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Old 02-22-2006, 05:35 PM   #1
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Okay....so.....I think I need some words of encouragement. I know I'm kinda new to Tpunks....BUT, what better way to get to know everyone than to just lay it all out here?

I have been soooooooo excited to travel! Been reading alot, devouring travel journals, researching, making lists, shopping for my pack (not yet purchased), and have announced my pending trip to family and friends..etc.......BUT...
I haven't committed to a date, as I'm waiting on a "few things". Waiting to hear when my roommate will be moving...as it may be sooner than is convenient for me. So, been trying to get a handle on that. I'de like to get through another bonus at work...yada yada. So, I feel like all these things have been a cause for me to postpone actual commitment. I just really want to make good decisions about all this....
So, in the interim.... I've begun to waiver about the trip itself. I got sick, miserably sick...and started thinking WAY too much (which I have a tendency to do). Now I'm feeling worried about leaving for so long. Thoughts that range from: Am I completely insane? Am I crazy for quitting my job? Can I sell all my stuff? I'm financially stable....should I really risk all that?? Should I just keep my job (that I like) buy a place and go for a few short trips??????
But then I'm thinking.....NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! This is the time. I have the money....I want/need to experience independent travel! I've been dreaming about it for so long....

WTF? Everything was so clear a month ago.....but now...

I guess I'm just feeling scared.....scared to leave the life I know.
2 years ago I was married and thinking about having kids. KIDS! I dunno...I may just be freakin' out a little.

Is this normal for me to go back and forth like this? What is the best "plan of action"? I keep thinking that maybe my lack of committing to a date is causing me to re-prioritize constantly...which is causing all this confusion.....Bleh.

Any thoughts?

Thanks Tpunks.
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Old 02-22-2006, 08:17 PM   #2
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I understand where you're coming from with overthinking and things like that, but this is obviously something you've been excited for, and look at all the planning you've done! This is an amazing opportunity, and you're not crazy/insane. I'm jealous, and I hope you let the planning and preparing be (almost) as exciting as the trip itself. You know what always happens, you get there, wonder what you were so worried about.
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Old 02-22-2006, 09:35 PM   #3
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Hey ....Okay first off breathe!

Going away on your first big trip is an insane feeling! I usually am so excited up until the week that I'm leaving and then I get this dreaded feeling because it's hard to say goodbye to the ppl that I love. However, when i travel I feel this intense feeling, almost like I am truly living (if this makes sense!) So my dear, your first big step is to go to the travel agent and buy a ticket!! you have to actually commit to a date or else your chicken like feelings are going to take over. Once you land in your destination of choice you will feel that giant burden off your shoulders . The thing about traveling is that it's a test of Spontaneity and you have to start showing it!

All I know is that I can guarantee your trip will be the best time, moment and experience of your life. G'luck!
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Old 02-22-2006, 10:26 PM   #4
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Everyone freaks out, but you gotta ask yourself a tough question. What do yo really want? You know the answer, but you won't let yourself admit it. I'm not saying I know the answer, but if you really listen to yourself it will be clear. Do what that nagging little voice is telling you that you want more than anything.
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Old 02-23-2006, 01:03 AM   #5
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All issues withstanding, I think everything will be more clear to you after you travel. The perspective gained from putting yourself in a totally different place and different frame of mind is invaluable.
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Old 02-23-2006, 01:39 AM   #6
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In answer to your rhetorical questions: no, no, maybe, yes, no. I agree you have to commit to a date. It sounds like you're freaking out because you're not in control of the situation (the roommate, the bonus, etc). So the answer is to take control, by making a decision. The first one (the date) is the hardest, and the other ones will all fall into place after that. I'm not saying things will necessarily work out to you greatest convenience, but once you have the big picture clear (ie, I'm going to ..... on May 17) you'll have the perspective to deal with everything else. So your roomie wants to leave in March? You need a place to stay from then til May 17. When you know the situation, you can fix it. You will also find it easier to sell your stuff once you have a concrete goal in mind - and once you start doing that, you will be more committed to leaving, because your stuff isn't holding you back anymore. What you don't sell, you give away.

The bottom line is, everybody freaks some way or another before a big trip, and the first is the worst. But once you get your feet on the plane (or sometimes it takes til your feet hit the ground again) you come to realize that "this" is your new reality, and you start living it. What else can you do? Pretty soon, it's fun, and then your whole perspective changes and you get a real sense of who you are and what it's like to be alive.

Hang in there, and let us know when you've booked your ticket!

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Old 02-23-2006, 02:33 AM   #7
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Quote:
Am I completely insane?
Absolutely, but that's a good thing and it'll serve you well on your travels.

