Dare to Dream

Traveling can be daunting… Trust me, I know. Having visited 45 countries and completed a 2-year trip around the world, I get it. I’ve been there. The research. The planning. The saving. The preparation. The packing (my own personal nemesis…). International travel is a lot to undertake and can be overwhelming.

So … why do it?

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‍‍For those of us that have traveled before, we know the answer- we KNOW that it’s worth it, because we’ve reaped the rewards- the incredible experiences, the life-changing lessons, the new friends and unique adventures… We know that there’s nothing quite like the rush of breathing new air, air you've never breathed before; there’s nothing quite like the sensation of your feet feeling new ground, your eyes exploring every detail of a new land and landscape… It’s thrilling, validating, life-giving. In the end, it’s why we travel.

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So, you might be thinking ‘That’s great, Nick, but I HAVEN’T traveled before, and I’m really not sure I want to… I don’t know where to begin, I can’t imagine planning a trip myself, and to be quite honest, my body just ain’t what it used to be… It seems like too much of a headache, and I’m not sure I could even handle it… It’s just not worth it.’

To that I say SACRILEGE!!! Blasphemy!!! OK, maybe it’s not THAT extreme but still- there is something in the human heart that was made for exploring, something in our makeup that causes us to wonder, to wander. Ignoring that- or worse, snuffing it out- is denying that part of our human nature, and inevitably leads to a dulling of the senses and a numbness creeping into what is meant to be a vibrant and engaging life.

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‘You’re crazy, Nick…’ Maybe, maybe not. Scientific research has long shown that those who engage in outdoor adventures, those who travel, those who pursue their dreams of exploration live happier, more fulfilling lives. That’s not me saying it- that’s science.

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When you think about it, it makes sense that those who challenge themselves, those who step out of their comfort zone, those who actually choose to LIVE their lives experience the benefits- they’re the ones taking the risk. A wise man once said, ‘You have to risk it to get the biscuit…’. Now, I don't know who this wizened sage was, but it appears that, at least in the case of travel and adventure, he was correct.

So, what do you do? Why, you travel of course! There’s a whole world out there, just waiting to be explored. Where have you always wanted to go, just have never had the chance? What have you always wanted to experience, but have never had the opportunity to explore? When you close your eyes and dare to envision places you’ve only dreamt of visiting, what do you see?

Go on, do it- don't be afraid… Engage. Let it start to grow and develop; let it take shape in your mind…

And now, you have a place to start…

But guess what? You’ve already started. You’ve already taken that first crucial step. You’re on this website, reading this blog… You're beginning to explore to possibilities, and that alone is letting yourself dare to dream…

Click the ‘Explore Trips’ tab at the top of the page and see what catches your eye. Pay attention to what you find yourself reading about; notice what happens when you start imagining what exploring that particular place might entail…

Let the dreaming commence- The Adventure is about to begin!

Nick Tilley

Fit 4 Adventure Blog Contributor and Adventure Guide

Adventure Travel Specialist

www.BackpackU.com