According to Wikipedia, identity refers to the beliefs, qualities, personality, expressions, or looks that make a person or a group. People of different ethnic backgrounds often have some distinct physical features.
Even experienced plastic surgeons tell people it’s important to maintain ethnic identity and not try to be like others. A psychological identity is associated with self-esteem, self-image, and individuality.
When you travel around the world, you come across diverse cultures and people with different beliefs. You don’t have to like everything about those cultures, but you can’t be disrespectful or condescending either.
You must strike a balance so that you can appreciate the diversity, enjoy your journey, and still be yourself. Do you know how to keep your identity and be true to yourself when traveling? Below are some tips that can guide you on this.
Tips on How To Keep Your Identity And Be True To Yourself When Traveling The World
Immerse Yourself: Discover the World Beyond Your Comfort Zone
Traveling around the world is a great way to discover different cultures and ethnicities. You’ll go beyond your comfort zone and try new things and adventures you haven’t experienced before.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and understand the customs of the local people. If you do so, you can understand them better and see yourself from their standpoint. You’ll also appreciate what you are and notice the similarities and differences.
Here’s how you can immerse yourself in the local culture when traveling:
- Learn a bit of the place’s local dialect, especially the pleasantries.
- Visit local old folks and learn about their ancestors.
- Visit museums to know the history and culture of the place that you’re visiting, such as Wat Arun’s towers of Bangkok, Thailand.
- Try the place’s authentic cuisine. You probably want to try Mexican tacos or Chinese hotpot.
RECOMMENDED: Everything you need to know before visiting Bangkok, Thailand
Learn to Accept Others As You Accept Yourself
Remember, just as those people are different, you are different too. You should appreciate and respect them for what they are and accept them. Similarly, there’s no need to lose your identity by trying to be them. That’ll not be natural and won’t work.
When you’re travelling, explore and discover yourself, see what other people do, and experience the beauty of nature. Unleash your beauty and capabilities in ways you never imagined when you were at home. Just be yourself and give due respect because they’re different and you are too. If you go a little out of the way to respect the locals, they’ll respect and welcome you even more.
Here are some of the traditions and practices that show self-identity:
- Tattooing: Skin tattooing is a symbol of pride and honor among the wealthy and famous in ancient times, like in Cairo, Egypt, and the ethnic tribes in the Philippines.
- Body Piercing: Lip and tongue piercings were popular in African and American tribal cultures, as well as in Ancient India and Ancient Rome.
- Others: Rituals, wearing turbans, wearing beads and ethnic accessories, body painting, etc.
Practice what you want and retain what you have as part of your identity. You can wear a necklace made by the locals to show that you like their culture. On the other hand, a hand-made scarf from your country will show the locals that you respect your culture.
Backpacker Tour: Explore with Independent or Solo Travel
When you start walking in a country, your inspiration becomes real, allowing you to experience what travel stories mean. It’s when you start to discover your identity by experiencing things you’ve avoided for a very long time.
For example, go on a backpacker tour to discover yourself or you can opt for a solo tour. Personally, a solo trip after divorced forever changed my life.
In case you are wondering, a backpacker tour refers to a trip without a fixed itinerary. Backpacker tours aren’t planned out, so you can see more places and spend as much time in one area as you want. Because of a flexible timeframe, you can stay at places that you like and avoid those that are ‘too different’ for your liking.
Further, with backpacker tours, you have a higher chance of making new friends among the locals. Backpacker tours allow you to see the beauty of the world and appreciate every creature that lives on the mountains and water bodies.
From eagles, tarsiers, exotic birds, crocodiles, sharks, and other fish, you’ll have the feeling of belongingness and closeness with nature. As you traverse the off-road trails, you can be yourself and embrace the serendipity that you are blessed with. You can live with the locals, eat like them, appreciate their customs, yet showcase your true self without any fear or fervor.
Conclusion
Traveling is a fun and exciting way to discover the world outside your comfort zone. You can discover your identity as you get to explore the world. It’s a great adventure to try.
A solo or backpacker tour, going to new places and meeting strangers that can change your perspective. You’ll be more confident, independent, and inspired by mingling with the locals, being close to nature, and living your precious life to the fullest.
Remember, respect the locals and appreciate their customs. Meet them halfway but respect your identity and remain true to yourself.
