As a serial planner, chronic worrier, and recovering perfectionist, let’s be honest, these principles to abide by during our travels are more for me than Mike. We even talked about having a code word we could easily deploy in situations where I was straying from my own principles!
When I sat down to think about the type of traveler I will strive to be over the next 18 months or so, here is what I came up with when putting pen to paper.
- Be present. Don’t think about the next city you’re traveling to. Or where you might be living in two years, or working in five. Dreaming and wishing and working towards your goals fueld you for the past three years, but you’re here now.
- Embrace the fact that this trip will not be perfect. Flight delays. Missed trains. Illness. Less than stellar meals. Bad weather. These are all part of the adventure and there would be less interesting stories to share without them.
- Say yes more than you say no. Spend the extra money. Stay out late. Get un-cozy and outside your comfort zone.
- Find the beauty and adventure in exploring the cities, not just the mountains and lakes. Embrace the chaos and the crowds.
- Talk to people. Locals and tourist alike. Be less guarded. Hear their stories. Ask for their recommendations.
- RELAX. Do not try to, or worry about, seeing and eating every “best” thing in every place. Pick what is most important and leave the rest. Allow time to relax at a cafe with a glass of wine and a book. Have lazy days in the sun.