There is a support group for people in your situation, but it's is Madrid.
Everyone goes through feelings like these it is a big step, but it's obviously something you really want to do in your lifetime don't talk yourself out of an unforgetabile experience
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Old 02-23-2006, 04:19 AM   #8
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Is there any chance of you taking a sabbatical from work? If your good at your job and your employer values your skills then this may be worth asking about.

Like the other said commit to a date and then there is no reason to go back on this!

Keep your enthusiasm for your trip alive...you havent said where you are going on your trip...try and get out a few movies that have the scenery of where you want to travel avoid eurotrip if your heading to europe! I have been doing this by watching films such as sleepless at seattle to encourage me to save more! i have also got loads of brochures and cut the pictures out and made a huge poster....just a few idea's
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Old 02-23-2006, 06:28 AM   #9
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I totally got scared before I left!! But looking back it's good 'cause it make me sit down and think about everything and realize that I'd planned this all out already. It's obvious you want to go else you wouldn't have done the work! The fruition of those plans makes you feel pretty good.

Being anxious is just a way for you to realize this is probably one of the most awesomest things you'll do! lol. See what your fears are about and take them one at a time! You'll realize how much is simply excitement! lol

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Old 02-23-2006, 07:32 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally posted by Diorama@Feb 23 2006, 12:35 AM
Hey ....Okay first off breathe!

Going away on your first big trip is an insane feeling! I usually am so excited up until the week that I'm leaving and then I get this dreaded feeling because it's hard to say goodbye to the ppl that I love. However, when i travel I feel this intense feeling, almost like I am truly living (if this makes sense!) So my dear, your first big step is to go to the travel agent and buy a ticket!! you have to actually commit to a date or else your chicken like feelings are going to take over. Once you land in your destination of choice you will feel that giant burden off your shoulders . The thing about traveling is that it's a test of Spontaneity and you have to start showing it!

All I know is that I can guarantee your trip will be the best time, moment and experience of your life. G'luck!
[snapback]103917[/snapback]
Okay...breathing.

It's weird....I know the rewards will be much greater than I can even imagine! I can't wait to have that feeling of "I am truly living!". It's definitely helping to read everything that people have to say and hear personal experiences....

Thanks!


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Old 02-23-2006, 07:40 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally posted by omisan@Feb 23 2006, 04:03 AM
All issues withstanding, I think everything will be more clear to you after you travel. The perspective gained from putting yourself in a totally different place and different frame of mind is invaluable.
[snapback]103927[/snapback]
I think that's what I'm anticipating most....gaining perspective.

I know I'm stuck in the "familiar".... and that there is more to life than what I've been exposed to so far....

I just need to get there!!
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Old 02-24-2006, 10:34 AM   #12
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Keep in mind, I have been married my entire adult life (till now). I travelled a bit when I was young, but life rapidly sidetracked me, and I missed many opportunities that I should have taken. Even now that I'm basically free, I was having second thoughts about taking a trip. (see my Baja thread) Waiting for the planets to align, or life to come together is essentially an excuse to give in to your (and just about everyone's) natural fear of the unknown.


Plan the trip out, commit to it, don't wait for others to start living YOUR life!

Then take plenty of pictures and share them with us!


Trust me, you won't regret it!
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Old 02-25-2006, 11:34 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally posted by MeTurk@Feb 23 2006, 05:33 AM

There is a support group for people in your situation, but it's is Madrid.*
[snapback]103943[/snapback]

I think I could handle Madrid...
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Old 02-25-2006, 01:32 PM   #14
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I think a lot of times before a big trip your mind tries to talk you out of it. It's kind of like cold feet. I get that way before pretty much every big decision I have to make in my life. I have never actually backed out of something though so far.

If you have the money saved up, I think everything else can wait. Money is always everyone number one issue when traveling. So you are good to go in that department. I think what you may be lacking though is self confidence, which you can find within yourself if you look deep enough. People offer you all kinds of encouragement on these boards, but in the end its gotta come from you honey!

I have said it before...negative things can happen on a trip, but in the end, you always learn from your travels. You never know if you are going to have the opportunity to travel, kids could nail you down (though they dont with Tumbleweedz!) or a great job could come up. If you can get away now...GO! Enjoy!

