Why?
This is the question I receive most often when I tell people I’m about to travel the world. My answer to this complex question is rather simple.
Why. The hell. Not.
Think about it. Why not find a way to travel more than two weeks out of a year? Why not try to find to restructure my lifestyle so I can spend more on unforgettable experiences instead of clothes I’ll wear once, overpriced coffee to get me through my day and a flat screen HD TV to watch travel documentaries of countries I’ll never visit / people doing awesomely funtastic things that I can’t do / Julia Roberts hooking up with a hot pizza in Eat, Pray, Love?
And yet, so many people I’ve spoken to simply won’t accept why not. Why not is scary, why not is irrational and frankly, why not isn’t reason enough to do something so many people believe to be absolutely fucking mental – especially for a single woman with a Master’s degree and a ticking biological clock. Most people prefer the story about a woman who travels to an ashram in Rishikesh for three months to get over her divorce. Or the story about the retired nurse who decides to take a voluncation in Africa. And of course, the early twentysomething who takes a gap year to go WOOFing and travelling through Australia and New Zealand before “settling down”.
The thing is – I’ve never been divorced, I’m not retired and sadly, I’ve left my twenties behind. I am not looking for a new-age cure to anxiety in the form of spiritual healing through travel and I love my parents who live in Montreal. I am not searching for new meaning. Just a new experience.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” – Ibn Battuta
As I travel the world, I’ll be searching the nooks and crannies of our planet to seek out the finer experiences in life – all on a reasonable budget – and reporting back to you on those experiences on this here blog. There won’t be much Dom Perignon; but dammit, there will be sparkling wine and divine sunsets. Some of my travel plans may call for glittery heels and cocktail umbrellas; others may require combat boots and death waivers. My combat boots will likely be bedazzled though.
But that’s just me.
Ultimately, whether you are planning your own adventures or simply enjoy stories and hipstergrams from abroad, I truly hope this humble blog will help you embrace the why not to a big decision that may be looming in your life. Chances are you won’t regret it.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain
See ya on the flip side.
Steph
Naomi October 7, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Oddly enough, I haven’t really received the “why” question that often. I guess it might be because most friends I have are either in the touring industry so are on the road more often than not or because they wouldn’t expect anything else. I think it’s incredible you’re looking for a new experience and I’m excited I found your blog so I can read your stories here!
Stephanie October 8, 2015 at 5:53 pm
Thank you so much Naomi! 🙂 Yup, everyone’s got their own experience; here in Montreal, I haven’t really met anyone who’s done extensive travel, with the exception of two good friends (they’re from Ottawa). Most people in my community are already married with kids, so it’s considered quite unconventional. Ah well. YOLO!
Looking forward to checking out your blog, too! 😉 xo
This Wild Romance October 10, 2015 at 11:47 am
You have a really great writing voice! I’m excited to read more about all of your upcoming adventures. Good luck!
Stephanie October 10, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback <3
Sil October 12, 2015 at 8:56 pm
Why? BECAUSE you CAN!! And as you imply, if you don’t do it, in 20 years you will kick yourself for not a least trying. Pretty sure that you will not only try, but you will enrich your life because you have the right attitude. Go get’ em!
Stephanie October 13, 2015 at 3:01 pm
You rock Sil! Thanks so much for the encouragement! *digi high five*