women. The trick is to make it last!
4 » You’re Making Unusual Orders While Dining
A keen sense of adventure takes on many facets. One of my favourites is food! Although we all agree that food shouldn’t be boring and predictable, how come we let it be just that by ordering safe and familiar dishes every time? It is the mark of an adventure-convert to order meals they cannot pronounce!
5 » You Find Yourself Bargaining in Retail Stores
After bargaining down the Guatemalan street merchant for your new multi-coloured pancho, you caught a glimpse of microeconomics at its finest. Unfortunately, Nordstrom isn’t as flexible. It’s worth a shot though, right?
