Why I’m traveling the world (and why you should too!)
I’ve been toying with the intro to this post for the last hour. Then, I realized I’m over-complicating it. Because all I really want to say is, “You have one life to live…just freakin’ go for it!”
That’s what I’m doing. 5 months. 3 countries. 4 autoimmune diseases. 1 life. I’m going for it! And if you can’t quite tell, I’m bursting at the seams with excitement.
I’m traveling the world!
My tickets are booked and my itinerary is done – Sydney (Australia) – Chiang Mai (Thailand) – Bali (Indonesia). I’m sure there will be side-trips, but those are the general destinations. And I leave in less than a month!
Did I mention that this will all be out of a backpack? Yep. Not so good for the chronic over-packer. I consider it a further lesson in simplicity.
Many people have asked me – why five months? Or why three countries? And to be quite honest, there was no glorious strategy. I just wanted warm, somewhat tropical, adventurous spots with good internet connections (yes, I will be working) and a relaxed vibe. These fit the bill.
If you’ve read my 15 Fun Facts About Me you know I’m no stranger to adventure. I’m an explorer at heart whose already traveled all 7 continents. So you might think…
What’s the big deal with this trip?
The big deal is that all my previous overseas travels were before my four autoimmune diagnoses. And most importantly, before my celiac. Since then, I’ve been a big ol’ scaredy cat when it came to overseas adventures.
I did start traveling domestically a few months ago, but let’s be honest. Traveling overseas is a whole different ball of wax when you have dietary restrictions.
In fact, one of my biggest frustrations has been reading websites discussing celiac disease and overseas travel. These websites list all the foods to avoid, while reminding you to pack the equivalent of an entire suitcase of pre-packaged gluten-free foods. Remember how I said I’ll be living out a backpack?
And there’s a reason I don’t eat most “gluten-free” foods.
They’re not foods I would consider “nutritionally dense.” More like laden with sugars, chemicals and additives. Not exactly the fuel I’m looking for to sustain five months of travel.
One of the most amazing things about foreign travel is the food. The smells, colors and textures. That’s what makes foreign travel amazing, adventurous and memorable. So the million dollar question then becomes…
How do you eat healthy, local cuisine, safely while traveling?
And prioritize real, healthy, whole foods? I don’t know, but I’m sure as heck going to figure it out!
And I’ve got five months to do so.
Because that’s what life is all about. Going for it. Facing our fears to live our lives fully. As Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Even if traveling the world isn’t your passion (though I highly recommend it), figure out what is. Then go for it. You totally got it!
What is one passion you have but haven’t yet “gone for?” Put it out to the universe, by sharing it below.