1. I want to experience the planet I live on.
The Earth I know is but a mote of dust in just our galaxy alone. To us though, the Earth seems huge. We are in fact very tiny yet significant beings. In this day and age it is so accessible to travel the world and see places that people in the past could never have been to nor seen. I feel as though I would be wasting my time here on Earth if I did not go and see as much of it as I can. That may seem selfish but hey, it's my life, not yours. I want to know the planet we call home.
2. I want to be physically there, not just on the computer screen.
This is our only home for now and we have documented it pretty damn well. Between every available book and website, anyone can view the far reaches of this planet live in real time, and all the way back into recorded history. I absolutely love taking photos and looking at photos of nature and the incredible landscapes. To me though, it is always way better in person. Yeah I can go to the South Pole in VR but its not real. Standing on an ice-breaker off the coast of Antartica must be indescribable. I have tried VR and it is fun as hell to fly over the mountains of the Andes. Though I would be lying if I said I weren't jealous of my friends who have seen Machu Picchu in person.
3. Even in the worst case scenarios, I will have lived.
Not dreamed of living. The unexpected makes the best stories. To me, when one is traveling, everything is an adventure or an opportunity. Even when something goes wrong or is unexpected, it's not necessarily bad. It's just different than what you planned. Traveling often to me is something that can make you more flexible about little decisions. I think too many people put unnecessary constraints on everything, especially traveling. You have to learn that you can not control every aspect of your life.
4. I want to feel the excitement that comes with adventure.
I love the rush of taking off on a plane. The excitement of the night before traveling keeps me awake haha. For me, traveling and exploring new places is always positive. It is something not easily forgotten. I can remember early memories from family vacations as a kid. It's not that the places were out of this world, but the memories were positive and fun was had. If you have fun then that is what matters. I think that all the opportunities there are to meet people and have new experiences makes it all worth it. Even if you go somewhere you've been a million times, there is a reason why you keep going back.
5. I will find people and places that will feel like home, outside of my home.
I am a firm believer that people can be happy in more than one place. There are so many beautiful cities, towns, villages, seasides, valleys, mountains, and deserts that as long as you vibe well with it, you could probably live there. You know right away if you do not feel right in a certain place. I definitely would love to live in Europe for a part of my life as well as Canada..why not!? My opinion is, be open! I do not know where my future career or jobs will take me and I should not back away from any worth while opportunity.