I had my first taste of travel back in 2007 when I went on a group tour throughout Europe to six countries in twenty days. It was a group of kids from all over New Jersey that I did not know, but after those twenty days we were like a family. At the time it was my dream to visit London, I was obsessed with the accent, the culture and seeing the sights. I always wanted to see the London Eye and when I finally did, it all hit me. That moment was surreal and I knew I was hooked on traveling.
After I came back I made a promise to myself to go back to Europe the next year and I did. In 2008 I went backpacking with my cousin through Germany, Switzerland and Austria for two months. It was the best trip I ever did in my life. I was 18 at the time and did not know much about the world (and I still don’t) but that trip changed my life.
I think about traveling everyday probably more than the average person. I am so motivated and passionate about traveling the world and seeing what’s out there. I get the typical responses
“Don’t you want a career”
“Don’t you want to settle down and get married”
“You’re supposed to get a degree, job, marriage, house etc.”
Maybe its just me resistant to conform to what we are “supposed” to do. But I know what I’m supposed to do and that is to travel.
Its hard to explain this hunger to see the world, to meet locals of a country, to meet other travelers, to try new things that I may never have done back home, but unless you experience travel yourself, I don’t think you can understand.
We travelers are something else. People may not understand us or think we are absolutely nuts but we are the most passionate people, we want to explore, we want to understand a place other than our own and I think that’s what makes us special. This is not to say those who want the job, house, marriage and kids is something to be ashamed of or a wrong thing to strive for, but, how do you truly know if that’s what you want unless you go out and explore the world for yourself!
I say this a lot and believe in it so much, “Live with intention”, live the life you want to live and do not let anyone stop you. Do what makes you happy, always.!
Travelingjerseygirl is about a young motivated woman who is passionate to see the world around her. She strongly believes in living with intention, saying what you mean and not being afraid to do what makes you happy.
Too many people out in the world get comfortable in their lives and miss out on the excitement. I’ve heard all the excuses, “I can’t leave my job”, “I could never do that alone”, “Not enough money”, “I’m too old” etc. If you really want to do it you will find a way!
I’ve always found it bizarre that people think of the “normal” path as somehow the ideal one. I don’t particularly have any sort of problem with people wanting to set up camp and raise some kids, but for them to think exploring the homeland of 7 billion people is somehow strange is…strange.