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Old 03-03-2006, 09:27 AM   #15
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I had a great paying job, a nice place, good friends, adn I had just finished college so could go on to get an even better job, was offered once just before i left actually... however, I hadn't done anything adventuroius or exciting or daring EVER! I had always worked, and tried to get my life to a stable secure place. However, I was NOT happy, I was bored and hadn't dated in almost 2 years and my friends were all getting married.. so I got my passport adn a working visa all in teh span of 3 weeks, then took my last paycheque, and bought a ticket and left a week later. I had almost NO cash when I got to teh UK, I was terrified because I hadn't plannede anything at all, I boprrowed the necessary cash from a friend so my visa would get approved, so was feeling kind of stupid and depserate as well. However, I got a job, made freidns, met the love of my life, and lived happily ever after.... Seriously. It was the best decision I had ever made, even though everyone thought I was nuts. You can always get a new job, you can always build up stability. However, take your chances when you can, cause you may not get those chances again! Or if you do, you may have more to lose than you do now. Youc an always go back home if it sucks. Good luck to you!
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Old 03-05-2006, 11:30 PM   #16
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I felt (feel?) the same way as you. I still live at home with the parents, never moved out (but plan to after my trip) so this will be my first "moved out" experience since I will be gone almost 3 months. I have been saving for this trip for...almost 7 months now? Something like that. I have a GOOD chunk of money saved up, more than I have ever saved before. I could totally find other uses for it, a new car, an apartment, the list can go on into infinity. But then I remember one thing, I love to travel! It relaxes me, and just makes me feel good.

Even as time gets closer (im leaving May 11th, im almost 2 months out) I am starting to worry a little more, like maybe I shouldnt do this, but for the most part I dont really get to scared. I think its because I have already committed, every time I think about NOT going, the very next thought is "oh, but I AM going" I have not yet bought my plane tickets, although I talked to a travel agent friday. I have done a little traveling, Canada, Honduras, Bahamas. But when will I have a chance again to do such extensive traveling? Never most likely. I have nothing holding me down right now, so I'm gonna take it and run with it!!

Hopefully I will be just as positive when I return!

Anyways, sorry if i rambled..
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Old 03-14-2006, 05:01 PM   #17
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Okay....I've decided FOR SURE on August. Haven't selected the exact date yet, as it's possible I will kick off my year long trip with a jaunt to Alaska the first week of Aug. But, that's not set in stone yet. Once I know for sure...I will have a date. Woohooo!

Given I haven't really done any international travel (besides Mexico, Aruba and Virgin Islands) I'm open to just about anywhere. I have a huge passion for latin america, and am set on a spanish language program....and of course want to travel in Europe. So, originally I thought I would start in Central America head to South America, then possibly head to Europe. But, now I'm wondering if I should do the opposite. Go to Europe for 3 months or so while the weather is decent enough and to gain some well-needed experience....maybe come back home for a few weeks....then off to Central Am./South Am.

Considering climate, weather, peak season's.....Do you think the timing is better for one plan over the other?

I'm also concerned about what will be most cost effective....

What do you guys think?


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Old 03-14-2006, 06:11 PM   #18
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I'm pretty well a foreign-travel-virgin, too, but late summer is a great time to be around touristy places in my experience. Still warm, still open, everyone else is back at school. So maybe Europe in August and South/Central America after is a good plan. Though if you speak Spanish, touring Spanish-speaking countries may be a better starter. ("Do not go to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both yes and no.")

I just wanted to add: buy a ticket. Even if it's not your real departure, if it's just to get from one continent to the other a few months into the trip, or even just from Dublin to Paris, having a plane ticket makes you feel so much more committed to being there, at that place, at that time. I was nervous my plans would fall through (how many college students say "I'm going to backpack Europe all sumer!" and end up working at McDonald's instead??) but once I had my ticket to Dublin in hand, I knew I was going! Putting some money into a committed date will make you feel much more secure that you'll really be there.
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Old 03-14-2006, 08:26 PM   #19
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Kindra,

I would definately head to Europe first. It's ALOT more expensive to travel there then Central America. The number one thing that I've learned when travelling is go to the most expensive countries first! Living on $20 a day in Central america is no problem but in london it's another story! Glad you made up your mind!
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Old 03-15-2006, 06:26 AM   #20
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Great news, Kindra! Congrats. I agree that heading to Europe first would be a good choice weather-wise, and it's also not a bad way to get your feet wet with the whole travelling thing. While it will still be pretty crowded anywhere in Europe in August, by September everyone will be back in school, the weather will - hopefully - still be pleasant and the crowds will be thinning, which is a great time to be checking things out. Maybe start your trip in the UK, so you're dealing with a relatively familiar language and culture to start with, and see what you want of northern Europe first, gradually making your way south so you can enjoy the good weather as long as possible. I don't know what airfares are like between, say, Portugal and Brazil, but that might be an option for getting started on your Central-South America legs. And of course once you get south of the equator, you're miraculously travelling from fall to spring, so the weather will be pleasant there, too. Spend the Nov-Jan/Feb in South America and then head north to Central America and you'll have completely missed one winter of your life, while having the time of it.

Whatever you decide, congrats on picking a date, and have a great time!

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