Fear the unknown (but go anyway)

Every time I go anywhere, and I mention it to extended family or friends, I'm confronted with fear.

Fear of a travel emergency happening to me.

Fear I'll be abducted, tortured, and killed.

(At least I'm assuming this is the reason for all the questions)

And fear (when traveling) is a good thing. 

Fear can keep you safe.

But it can also hold you back.

Don't be afraid to try something new, just because you're a little uncomfortable.

Eat the street food.

Visit rural areas.

Carry cash on you for shopping.

Talk to the locals.

 Take public transportation.
Stay in the part of town off the beaten path.
Take the road less traveled by.

Get a feel for the area you're going to by diving in and trying everything.

But be smart too.

We fear the above, and our families and friends fear for us, because the above are unknown.

If I eat the street food, will I get food poisoning?

What if I get stuck somewhere and can't get home?

What if I get robbed?

Yes, these things can happen and do happen.

You know what else happens?

We discover the best corn we've ever had.

And we fall in love with people and a city.

And the best part? We save money by doing it this way.
Versus falling into tourist traps and putting out the big bucks to build up a false sense of security.
(because you can still get food poisoning from a $200 meal)

Combat this fear by enlisting a friend whose also afraid.
Be brave together.
Embrace the culture & the experience recklessly.
Combat FOMO by doing it all.

If you were looking for someone to tell you it's okay, go ahead and do it. 
This is it.
You can do it.




xoxo