Book the Trip!

There’s a big difference between saying you’re going to travel, and actually booking the flights and going. For a long time I’d go on about wanting to do a big spontaneous Europe trip, but it took about seven years to actually get the courage and jet off.

Obviously there are a lot of life factors to consider, and the way I have gone about my trip is not for everyone. I also acknowledge the privileged position I am in to not have the responsibilities that others may, and to have earned the money that I did to allow for this trip, as well as for the family I have who are understanding of my decision to travel.

For me it was the perfect storm of finally admitting to burnout, a concoction of mental health issues that needed my attention, and a general f*ck it attitude that led me to be in a position of limited responsibilities (and consequences associated).

Whatever your circumstances though, for us all there is a universal hesitation that exists. An ability for us humans to come up with a thousand reasons we shouldn’t do something. Be it related to finances, career, family, and many others, we have a tendency to associate travel with impeding other areas of our life, rather than adding value. This is not to say that there aren’t commitments and barriers in the way, but more to make you aware that there always will be. There will always be an excuse for why you shouldn’t go, and the more you put it off, the greater the barriers will become - more senior roles, more serious relationships, and so on.

Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that could happen? If I book this trip/quit my job/take time off etcetera, what could actually go wrong, and will it negatively impact my life?