STOP WAITING FOR THE PERFECT TIME TO TRAVEL

September 7, 2023

As the sun rises on a new year, we look out on the horizon and commit to being a better version of ourselves. And often one of those commitments is travel.

This year we will travel more, we say.

We ponder the exotic locations we hope to find ourselves in.

We think of the adventures we’ll go on and the people we’ll meet.

We begin to formulate plans, research trips, and save money.

But, as the year progresses, most will abandon those dreams, forever pushing them off as life throws them curveballs that derail their aspirations.

Chances are, you’ll find a reason why today just isn’t the right day.

“Tomorrow,” you’ll say. “Today isn’t perfect, and I just have too many things to do. Now is not the right time.”

The “right time” is usually when you have more money or more time off, or when things aren’t so “crazy.”

Then you’ll be able to travel. The stars need to align a little more, and things need to be a little less busy.

But here’s a secret: it’s never going to be the right time to travel.

The idea that the stars will align and you’ll find the perfect day to step out of your door and into the world is fantasy.

Today might not be the perfect day — but neither is tomorrow.

Tomorrow, you’ll find another excuse why you can’t go.

Tomorrow, there will still be more bills to pay.

Tomorrow, there still won’t be “enough” money.

Tomorrow, there will still be someone’s wedding or birthday party to attend.

Tomorrow, there will still be more planning to do.

Tomorrow, people you know will still sow the seeds of doubt in your head.

Tomorrow, you’ll still worry about all the bad stuff that might happen to you.

Tomorrow, you still won’t know if you’re making the right decision.

Tomorrow, you will still second-guess yourself.

Tomorrow, something else will come up and you’ll say to yourself, “Today isn’t the right day. Let’s try again tomorrow.”

Tomorrow will never be perfect.

Because there is no such thing as perfection.

I mean, doesn’t it feel like so much of adult life is saying, “Next week will just be a little better” — knowing full that next week is not going to be any less crazy than this week?

The hardest part of any journey is stepping out the door. And one of the key components to making that first step easier is to understand that the stars will never align and there will never be the right moment to travel.

You just have to go. You have to leap. You have to trust yourself that it will all work out.

Because it will.

If I had waited for the perfect day when my friend said he would join (he never did) or when I had just a bit more money, I’d still be home in my cubicle job.

Back then, I was constantly worried I hadn’t saved enough money. I was constantly worried I didn’t have the skills to survive on the road.

There was always a reason to put off my trip.

But sometimes, you just have to take the leap and go for it. Ships aren’t meant to stay in a harbor. You weren’t meant to stay at home and wonder “what if?”

Because one day, you’ll run out of tomorrows.

And you’ll be filled with nothing but sadness and regret.

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