As a child, I moved around quite a bit. I lived in 4 different states, countless different cities, and moved on average once a year. As a result of this rather hectic childhood, I was installed with wanderlust. While I hated the act of moving and re-establishing myself each time, I enjoyed the act of exploring new places, whether the town was large or small. As an adult it is comforting to own my own home and staying firmly put, but there is something desperately missing.
Travel.
Up until recently, I’ve been unable to travel due to finances, time, and health. This year I vowed that things would be different, and I’ve been fervently working on a number of things including finances and personal happiness. I am the type of person that will put off personal happiness with the intent of cashing in later, which I feel is something we all do at one time or another. “Oh, I can’t afford it this year, but next year, definitely!”
Of course, by the time that next year sneaks up on you, plans have changed or finances are tight and you push it back just a little more. Before you know it, you are looking back on 5 years of your life wondering if that personal – supposedly temporary – sacrifice was worth it.
This is the year I’m cashing in some of my self given IOU’s and pursuing some of my dreams. In that, is travel.
Despite my hesitancy to indulge in spending “that kind” of money on myself, I booked plan tickets to Europe. This will be my first large excursion outside of the US and into several other countries, which have long been an entry in my bucket list. For two weeks, myself and two friends will be traveling to the UK and several European countries. The basic itinerary is:
- 5 days in London, England
- flight to Paris
- 4 days in Paris
- flight to Amsterdam
- 4 days in Amsterdam
- return flight to London
- return flight home
The tickets have been paid for, and I am still in shock. As my friends and I were planning out our travels and deciding where to go, we laughed as we discussed flying from Paris to Amsterdam. Uttering the words “I booked my plane ticket to Paris” is something that despite so badly wanting, I honestly never believed I would actually have the opportunity to do.
In this short period of time I’ve learned a few things about myself. It’s interesting when you make a habit of not putting yourself first for so long that when you finally do so, feelings of guilt creep in. I switch so often between happiness/elation/uncertainty and guilt. Yes, I’m finally doing something I have been longing for, but in the back of my mind thoughts of “should I really spend this kind of money right now,” and “can I afford to take two weeks off of work” abound.
As those thoughts slowly creep in, I push them aside. This is a year of change, of growth, of finding myself and my happiness. I mentally walk to the edge of my comfort zone, stare down into the precipice – and jump.
19 Comments
Yes!! We are old hats at the precipice thing, so you are in good hands. Let’s hold hands and jump together!! London, Paris, Amsterdam… Here we come!
This is great! So excited for you! If you need to know of things to do in London, let me know! 🙂
I definitely will! We are still refining and tweaking the itinerary – there is so much to do, and so little time it seems!
What a lovely read, it reminded me of my first European trip 13year ago. I loved it so much, I have stayed in London.
I’m so happy for you! One of my dreams is to go there I heard that they have beautiful places there, please post about Paris 😀
Oh, definitely! Part of the reason I created this blog is to log my travels – a living scrap book! I am very excited about Paris and visiting the catacombs
Oh my gosh I’m so excited for you! I’m planning a trip to Europe next year too, but to Scotland. I have always wanted to go to London though. When do you leave for you trip?
Oh, Scotland! I so want to spend time in Scotland and Ireland, I think that will be a separate trip! I leave September 28th – very exciting, as fall is my favorite season and the thought of spending time in Paris and London in the fall makes my heart so happy <3
I’m so very excited for you! Money can always be earned, but the memories you will be making with your friends you will have a lifetime! Enjoy!
Congratulations! That’s awesome. Travel is one of the most rewarding things you can do and it’s definitely needed to recharge and reset and help you get more out of your normal life as well. You’re going to have a great time. I’ve never been to Amsterdam, but London and Paris are high on my list and I can’t wait to go back again 🙂
I spent 3 weeks in Europe this year including Paris & Amsterdam! Check out my blog post recaps on those cities. I loved Amsterdam and I’m jealous you will be there for several days!
I’ll definitely check your recaps out! I love hearing about others experiences in different places
Make sure you look into City Passes. But more out of the gate, but they can save you a ton of money because they offer free or discounted admission to attractions. They a,so usually allow you to skip long lines and offer other discounts in there for food, transit, and such. So worth it. We always check for them in every city we go to just to see if it’s worth it. So far, yes!
Great tip! We’ve looked into City Passes for London and Paris, as the last time I used one was in Chicago and it was well worth the expense, and ended up saving money in the long run. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like a sound investment for London, as the sights we have planned to see aren’t included in the pass 🙁
Your trip sounds amazing! I can’t wait to hear about it.
I’m so proud of you for cashing in those IOUs! It’s going to be an incredible experience and I cannot wait to hear all about it! ❤️❤️❤️
It is so incredible you are going to Europe, the countries you are going to are amazing and I hope you enjoy it. Take lots of pictures!
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I can give you recommendations for Paris if you’d like – I currently live here.
Yes, I would absolutely love that!
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