“Traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
The perfect time to leave is now!
The other day I listened to a TED talk. I found myself more motivated than I ever had been to take that leap and JUST GO! Most people harbor a deep rooted desire to explore this Earth, but many of those people will never view travel as a priority. There are any number of things that can hold us back in life; but overcoming those obstacles is worthwhile. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and cannonball into the adventure at least once in your life. Traveling can open your eyes to new experiences if you only make it happen. If this boldness excites you as it does me perhaps it is time to reevaluate your own priorities. The following reasons are my own, my motivation and I hope that they strike a chord with you as well.
Time is running out!
Time is an element that none of us can escape; minutes turn to hours. Hours turn into weeks. Weeks to months, months to years. Time is somehow always present and yet always elusive. The ticking of the clock reminding us that the time we posses isn’t infinite. We don’t have forever, so why not make the most of our time here.
Every minute spent on a couch scrolling through Facebook could have been a minute spent creating a moment. Dreams begin shiny and full of life, but if they are constantly cast aside they fade and in time make their way to that corner of our mind, the “Unaccomplished Dream Box”. Most dreams that enter this box will never come out. Breath life into the dream and take a chance. We create excuses in our heads, that if we take time for ourselves the world will somehow fall apart without us. But if traveling is important to you be flexible. Humans have an amazing ability to make things happen.
It is easier than ever before
Thirty years ago, traveling was a luxury for a privileged few. Flights were far more expensive, the destinations were far fewer, and discounts such as Mile Programs were practically non-existent. Today there are numerous Budget Airlines that offer great deals. In many cases it is cheaper to fly from one European country rather than going out two nights in a row. The world is more connected than ever before and the internet is the most valuable tool a budget traveler has. Couchsurfing, WWOOFing, AirBnb, all available at our fingertips allowing travel on a shoestring budget. With a bit of research it is possible to accomplish your traveling dream cheaper than you would have thought.
There is never a perfect time to travel
Three years ago, I planned a backpacking trip with my girlfriend. I wanted to go to India and SouthEast Asia. I had the perfect picture in my mind of how this trip should be. So when things weren’t perfect I didn’t go. I wanted a great camera to capture the moments, a good backpack and many other silly things. I neglected the true purpose of travelling. Self fulfilment of my dream! Here I am again, three years later. I might have lost that particular chance of going but many other chances await me and it is never too late. After all, the perfect time to travel is when you actually decide you want to go.
It will make you wiser
Very few things will be the same as in your home. You will be exposed to new cultures, new flavours, new sounds and most importantly new people. These experiences force you to get out of your comfort zone and talk to strangers. You become more open minded and tolerant. Most people who have traveled to a land outside of this comfort zone learn how others who are struggling want to be treated. Compassion grows wild in those who travel.
Because it is what you want the most
The desire to travel will always be present in your mind until you take action and JUST GO!
Every second of your life is a potential adventure waiting to be revealed! What excuse could possible be so important that you miss it?