¡Gracias por compartir! / Thanks for sharing!

“…if you are someone who wants to travel, but have not done it yet; maybe because you haven’t found the courage, or feel a bit scared to go out there, I want to share with you what inspires me to travel, what makes me happy when I do it…”

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I assure you, I have never felt so trapped before. It’s been a year since the pandemic hit and I feel unease. Vaccine process has started in many countries, it’s going well and fast. In my country, things are different; it will take longer to vaccine everyone.

On the other hand, my travel documents need to be renewed, and due to the current situation, it’s taking way longer than usual to issue them, which makes me more anxious.

By the end of 2019, I had my 2020 planned. It was Peru in January, USA in August, and Spain in September. Those were my plans, but not destiny’s plans, I suppose.

Technically, is not that bad, but I have a restless soul. You can get to know it better through this post, which I wrote for In-Company Ec.

I try not to think much about this matter, but the idea this summer, is to activate touristic movement in many countries, including mine, since it is a very important industry for the world’s economy. In some countries, most of the population has already been vaccinated, which means that some will try to travel for summer vacations, and that’s great; of course, keeping the safety procedures.

If you are a traveler, I’d love to know what inspires you to do so (I love to read other people’s life experiences).

And if you are someone who wants to travel, but have not done it yet; maybe because you haven’t found the courage, or feel a bit scared to go out there, I want to share with you what inspires me to travel, what makes me happy when I do it:

1. The oxygen

Ok, how do I explain this…? Every time I arrive to a new city, the air is different, its density, its smell, everything. That feeling impregnates in my memory forever. It is very real; when you arrive to a city for the first time, the air you breathe, plus the excitement you feel for seeing something new, stays in your mind, and it is an awesome feeling.

2. The food

This is something I always think about when I plan to travel somewhere new. I love to eat and I love to try typical dishes from the country I visit, its sweets, drinks, everything. I am a bit of a coward when it comes to certain dishes. My dad, who has traveled to much more places than me, has tried dishes I would never dare to try; but still, what I always look for on the menu are the typical dishes from the area.

If you are intolerant to certain products, or have allergies, no problem, there is always something typical you can try, sweet or savory. In addition, I recommend you to bring some digestion medicine, in case something affects your stomach. The adventure is about trying new things.

3. The touristic sites

When you want to visit a new place, you usually know which famous and iconic places you want to see, you take lots of pictures, and it’s mission accomplished.

However, leaving that part aside, the happiness one feels to see a majestic and iconic place is unmeasurable. Sometimes, what you see is so precious, that you don’t even think about taking pictures. You stare and absorb everything. That site stays in your memory forever, and gives you happiness every time you think about it because you feel those emotions again.

I have many precious sights in my mind, but not pictures of many of them. I was so happy looking at everything, that later realized I moved along without taking one pic.

When you travel, try to enjoy both things; take pictures, but take longer to look around you, and see everything without the camera. You will find much more beautiful things.

4. The non-touristic sites

Sometimes you find the simplest things just as fascinating, like the architecture of the city, the transport system, the market place, the local currency, the walks on the park or around the hotel. When you explore on your own, you can find many everyday things that are very different from your city. If you go into a grocery store, you will find new things for you and you will have fund exploring and trying them out.

5. The people

I would be lying if I say that everyone is wonderful and that everything is perfect, because the world is not like that. However, most people are very nice; during your travels, you will meet many of them, and you may form a lifetime friendship with some of them.

I have met some wonderful people along the way, and with many of them, I keep in touch up until today. The oldest friendship I have is with an Italian girl friend who I met at the Galapagos almost 20 years ago. We are still friends and I love her deeply, she is amazing. I was supposed to see her in New York last year (my anxiety came back) …

6. The culture

Getting to know the customs and history of a country is fascinating. It opens your mind and you learn a lot. You can also feel connected to their history, and that’s beautiful because you learn to be more tolerant and respectful to others, which is something our society needs more than ever.

I have always believed that travelers are the ones who possess more of these two qualities: Tolerance and respect.

7. Personal growth

Just the action of leaving your comfort zone is a great step at a personal level. While you travel and experience new things, you also grow as a person, you open your mind and realize that the world is not just where you grew up in. It is filled with much more colors, hues, customs and rituals that you have never seen before. That’s when we grow more as human beings; we learn to value more what we have, and also to have new dreams and not settle for less.

Of course, when you visit a new place, find out about the safe areas and the non-safe areas, and take the usual precautions. Remember, every place has its danger zones, so we must be informed and be careful.

Do you still have doubts about traveling?

Lose your fear of exploring unknown places and start planning your adventure. If you have no one to travel with, let me tell you that, as with everything, you do not need anyone to fulfill a personal dream.

During my last trip to Europe, I met three people who traveled alone, two women and one man, each one from a different corner of the planet (Canada, South Africa and Israel). They had an amazing time and made new friends. On this post, you can read 6 advantages of traveling alone.

Before I go, let me share a quote from Anthony Bourdain:

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.”

Have a great trip!

Xoxo,

MJ

*All pics belong to María José Montalvo. You can see more on my IG personal account.

¡Gracias por compartir! / Thanks for sharing!