Rebel from the “resort” vacation and change your life.
Often when talking to people that have spent the majority of their travels behind the gates of a resort, you will hear similar comments on the success of their tropical vacation.
Here is how it goes, “drinks were amazing! The pool was so cool! The sand was so white, and we ate at the best restaurants! oh..and there was that one local band we heard at the local cantina.”
blah blah blah, we have all heard this vacation recap before. I’m not saying I haven’t had my “living my best life” moments in Mexico either, but what I am saying is that if you travel somewhere uniquely far away from your own backyard - you should embrace the “difference” in BEING SOMEWHERE UNIQUELY DIFFERENT AND NOT IN YOUR BACKYARD!
Yes, you are in the sunshine there - so you should enjoy the beach.
Yes, there are amazing restaurants - so you should go explore them.
Yes, there are amazing opportunities to drink your entire crew under the table - so go for it.
But, here is a twist….
What if…instead of staying in your comfort zone of a gated community pre-planned menu life, you stepped into embracing the culture of being somewhere different and exploring what you may not know you love about it.
Here’s an example - if you’re a foodie, ask a local or a concierge or hell, just google it - what local recipes are amazing for a picnic and then go out and find them and surprise a loved one with a unique beach food spread.
If you’re a drinkie, ask for a local-only favorite and make yourself a hotel DIY bar with the crew you are rolling with while blasting local radio stations.
If you are a music lover, find a local outdoor venue or small cafe that showcases real artists that aren’t on the tourism payroll.
This post is not to doop on any of the cookie-cutter ways of vanilla travel (okay, it kind of is), but to remind you that you have just one life to live with limited time and you have the choice to step into an attitude of reaching for a new and authentic experience every chance you can get when somewhere new.
I’ve spent a lot of time overseas and all my best experiences that genuinely changed my life were when I showed up and played all out in embracing the environment I was in. I hope you find a new and exciting experience then next time your ventures lead to a totally new country and way of life.
Here are a couple of rules, if you dare to be a real-world traveler:
Stay open-minded.
When your brain yells “WOAH, THAT’S WEIRD”, just remember that these foreign differences are normal to the locals there, and you are the weird one for not getting it.
Stay playful.
Things can get uncomfortable in a new place, just roll with laughter and you’ll be fine.
Trust you will always be able to handle anything thrown your way.
Instead of complaining when your bags are delayed, pull out a card deck and get to some fun. There is power in surrendering to things out of your control when traveling and there is power in knowing you will always be okay no matter what goes off-plan.
xoxo,
sorry that got intense, I couldn’t help myself. now, go have some fun!
