Think group travel isn’t for you because you’re an introvert? We hear you, but this month’s SOLO has another take on it… Also this month we hear how Jessica – a Flashpacker who recently traveled to Iceland – overcame body self consciousness on the trip of a lifetime, and how friendship is essential for our mental health. Read on to find out more…
NERVOUS ABOUT GROUP TRAVEL? HERE’S WHY IT WORKS FOR INTROVERTS
Anna Brech
There may be some trepidation when it comes to group travel – especially for introverts. Seeking quiet time is essential for so many of us, but not everyone operates that way. And while there may be some angst at being surrounded by extroverts on Flash Pack trips, this is not the reality. How so? Well, Flash Pack groups are small, so you’re never overwhelmed by a crowd, and everyone is in their 30s and 40s, which creates a community on a similar wavelength. There’s time for bonding experiences and downtime, the chance to opt in, but also opt out. In fact, there are so many ways that introverts feel at home on Flash Pack adventures. Read more below.
I’VE STRUGGLED WITH WEIGHT MY WHOLE LIFE. THIS TRIP CHANGED EVERYTHING
Jessica Hruby
“I’m a lifelong chubby girl,” says Flashpacker, Jessica. “I’ve struggled with weight my whole life and I’ve always felt that there are certain things that I can’t do because I’m too big.” It was a trip to Iceland – following the death of two close friends in their 40s – that helped Jessica overcome the body self consciousness that she describes as being “core to her identity” Instead of aiming to lower her dress size to then be the “socially acceptable” size to travel, she “flipped the script” and used Flash Pack’s Iceland adventure as motivation to build fitness and endurance. She worried that she’d be the slowest on the trip, or that she’d be too heavy for the activities. In fact, the trip couldn’t have been further from her fears. Read Jessica’s inspiring story below.
WHY FRIENDSHIP COULD BE THE KEY TO BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
Anna Brech
The past few years have wreaked havoc on mental health, with the pandemic alone sparking a 25% increase in anxiety and depression. While it can’t solve everything, friendship is a vital source of support and energy – something social scientist have known for years. And while the quantity of friendships may decrease as the years go on, the quality increases: social research shows that small high-quality social networks trump high numbers that can feel less satisfying. From boosting our self-esteem to being a buffer for stress, read on to hear how friendships help us navigate what life throws at us.
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