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Abha wrote last week about how to explain yourself to friends and family when you’ve decided to embark on some long term travel. I thought I’d share my experiences too.
Announcing to friends and family that you intend to pack up your stuff and set off for destinations unknown, can bring a variety of responses. More often than not, they’re negative:
One of the hardest things for our families and friends to accept is that my husband and I are traveling with no planned end in sight, nor any signs that we’ll settle anywhere permanently.
I’ve realized that the reason this bothers so many people is because it’s not ‘playing by the rules’. It’s not what’s accepted as the ‘norm’ and in essence that makes people feel very uncomfortable.
The one piece of advice I give to the people who ask me how to deal with friends and family being difficult about their travel plans is this: Understand that many of the fears, concerns and doubts expressed are driven by a person’s own internal fears, insecurities and doubts; once you realize this, you can understand what it is they’re really worried about and, if possible, allay their concerns.
October 17th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Rolf,
Glad I stumbled on your great site! I read your book a year or so ago. I still haven’t let go, but it will happen. I dream of it every day. My excuse is that while I am making good money I should continue to pile it up for the big trip. Question is how much is enough?
October 17th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Rolf,
Glad I stumbled on your great site! I read your book a year or so ago. I still haven’t let go, but it will happen. I dream of it every day. My excuse is that while I am making good money I should continue to pile it up for the big trip. Question is how much is enough?
January 25th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Luckily, my friends and family have been extremely supportive of my 7-month trip which will commence in a couple of months.
All I can say is, if this is your dream, don’t let fear stop you, and as Lea wrote, especially not fear from others. It’s easy for most to stay in the comfort zone, and do what is ‘sensible’, ‘realistic’ and ‘responsible’. It’s your life, and you have to stand up for what you believe in, and do the things that are non-negotiable. Ultimately, what others think of you is none of your business!
Good luck.