Lesson Three

Lesson Three - The World Is not So Big

So, You're setting off on your first adventure across the seas. Getting your first taste of what it's like to live out of a backpack,away from home being unsure as to when you might get a taste of your mums best home cooked dishes or when you might grab a beer in the local pub with your best buddies. All you do know is that when you do you'll have seen a little more of the world.

My first trip away from home, without my family or friends was to Greece when I was 19. I remember at the time thinking how long three months seemed. I also remember not enjoying it that much in the first few weeks. It was too hot, the food tasted strange and I didn't speak the language. It was when I got a week off for a holiday that I began to realise what it was all about. I started to check out all the local towns and get a feel for the culture. I was only a few hours from the City of Thessaloniki...
It had all the things I loved, the windy streets, the skyscraper buildings, little cafes in the square and of course the old, rustic almost ruin buildings that gave it the character and charm I wanted to see.
On my return back to the UK I forgot my pursuit of the world and all its glorious hideaways. I made the mistake of getting into a dangerous frame of mind for a traveler... 'The World Is Too Big'. My home comforts and Tetley Tea bags got the better of me and I packed my backpack away for almost three years, not even venturing abroad for a two week holiday.

Now of course I'm travelling again, trying to make up for lost time. And while I'm in one spot, I'm daydreaming and planning how to get to the next place. My love for Pinterest helps me on the way, which is how I came to realise that the world is not too big. Like many others on Pinterest I had a Travel Board, featuring all things travelly.

The VolksWagen Campervan, the Mountain views, The beaches. All these breathtaking places I want to see. Now I've begun to think of how I'll make it happen. A few months ago, I wasn't sure what was next, with regards to heading home for a break from traveling or staying put. My main reason for having to consider this change was because of my Visa. You have to re-evaluate your plans on occasions such as this. I had decided that if I was to make my way home that I would do it via several stop offs. Which included:  Japan, Thailand, China, Dubai, Italy and France. I figured if I planned each one carefully I could do the trip in two or three months and manage it relatively cheaply. Because we all know that Air Fares can be quite pricey. That is unless you know where to look and how to plan the journey. My aim was (and is) to start with the nearest country. Planning your travels logically and avoiding 'backtracking' as much as possible is very handy. Of course, sometimes it can't be helped and I guess if you end up somewhere twice the benefit is that you could get to see it in an entirely different light the second time around. Knowing the cheapest ways to get around really helps too. As the most part of my plan was covering Asia, the cheapest way for me to fly would have been to use www.AirAsia.com  with the best prices both internally and from my starting location of Australia. 

 Plus, with the internet's ability to post photos of distant countries all on one page, it's hard to believe that world truly is that big these days. One minute you're looking at a photo of The Eiffel Tower in Paris and the next you're being inspired by the palm trees of Hawaii or Bali. They key is not to be overwhelmed by the Daydream. Understanding that those thoughts aren't merely a fantasy that 'might be a nice adventure one day'. The key is believing that the world and your dreams are no bigger than you. I mean, imagine the smile that those photos put on your face. Now double triple, just times it by 100. That's how incredible the feeling would be if you were there, able to take that picture for yourself and see it for real. Let go of the misconception that people still have and take a leap, jump on a plane and go somewhere you've always wanted to. After all, what 25 hours in the air compared to the sense of wonder that goes with it? Maybe you've never left your home country, maybe you took a break and abandoned all those plans you had when you took your Gap Year. Just pick it back up again and start again. Pinpoint your must see destinations and plan from your current one. If you want to go around the world, figure out where the nearest place is on your list, pack a few essentials and some suntan lotion into your backpack and get on your way. 

It's not until you start that you realise you can't stop. 

So go ahead, find your passion and discover all the treasures in the world.