Mancora, Peru. Why aren't you here?
Life is all about routine. When we get into our routine things don't seem as fresh any more, our homes, towns, television stations, everything looks the same.
The best way I can describe it is like this. It's kind of like when you walk into a room and it smells funny, but then after five minutes you can't smell the funny smell any more. And you're comfortable now, there's nothing bothering you so you can get on with what it was that you wanted to do. In fact, everything in the room is at your fingertips, it makes complete sense to stay in the room, you've got everything you need, right? Why would you ever want to leave?
Because there's something, lots of things, outside the room, that's why. And it's not just about what you'll experience on the other side of those walls, but what you will take back with you. Oh, and the room will still be there when you get back.
So, about that travel thing.
Well, no surprise, travel totally shakes up that routine, knocks it all out of whack, puts you way outside your comfort zone, makes you consider daily challenges that would otherwise be completely relevant in your everyday life.
“Is this guy trying to help me, or kill me?”
“What deserves a seat more, my bag, or this teenager? Where the hell do I get off this bus? Am I even on the right bus?”
“What. Is. Happening?”
Each minute of every new experience isn't just something happening right now, but also something that you're learning for the next time. And, trust me, things learned on the road don't just apply to the road. They apply to how you treat and view other people, what actions you take and, ultimately, how others view you.
Most importantly, right now, we have time to make those investments. Jeff Goins, partly the inspiration behind this post, sums this up:
“Youth is a time of total empowerment. You get to do what you want. As you mature and gain new responsibilities, you have to be very intentional about making sure you don’t lose sight of what’s important. The best way to do that is to make investments in your life so that you can have an effect on who you are in your later years.”
So, what are you going to do about it? Trust me, there's more time to get out there and experience it all, even just a tiny piece, than there is to make excuses.
Nos vemos,
Teddy.
Like A Backpacker 
Hey mate,
I saw from your Facebook page that you are now in/just leaving Mancora, looks awesome…Just wondering if you have any plans to see the Galapagos Islands when you get further North?
I’m in Ecuador already, sleeping on two beanbags in the courtyard of a hostel because I couldn’t find a bed for less than $10!
In other words, Galapagos is way outside my budget for this trip. A real shame I know, but I’ll get there one day. Maybe. How about you? I noticed some photos cropping up on your page…
Haha…yeah fair enough – It’s pretty far outside our budget as well but trying to get on a last minute deal when we get to Quito on October 10th…we have always wanted to do it so are treating ourselves…Can’t wait!!
I admire how committed you are to your budget, Young Man.
Thank you, young man.
The routine back at home after such an excellent year is crushing.
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.”
That makes me happy I’ll only be home for a couple of months then!
hi there! just wanted to say that i have been reading your blog for a while now, and enjoyed every post 🙂
i’ve been traveling around south america for 8 months (just got back to israel about a week ago), and its interesting to read about the places i have been to from another point of view.
keep up the good work!!
Hi Anni!
Thanks heaps for the feedback, it’s so awesome to wake up to comments and emails from people like you 🙂 Glad you had a great time here, what did you enjoy the most?
well, in every country i enjoyed different things…
but i can say for sure the time i enjoyed the most was the 2 first months of the trip. when everything was new and crazy, and i wanted to try everything 🙂
That is true of my trip too, everything is so awesome when it is brand new!
great post mate! you’re absolutely right, everyone should go travel before they’re old and grey
Even once you’re old and grey, there’s still time!
Hey Steve,
I am the father of the son….
I am old and grey but glad to say I visited 24 countries around about
Teds age, always encourage others to travel to appreciate how well off they actually are