As probably everyone in this world, I love traveling, exploring what the world has in store for me including people, cities, and countries. Hitting unfamiliar destinations is one of the very best ways to learn about ourselves, create lifelong memories, and immerse yourself in new cultures. When it comes to finding a place to stay I can now say for sure, a hostel is my go-to option when I want to push my mental boundaries and to step out of my comfort zone while traveling. Finding cheap flights and scoring great deals on hotels is always fun for me, and I always consider it as a tool that helps me learn and deal with different things and situations. Planning your own travels and breaking through your comfort zone come hand in hand. Thus you can’t say you’ve experienced the area without getting outside of your comfort levels. Here’s a short story.

How Traveling Helps You Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Several years ago I decided to set off for Sri Lanka. My budget wasn’t big, so it was going to be a no-frills trip. I called my buddy and asked if he could join me. He agreed and we started planning.

We were about to go through an ordinary trip planning process – buying plane tickets, booking accommodation, packing backpacks. We set the departure date and picked the accommodation, and I proceeded with the rest part of the process. After providing the necessary information for the booking engine, it was only a matter of time before e-tickets appeared in my mailbox.

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However, after receiving a message and opening it I was a bit confused. The tickets came with the wrong date. Apparently, I made a typo when inputting data late at night. As a result, we ended up with tickets that were to bring us to Bandaranaike International Airport a day earlier. And what is even more unpleasant at night. The tickets were non-refundable. Still we decided to go anyway to avoid paying fees and venture out of our comfort zone.

As we landed we in Sri Lanka we were happy to feel that gentle breeze and lovely September weather. Taxi drivers were trying to pick up airport passengers, while tuk-tuk drivers were very keen on getting new customers. Wattala – our destination – was around 22 kilometers (14 miles) away. It was 1 am and we were eager to finally get some sleep.

After making a decision of taking a tuk-tuk ride we were suddenly approached by a teenage boy. He asked us if we were going to Wattala. After standing irresolute for a couple of seconds he offered to give us a lift. But we were expected to only pay for gas. Still wondering what he was up to, we approached the old pickup truck with an open cargo area full of straw bales, rusty pipes, and construction materials.

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After recovering from the confusion we decided to go and very soon we found ourselves in the back of a pickup rushing along the highway. It turned out that straw bales, rusty pipes, and building supplies were supposed to be used in a new house, which they bought near our accommodation. It took some time before we actually knew there was a reason for that offer.

Stepping out of your comfort zone in Sri Lanka during the inter-monsoon period can become an eye-opening experience. Not only the region has a lower chance of rain but you get an opportunity to explore all these hidden gems in the inner parts of the island. On the next day, we rented a scooter to give ourselves the freedom to do just that.

Driving a scooter in Dri Lanka is quite an experience. Especially if you have never done it before. Since the country enjoys a calm, tranquil, and spiritual lifestyle, you can expect most of the roads outside big cities to be quiet, with only light traffic. While I strongly encourage you to get driving experience and skills before visiting Sri Lanka, riding a scooter there is a great way for stepping out of your comfort zone.

It turned out that my friend has a different type of travel personality. While I tend to slowly explore the region step by step, he is more of a beachgoer. Sri Lanka has so much to offer, so it really doesn’t matter what activities you’re into. To be frank, I like almost all types of activities available in Sri Lanka. But there is never enough time to do and try everything.

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On the next day, we were sitting on the steps of our modest dwelling and planning our trip to the Pettah market in Colombo. We were laughing and discussing our unconventional journey. Suddenly, the same teenage boy approached us and offered a good discount on the stuff his uncle was selling in the Pettah market.

It was another confusing situation, but we decided to benefit from such a generous gesture. Sometimes life has a way of surprising you! It turned out that the teenage boy and his dad who gave us a lift just two days earlier run out of gas near the airport. By asking us to go with them they were only trying to reach their home. They felt embarrassed about telling the truth that night, that is why they now wanted to return the favor. Of course, we gladly took advantage of such an opportunity.

If you’re going to Colombo consider paying Pettah market a visit. I can barely think of a better way to step outside of your comfort zone. Although busy, hectic, and hard to navigate through, Pettah is the right place if you want to see the real, down-to-earth local life. Filled with people, tuk-tuks, and cows, this expansive market is very popular amongst the locals. It provides a chance of honing your haggling skills.

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When we arrived the market was very busy with people walking, eating, and selling virtually everything ranging from street food to suitcases. By far, the most overwhelming part of visiting Pettah is how complicated getting around the market can be.

Exploring a winding maze of interconnected streets can make you feel physically and emotionally drained. It would be wise to get appropriate footwear before you go. It took us twenty minutes to find the compartment. While I wasn’t spoiled for choice, I still enjoyed this improvised shopping experience.

A word of warning though. While shopping in the Pettah market is significantly cheaper than anywhere else in Colombo, I don’t think it’s for travelers looking for authentic Sri Lankan products. However, you must go there for cheap t-shirts, yummy food, freshly ground spices, and authentic local flavor.

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When you’re visiting Pettah you’ll be intimidated by all of the new sights, sounds, and strangers. You’ll soon notice that the best way to break the barrier is to start up a conversation. We were lucky to meet the boy’s uncle because we gained so many insights into the city. He also made us feel so much more comfortable about traveling there. I was very curious about local life. And locals definitely appreciate when foreigners are eager to learn more about their culture.

On the other hand, it requires a bit of preparation to venture into such places. Whether it’s cultural differences, the language barrier, or unfamiliar food, you must be ready to take that risk. Calculated risk-taking helps you to grow as an individual and make the most of your time in a foreign country.

If you stay within your comfort zone relaxing on the beach all the time, instead of exploring and trying new things, you won’t make the most of your time traveling. By sticking to the same few places or destinations, you may unintentionally be closing yourself off to many of these amazing life lessons that eventually can make you a better person.

I found the Pettah neighborhood to be generally safe to visit. However, due to crowds, you should beware of pickpockets and scams. Jumping out of your comfort zone is an integral part of traveling, and it’s often very rewarding. Some people think that stepping out of their comfort zone involves extreme. In fact, it doesn’t have to. Whether you into learning about other countries or understanding people of other cultures, pinpointing your travel fears is the first step to getting outside of your comfort levels.

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