What saying YES to Travel Really Means

What saying YES to Travel Really Means

Traveling is a great way to face your fears or come out of your shell. You will become open to new experiences, opportunities, and people you meet along the way. A good way to succeed at this is to say yes more. It is a very liberating word and can lead to wonderful things if you let it. It is also a way to break old habits. Perhaps the old you would say no to a night out with friends or to going away for the weekend. Maybe you had reasons like saving for a trip. Maybe you didn’t. Maybe you were in a funk that kept you down and unsociable. Well the old you is just that. That person needs to be left at home. The new you says yes to a night out with friends. The new you says yes to adventure. The new you says yes to the unknown. When you are traveling and say no to something, think about what you are actually saying yes to. Yes to staying the same. Yes to inexperience. Yes to the mundane. Aren’t these all things you left behind?

Say Yes to Adventure

Maybe you are not adventurous by nature and have always resented that. Maybe you have turned down opportunities in the past to try things like down hill skiing, hang gliding, or bungee jumping. Maybe you had no real reason to say no other than fear. While traveling you will be given plenty of opportunities to conquer your fears. You will have a choice whether or not to accept your old self or move on. Saying yes to these opportunities can provide a thrill that maybe you didn’t know existed. It is also saying yes to meeting other people in your same situation. Those other people can lead to other great experiences if you let them.

Say Yes to People

Many of us have barriers up for people we do not know. We have become numb to our surroundings and often shut out those around us. Backpacking around the world will present people from all walks of life that will want in. Fellow travellers can offer up tips and stories that are invaluable when deciding where to go next. Some can offer companionship or a drinking partner. Some people will see you as a handout, which can ruin your interactions with others. The key here is some will see you that way, not all. Listen to what people have to say before judging them. Not all are looking for money. For those that are, maybe you are in a situation to help or volunteer your time. Be open to that idea.

Say Yes to Impulses

Maybe you are not the most spontaneous person in the world. Your friends call you “Steady Eddy” as you never throw caution to the wind. When approached with something random and fun you come up with a boring or lame excuses not to do it. This is no way to live and you know it. Traveling will present many chances to be spontaneous and can lead to feeling incredibly free if you allow it. Saying yes to spontaneity is saying yes to fun. Say yes to fun.

Say Yes to Culture

Maybe you are a fussy eater or have an inexperienced pallet. Be prepared to open up your taste buds to the new and wonderful. Admittedly it is nice once and awhile to go with what you know. It’s easy to walk into a McDonalds in Tokyo and order a Big Mac. You know what you are getting and your order will be understood but where is the fun in that? Where is the adventure? You have been given an amazing opportunity to grow. Don’t waste your calories on meals you can have back home. Experience local delicacies. Not all will be to your tastes but guaranteed you will be surprised at what you find and what you like. Learn to appreciate fresh and locally sourced ingredients and how they are prepared around the world.

Saying Yes to Travel is Saying YES to Life

Bottom line – ensure you are open to what the world has to offer. Not all travel experiences happen by osmosis. You have to accept them and allow for change. If so you will be given experiences that will last a lifetime. They will come home with you. They will help you grow. They will inspire others. All from saying yes to travel. When I find myself shutting out life around me now I remind myself of how great life is while traveling. I remember what saying yes to travel has given me and how in return saying yes now can give back.

Remember to be open. Accept what is coming and say YES to travel.

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Saying YES to travel cover photo by *_Abhi_* via Flickr CC