How to Answer The Mysterious Call of Travel
“When all’s said and done, all roads lead to the same end. So it’s not so much which road you take, as how you take it.” — Charles de Lint
Hello there, fellow wanderers!
Welcome back to the WanderWomen newsletter, your trusted companion on the winding path of solo adventure travel. We're here to feed your curiosity, fan the flames of your courage, and sprinkle in a dash of inspiration. If you are not yet a subscriber, here is what you missed these past few weeks:
This week, we're exploring the mysterious call of solo travel. You know, that inner whisper that beckons you to journey beyond the familiar. Maybe you found yourself a bit envious of the trips that your friends had taken. Maybe you’ve been inspired by this newsletter to finally go on an adventure. That yearning, it’s always a mix of fear, excitement, and the promise of personal growth. If you can relate, this week’s newsletter brings to light a few mindset shifts to help transform the way you think about solo travel.
The Mysterious Call of Travel
The call of travel often comes to us in mysterious ways. It appears as a faint whisper, a subtle nudge, or even a blaring alarm reminding us that it's time to embark on a new adventure. Although travel stirs up a blend of emotions, it's always worth leaning in to discover where it may lead.
Fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin when it comes to travel. The excitement comes from imagining the sights we'll see, people we'll meet, and memories we'll make. The fear stems from venturing into the unknown, disrupting our routines, and challenging ourselves in new environments. But fear and excitement can coexist; in fact, the most worthwhile travel experiences often bring out both.
1. Embracing the Call Despite Fear
We all experience times when an opportunity arises that initially makes us hesitate or feel nervous. Traveling somewhere new, especially by yourself, can seem daunting at first. The thought of navigating unfamiliar places alone might make you hesitate. But that initial nervousness could be a sign that an incredible journey of self-discovery awaits you.
Stepping outside your daily routine and comfort zone forces you to stretch yourself in new ways that expand your horizon. Traveling to a foreign country means navigating new cultures and perspectives. And solo travel allows you to go at your own pace, follow your interests, and gain confidence in your independence. The feeling of completing the trip on your own is extremely empowering.
Rather than let the nerves hold you back, view these moments as chances for self-expansion. Having the courage to say yes (even when it scares you) will help you discover strengths you didn't know you had. You'll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. And pushing your boundaries, little by little, will build your confidence to handle new challenges in the future.
When you feel the call but initially want to say no, don't ignore it. Lean in. The opportunity for growth on the other side is so rewarding if you keep an open mind. You have more strength within you than you realize!
As Anthony Bourdain famously said, "Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's OK. The journey changes you; it should change you." When we let solo travel take us out of our element, magic happens.
2. The Rewards of Discomfort
Remember the last time you challenged yourself and grew as a result of that experience? Stepping forth into the unfamiliar on your own requires courage, but immense rewards await those who answer the call. It’s the same with solo travel. It may fill you with nervous excitement at first, but saying yes despite the discomfort can lead to life-changing growth.
When you venture beyond the familiar alone during your travel, your perspectives expand as you navigate new cultures and experiences. Facing each day independently builds confidence in your capabilities. And accomplishing a journey on your own terms creates a deep sense of empowerment. You will always look back with gratitude that you didn't let fear hold you back.
It’s natural to feel unsure as you plan a solo excursion. But don’t let the initial trepidation hold you back. This is a chance to prove your adventurous spirit and learn just how resilient you are. Answering the call will likely lead to gratitude later that you boldly pushed past fear. You will be reminded that it's worth venturing beyond borders and boundaries.
So how do you find the courage to act when travel calls you in mysterious ways? Start by acknowledging both the excitement and fear so you can make space for each. Then get clear on your intention for growth and make a commitment to learning and presence along the way. And finally, trust in the call. Listen to your intuition, take it one step at a time, and have faith that this opportunity came into your life for an important reason.
3. The Many Faces of the Call
The call of travel is different for everyone. For some, it may be a solo backpacking trip or volunteering abroad. For others, it's a vacation to an exotic destination or even a road trip to a place they've never been. No matter the destination, the mysterious call is there to guide us to unknown lands within and without. So lean into it!
When you take that first step and honor the call, despite feeling that initial hesitation, you are embarking on a journey that will change you forever. Travel becomes much more than sightseeing or crossing countries off a list. It's about opening your hearts and minds, embracing new perspectives, and returning home renewed.
What We Learned Today:
When we work through the fear and follow where it leads, we open ourselves up to the kinds of experiences that not only change where we go but who we become. The next time you hear that mysterious call of travel, don't silence it with doubt. Embrace it, chase it, and let it guide you toward the transformative adventures that await. Remember:
Embracing the call to travel leads to personal growth and transformative life experiences.
Stepping into discomfort of travel can bring the greatest rewards.
Until next week, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep answering the call.
Ceres