We take vacations to escape the discomforts of life: of an office chair or a suffocating schedule. We crave crisp white linens, crystal blue waters, and infinity pools blending seamlessly into oceans far from our own. We seek charmingly exotic cultural references but not too much, and ancient traditions preferably in the form of ancient massage.
But there is another way to vacation, one that provides us with everything we sought in the first place; to come home changed, recharged. When planning this kind of vacation, there is one simple rule:
Make yourself uncomfortable.
So often we travel cautiously, dipping our toes in the current of a new culture without ever looking down to see what lies below the surface. What a pity to travel to Mexico and be served churros con chocolate on a square, white plate. To explore the treasures of Morocco in air-conditioned shops and meet locals dressed to play the part.
Instead, wander down the boardwalk to the rhythm of mariachi and children playing “fútbol” in the streets, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals tossing pesos for a bite of the golden pastries still dripping with oil, and force your tongue to make the sounds of gratitude while being handed your churros in a napkin. Gracias.
Instead, join the crowds and experience what it must feel to be an ant as you’re herded through the tarp-covered stalls, getting glimpses of the same crimsons, azures and intricate handiwork that represent hundreds of years and cultures combined. Step aside and experience the calm of escaping the rush, and take a moment to touch the fabric that has been transformed from dust-worn wool to a tablecloth by a man whose worn down fingers are guided by generations of experience.
Instead, experience your differences alongside the people who call this everyday life.
You’ll have better stories, better souvenirs, and a better understanding. You’ll connect with people, experience authenticity, and be able to put things in perspective. By learning to deal with the little things – a surprise rain storm, or a missed bus – the big things will become more clear; family, health, love, fun, career.
As in travel, as in life – the experiences that change us are the ones that require a leap of faith.
I believe in travel, not only because it takes us out of our comfort zones and pushes us to face fears and discover interesting facts about the world and ourselves every step of the way – but because it forces us to change the ordinary. I jumped into travel in college, now having lived and traveled in 12 countries, and have accumulated a colorful resume with everything from “cupcake decorator” to “marketing manager” with plenty of outdoor adventures to fill in the gaps. I currently live in Costa Rica and can’t wait to share this country with readers through sensory snapshots of the pura vida lifestyle.
Twitter & Instagram @chelseyenroute