It happens to most of us – we look wistfully at travel magazines and programs on TV that show people traveling to exotic places, be it adventure trips or just holidays to relax. We look at them and sigh and wish we could just get up and go too. And most of the time, we simply flip the page or change the channel with a bit of regret and don’t act on that aching wish to travel.
It’s difficult to make that big trip happen – there’s office to go to, kids to bring up, parents to take care of, money to be made, and a million other things holding us back. But there are also those rare, magical times when we are driven by our need for adventure and the stars seem to align and things fall in place and we really do manage to pack our bags and be off on that dream adventure tour!
I say this because it’s exactly what happened with me. For as long as I could remember, I had dream of going to Ladakh. I just felt that the place was calling me. Somehow, anyhow, I had to make my way over there. In fact, on two prior occasions, I had made my plans and even booked my tickets but the trips had fallen through. I had been so close to my dream adventure trip and hadn’t been able to make it. Then, one day, I saw a web brochure for a guided adventure tour to Ladakh over 11 days. I just could not get myself to close that window on my computer. I just stared at the pictures and read and re-read the itinerary dreaming of treading the beautiful path the brochure promised. I didn’t think it would happen though, because I had 2 small children and a busy job and a husband with an even busier job. It was just too difficult to get away.
But, the stars did start to align. I talked to a close friend, who was very inspired by the brochure too. We started talking about how to make it happen. Slowly, we were able to make all the pieces fit. I got my husband and good friends to sign up to take turns and watch the kids. I managed to get time off from work. I convinced my parents and in laws that this was a safe adventure tour and that I would be fine. My friend had some of the same problems and she worked on each one too. In our hearts, we knew we just needed to be in Ladakh in July and we would do whatever it took.
Even when we had paid for the trip and bought our flight tickets, I was worried that something would happen to ruin our plans. Luckily, we got to the eve of the trip without incident. I couldn’t believe it! I was packing my backpack for an adventure trip of a lifetime and nothing could stop me now.
In hindsight, when I think of the sheer effort involved in getting to that point, I wonder how it all happened. Was it worth it? A hundred times, yes! So, I urge you – don’t flip the channel. Take your dream destination and let it simmer in your heart and your brain. Read all you can about it. See every picture and video you can find. Let this be the fuel you need to do all the little and big things needed to finally pack your bags and be off. There are, obviously, many reasons why you can’t make the trip to your dream land. But they’re nothing on the one simple reason why you must – it’s calling you.
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