Adventure is Out There!

Traveling, it’s not for everyone but for those brave enough to explore the unknown it can certainly be one of the most rewarding things you can do with your time, energy and money. Adventure isn’t just something you do for fun, it’s something that will change you and even help you grow into someone you never thought you could be.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Since the day I was born I have had the privilege of growing up overseas and travelling around the world with my family; going places, meeting people and trying so many new things. Although a life of being constantly on the move has its fair share of heartbreaks I would not change a second of it. Twenty years down the road and my heart still skips a beat every time I walk through the airport doors, feel the pulling sensation of the plane lifting off the tarmac or finally touching down at my destination.

Of course travelling isn’t the cheapest thing to do with your time and the jetlag is definitely as awful as everyone says it is but there are so many ways to make things easier on yourself.

Budget

Budgeting I cant lie, money is a huge issue when it comes to travelling but there are some pretty smart ways to travel without having to spend a years worth of rent money or selling all of your furniture on craigslist.

1. Frequent Flyer Miles. This is a fairly easy way to get overseas flights without having to spend a thousand dollars on plane tickets. There are several ways to go about this but the most common one today is to make purchases via credit card that will translate into travel point or airlines miles. For information on Frequent Flyer Miles click here and for a list of the best airline credit cards click here.
2. Budgeting. Do some research! Find out how much money you will need to spend on travel, transportation, supplies, hotels, food, sightseeing, leisure, shopping etc. and then compare that to the amount of money you are ready to spend for the trip. If need be you may have to cut out a few things from your travel agenda or save a few extra dollars by cutting things out of your shopping routine.
3. Cut Backs. Americans, on average, spend about $1,092 a year on coffee alone. If you are looking for ways to save extra for that vacation you have always dreamed of. Consider cutting something out of your grocery list, or not buying those new shoes you really want but don’t need, and put the money you would have used for that item into a travel fund.

Jetlag

The do’s and don’ts of jetlag can be tricky but kicking your jetlag to the curb early on will be worth the pain. But no matter how you decide to get rid of your drowsiness remember that you are not as alert as you normally would be and that your safety is much more important than fixing your sleep schedule. If you really start feeling tired it’s ok to sleep!

Do’s:
1. Do engage in activities in a safe environment (talk to people, order food etc. better if you have a friend with you).
2. Do push through the sleepiness as much as possible.
3. Do drink lots of water (and occasionally a cup of coffee).
4. Do try to stay awake as long as you can and sleep in as long as possible.
5. Do stay alert. (splash yourself with cold water if you must).

Don’t’s
1. Don’t go out if you have been or feel like you may start drifting off.
2. Don’t wander around alone (when you are jetlagged you become less aware of your surroundings).
3. Don’t take naps during the day.
4. Don’t get up before 5am no matter how awake you feel (unless you actually have plans that early)
5. Don’t do anything that could be dangerous. Obviously!

For more information on jetlag and how to cope with it visit WebMD here.

Where To Go

There are so many places in the world and so many new things to try so where do you start? Anywhere you feel like it! Is there something you have always wanted to see or do? Start there! The world is so full of adventure and you get to explore it, so go wherever you feel lead and your feet will do the rest. My best advice for people looking to travel is to always take a friend, because often times its not where you go but who you are with that makes all the difference, plus its more fun to share adventures with other people.

For advice on top travel spots in 2015 visit this site and for more travel information visit TripAdvisor here.

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Coming Home

Just remember that going on adventures tends to change a person, you may come back home at the end of it but home will never really look the same and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just be aware that those who get to experience new places and cultures will often find some things strange when they return home and that's totally normal. For an interesting and thorough explanation on culture shock visit this blog.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” ― Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

Wherever you do decide to travel just remember to enjoy the ride and experience as much as you possibly can while you have the time. Always remember that adventure is out there and its calling your name!