|
Fear Factor
As I mentioned before, what keeps many people (especially Americans) from traveling is the fear factor. They worry unnecessarily about such things as obtaining a passport, getting travel immunizations (shots—yuk!), encountering crime or bad food, or traveling alone. Often times, they end up buying into expensive guided group tours, or the semi-trendy alternative, "eco tours," when what they really want is to see new and interesting places and cultures, at their own pace, while not feeling too vulnerable in their new environment. Not being in familiar surroundings can be very intimidating, but that doesn't mean your new environment is any more dangerous than home. It's only different. When it comes to traveling abroad (and first dates), there’s a fine line between unnecessary fear/trepidation and the excitement of the unknown.
[to top]
Independent Traveling (traveling alone)
 Let's tackle the question of traveling alone. Traveling without a companion is no big deal. In fact, many travelers, such as myself, actually prefer it. You'll find that you will not be traveling alone all the time, and that it's not so lonely out there anyway. In foreign countries, especially non-western ones, travelers tend to congregate in youth hostels, guest houses, certain neighborhoods, pubs, cafés and restaurants, or even on trains and buses. They seek one another out for companionship, to swap stories, to offer tips and site recommendations. More often than not, you will be grouping together for periods and making more friends than you ever thought possible. This is one of the best parts about traveling solo. You may not even make it out of the airport before hooking up with other travelers. My only advice to you about selecting a long-term travel partner is that you make sure that you are compatible, and that you allow each other the option of splitting up if the partnership just isn’t working out. If you are selecting a partner before leaving home, then I suggest that you take a short trip together first.
Another good reason not to have a permanent travel partner is the flexibility to do what you want, when you want.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
[to top]
Buying Habits
As I stated a couple of times already, there is a tendency for new travelers to over-organize and buy expensive, unnecessary items for their impending trip. I will repeat what I said. When it comes down to it, all you really need is money, your passport, an airline ticket, and essential gear. Take no more than is absolutely necessary and can fit in a small to medium-sized backpack. When you leave, whatever you don't have in the way of clothing, you can always buy later when you really need it, and probably for a lot less than your home country. (The notable exception is footwear. Buy it at home or in some other highly developed country or risk having to endure second rate shoes or boots.) Only buy what you need, when you need it; maybe even leave it behind when you don't. Someone can always benefit from that extra pair of pants you were lugging around. Besides, whatever you buy abroad and come home with (now that you have the space) will be a souvenir. (You may wish to visit www.nunomad.com/store for recommendations on the good stuff.)
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
|
