Solo Traveling...Get Into It!

  I love reading travel articles! There is so much inspiration that comes with a picture from an exotic place and I for one, have been craving for some adventure. Lately, I've been reading quite a few articles about the importance of using your twenties to just "explore." Often times, we find ourselves professionally and personally stagnate these years because we are trying to figure out who we are as individuals. However, we don't seem to dedicate enough time to really pushes ourselves out of our comfort zone.

It's human nature to struggle with moving beyond your comfort zone but it's necessary for growth! The best way to challenge yourself is to try traveling alone. Yes, alone, especially to a foreign country! I read in this article that traveling alone is a great way to get to really know yourself. When you begin to submerge yourself with the uncomfortable,this is where you begin to recognize your true self. It's a great time for personal reflection and clarity that you wouldn't normally achieve among a group.

These articles have left me super inspired! For the most part, I usually travel alone whether it's for work or for pleasure but I've been bitten by the international bug repeatedly that it just make sense now that I focus on this more (plus I've already seen most of the "cool" parts of the US before). Furthermore, my friends are scattered around the country (some overseas) so it's been forcing me to travel alone for years. I actually started traveling by myself since the age of 11 or 12 so this normal behavior for me.

Got any ideas of international places to travel alone?

P.S. I definitely see myself living and working overseas very soon! I'm excited!!!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Jason Smart

What do you wish you could take time out to do?

I wish I could take time out to just travel! I'm obsessed with learning about different cultures and now a days, a book and pictures just don't fill my insatiable appetite for the experience. Of course there is a cost associated with anything that we do, so naturally, it's a dream that I'm gradually seeing become a goal annually.

The other challenge is that I'm use to being a solo traveler in the States without problem but internationally, there is a twist. Technically, the first time I went overseas was by myself because I didn't have my a parentals with me (I was on a school trip with my French class) so I've kind of done it before but as an adult, I haven't tried it...yet but I'm becoming open to this idea now.

Finding a dedicated travel partner isn't easy to come by either! Money, time and openness vary from person to person and I've learned that everyone isn't about THAT life. I'm just being honest!

Traveling has got to be my favorite hobby of all time. If you haven't been anywhere before, make it a goal to go somewhere. Start small and then go BIG!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/By Cuba Gallery

I think I’m addicted to traveling

There is something about going to an airport or hopping a train that makes me feel so alive. Even when I’m running on less than five hours of sleep, I still feel invigorated, excited and refreshed during my traveling adventures. Perhaps it’s the journalist in me but I’ve always been fond of story-telling (and no I'm not referring to lying! I don't like liars!). With traveling comes an adventure, interactions and an experience which all weave together a STORY! From the food to the fashion, it's just a grateful experience to soak up!

In my lifetime so far, I’ve been or seen almost half of the US and I've been to four countries! I really want to take my traveling up a few notches because I truly believe some of the most beautiful places to see are outside of your comfort zone. 

What excites me more about traveling is knowing that I have friends and loved ones who too cherish exploration. I may not have been to a lot of places but I am growing a little international souvenir collection from various places such as Morocco, Ghana, China, Mexico, Jamaica, Prague and more! 

Anyone else love traveling as much as I do? 

To feed your travel interest, I recently read a cool piece on CNN about what a 24-hours day is like at the world's busiest airport, Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta, GA. I use to live in ATL so I know that airport all to well (and the city is my 2nd home!) but I had no idea how much "behind scenes" activity took place during a full day. Enjoy! It left me inspired to think about my next trip!!  

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/ By Cuba Gallery

Postcard It...

I absolutely love to travel! Living out of a suitcase doesn't bother me one bit because I'd like to think that everyday we live should be an adventure. In fact as I sit here right now writing this post, I've been perusing some online literature about cool destinations (I'm also obsessed with the Travel Channel).

There is just so much to see in the world and I love LOVE to experience culture. It's refreshing, invigorating, uplifting, soul-searching FUN!!

I'm truly blessed to say that I've had several opportunities to travel around the world that most don't ever get to see in their lifetime. I'm thankful for these memories because they are absolutely priceless. All the pictures in the world can't capture the full experience---the taste, the sound, the smell, the touch, and the sights.

If you ever get a chance to travel, DO IT! If you get an opportunity to travel out of your homeland, DO IT! If you get an opportunity to live overseas, DO IT! It's certainly a life changing experience but it will make a world a difference in your character.

And don't forget to postcard it!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com/Yongmei