5 Ways Backpacking Can Improve Your Social Skills

Due to the nature of backpacking it is extremely hard not to improve your social skills! Being thrown together with a random group of people from all corners of the world, as well as being in contact with the local community will work wonders on your communication. At 2B Happy we know how important it is to be open to other people’s ideas and thoughts, regardless of who they are or where they are from.

You will meet people with stories to tell

People naturally like talking about themselves and the things they have experienced. It doesn’t matter if you have been travelling before or not, you will have stories to share with people and they with you. Backpacking itself will create even more stories for you to tell on your travels and when you get back home too!

You will learn things from listening

Part of backpacking is learning new things and growing as a person. Listening to what other people have to say can open your mind to varying lifestyles, opinions and ideas. It may also give you things to add to your bucket list or places where you want to travel next. Make the most of your experience by engaging with other people and if there is something someone has shared that particularly interests or intrigues you, ask to know more!

You will be around all ages and backgrounds

In your normal lifestyle you may stick to exclusively being around people of your own age and/or background. This is fine of course but being in an environment where you can mix with varying people will give you a better understanding of different social circles. Age and background shouldn’t be a restriction when you are making friends, so don’t dismiss people you wouldn’t normally hang around with.

You will meet people from different countries

As well as meeting a variety of people from your own country you will meet people from all angles of the globe. From the people you are sharing accommodation with or meet on days out, to the local communities, you will be around people from different countries. This can make you more accepting of different races, ethnicities and religions, allowing you to be more aware of how people may vary considerably to yourself.

You will broaden your foreign language skills

Travelling is an ideal situation to learn new languages. Wherever you are going you have the chance of learning the language/s of the country but also the languages of your fellow travellers. Make a conscious effort to try and learn new words or phrases. Pursuing foreign languages will give you a challenge and something else to add to your life skills.

Start your backpacking experience by booking accommodation with us here at 2B Happy. Our variety of accommodation in Johannesburg in South Africa will suit all travellers. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.