Get your head in the game

It sounds ridiculous to say, but it does take awhile to get into the swing of things while traveling. Sure, the idea of getting to go on a trip that lasts longer than two weeks to most Americans is also absurd, but there is a substantial difference between back packing, wandering, globe trotting and vacationing. While on the long haul of a trip, travelers go through stages, traverse the uncomfortable and hopefully come out with new perspectives of themselves and the world around them. Sure, travelers and vacationers both drink a lot of beer and search for paradise, but long travel takes a different type of person.

After traveling through Southeast Asia for six months, I headed home for the holidays and a wedding of two close friends. I spent a lovely month at home visiting family, exploring the lovely city of Norman, Oklahoma, and falling more and more in love with my home city of Denver, Colorado.  The luxuries and comfort of home were intoxicating, but having already pre-purchased my ticket to travel again (which was a smart move), a month after I made it home, I was back on a plane to Asia.

Though I got in a great rhythm while traveling, the month at home made it difficult to fall back into the traveling mentality. Along with the horrific jet lag, my first week in Asia was spent trying to get myself back in the mentality to challenge my perspectives, put myself out there and really tackle some uncomfortable situations. Instead of hitting the town, I went to bed at nine, consumed really quick meals and struggled to actually branch out. I was scared, and to be honest, afraid that maybe I was ready to let go of my freewheeling ways.

Now, back on track, I've found my rhythm again. It’s be nice to be traveling again, and though am still getting used to the lack of some comforts from home, I know traveling is my current home. For those looking to wander off the beaten path, know that it is a process. There will be good days and bad days, and while not every experience is a positive one, every experience is necessary to make your journey what it is. 

Image courtesy of author.