Peer pressure – it’s all bad, right? Sure, it’s never nice to feel as if you have to do something against your will because you’re not cool. Usually, we say “no thanks” and move onto the next one because we are sensible. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

The thing is, peer pressure changes when you go travelling. That doesn’t mean it goes away, far from it, or that it’s always positive, but it’s not as negative. Often, the gentle push in the back is the friendly nudge of a person trying to get you to let go. And, let’s face it – letting your hair down on holiday isn’t a bad thing.

 

Here are the five benefits of peer pressure while travelling that you might not know exist until now.

 

Booking Flights

 

You haven’t even boarded a flight yet and you’re feeling the pressure from friends and family to expand your horizons. Rather than see it as suffocating, try and look at it for what it is – an opportunity. You want to get away yet haven’t got around to planning a trip, and you might not any time soon. Sadly, it’s easy to make excuses and get stuck in a rut.

 

Thankfully, the peer pressure coaxes you into taking the leap and experiencing an adventure of a lifetime. When you’re out there, it’s not uncommon to think, “why did it take me so long?” The answer is the lack of pressure. So, grab your phone and send them a message because they deserve a drink on your return home.

 

Without them, you wouldn’t be meeting new people and seeing the world one city at a time.

 

Not Missing Out

 

Ah, FOMO: the Fear Of Missing Out. It affects everybody at some point, even if you’re thousands of miles away in a hostel sharing a room with strangers. You see a group of people having a good time and you want the same thing for yourself because it looks like fun.

 

Well, you can if you let peer pressure take hold. The great thing about the travel community is its inclusiveness; randomers involve you regardless. It’s tempting to decline the invite and watch from afar, but you’ll miss out on the action. Instead, let the calming, melodic notes of the local hippy encourage you to take a risk. The worst that can happen is that you politely make an excuse and go to bed. There is no harm; no foul.

 

You’ll find that the best experiences happen spontaneously, and peer pressure eggs you on to be extra impulsive.

 

Kicking The Habit

 

Trying new things is a positive because it broadens your horizons. Things you didn’t think were possible suddenly become feasible. Are you a smoker? Have you ever tried an e-cigarette? If the answer is no, a gentle push from somebody trying to quit could revolutionise your health. Then, you learn about RDA and vape liquid strengths and take it to a whole new level. 

 

Okay, there is also the flip side of the coin. Liberal drinkers, smokers, and drug users will offer you harder stuff that is detrimental to your health, and the choice is yours and yours alone. Remember that most things are okay as long as they are in moderation.

 

For taking your health seriously, your body salutes you!

 

Pushing The Envelope 

 

Sometimes, it’s not easy to take risks without someone else to come along for the ride. While travelling, there are dozens of opportunities to push yourself to the limit and try new things, yet some of them pass you by. Peer pressure helps you to see the bigger picture and experience while you’re in the moment.

 

From scuba diving to swimming with sharks and climbing volcanoes, there is once-in-a-lifetime stuff that is unmissable. However, you’ve got to seek it out because it won’t fall in your lap. The initial peer pressure of others is all you need, usually.

 

Why? It’s because the adrenaline rush is hard to replicate and the only way to get the feeling again is to continue to push the envelope.

 

Doing It Again

 

Finally, your friends will encourage you to do it all again somewhere down the line. Knowing they are out there having an incredible time will make you want to join them and get the band back together. Plus, it’s not as if they won’t send tons of messages and pictures telling you to get your arse back out there ASAP!

 

When peer pressure forces you out of your comfort zone, it’s almost always a formative experience.