I can still remember when I was a kid going to the store with my mom, and those times she would let me choose any candy I wanted. I was like most kids, beyond thrilled. Then being the melodramatic child I was, I would think, how on earth do I choose?! They all have their own fantastic individual taste, smell, and textures. I want them all! Why couldn’t I have them all? 

           I suppose I haven’t changed too much from that sugar loving, answer seeking, ‘wanting to do it all’ type of girl. However, maturity can bring a lot of realities and clarifications to what you once knew. I haven't wrote for a couple weeks, not because there isn't information to share, but I’m discovering there is so much information literally at my finger tips, it may make my mind have some sort of combustion reaction. The organization, budgeting, researching, and itinerary making can be a lot to take in. I mean, where do I start?

Well, first I figured that the more I familiarize myself with the culture, laws, and social customs, the further it will enrich my experience to the places I’m thinking of visiting.

Nevertheless, I figure the best way to start is to make the research more personal. It may not be my story just yet, but why not look for other people's amazing travel tales to help inspire?

There are many great shows that will take you to destinations all over the world without having to leave the comforts of your batman snuggie, or hooded onesie. Household names like corky history buff, Rick Steve’s Europe Series, and sassy chef/writer Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservation, are just some of my favorites. It’s a perfect way to get my senses fired up about places I have yet to travel too!

If you’re anything like me, and have already watched 3/4 of both these series on KPBS or Netflix, then hop over to YouTube.com. Its a great way to access some rad exclusive travel webisodes and vlogs.

Think about what you are passionate about, and let it be your foundation in your plans and research. I’ve been cooking since I was 19, and food plays a very big part of my life. That’s why Nathan Leroy, host of Under The Sun, has such a huge impact on my reason to travel. With his gracious English charm, he interviews brilliant individuals from all over the world, searching for their compelling forms of organic farming. 

When you’re on the run, at work, gym, or giving your eyes a rest from your fancy devices, then soak up awesome information through your earbuds.

   I’m especially attach to some original pioneers of travel for Podcast listenings like Aurther Frommer, Rick Steves, & any interviews with Lonely Planet’s Tony & Maureen Wheeler.  I just love hearing them talk about any of their personal stories and ventures as vagabonds. It just fuels my deep seeded wanderlust even more! 

There's also some great notable ‘newbies’ that are worth a gander. Like Chris Christensen from Amateur Traveler, or Budget Tip Master Nomadic Matt. But, if you're looking for a refreshing perspective, like life as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) check out, Tayo Rockson. 

Any of the travel masters mentioned above have some great how-to-travel books and reads (which will be another post of its own), but I wanted to highlight a possibly overlooked way of learning about a city….

....and that is with books of personal stories, articles, and memoirs. These pages are filled with detailed encounters, emotions, & thoughts that paint a vivid picture of someone's experiences in a foreign place.

Okay, okay. What can I say I’m a romantic? I’m sure those book titles gave me away quick. I do admit I tend to gravitate towards love stories of food and the complicated journey to l’amour, but there’s a vast amount of enthusiasm for so many things and fantastic stories about them. Funny enough, Amazon is a rather useful tool when looking for related items, and is pretty good at suggesting even more books that will possibly spark your interest (maybe even at a bargain price).

Whatever you do to help move the journey to your travel goals along, keep doing it! I know having reminders to stay focus really helps in keeping the doubts at bay, and retains the tenacious spirit towards my objective!

It was the end of 2007, when I decided to buy a one-way plane ticket to New York. Before I broke the news, I had really considered just slipping out like a ninja, and letting everyone realize on their own that I had moved 3,000 miles away. I’m glad I really decided against that.

There something really euphoric about having people in your life that care enough about you to show up to your send off party, wish you well, and buy you one last drink. In my experience, there's also a high possibility you’ll have secret admirers come out of the wood works. Very flattering indeed.

You see ladies, there’s something incredibly sexy about a woman who has the guts to follow her dreams. However if she's leaving, it’s also bitter sweet knowing she wont be in the same city anymore. A hand-full of people will feel a bit of remorse realizing you're going to be gone. They have a kind of would of, should of, could of response. Oh, well. They can write to you if thats the case.

What a fool I would of been to miss out on this. I mostly was hesitate to spill the beans, being afraid of what those frienemies, Debbie Downer & Negative Nancy, would have to say about it. Not to mentation what my family was going to think. I knew that I was taking a big risk with never even stepping foot in New York, having only $635 dollars to my name, and on top of that, didn't have any jobs lined up. Yeah, I sure had some cojones grandes at twenty-one. However, even though I had plenty of bets against my crazy venture, I proceeded with my head high.

I made it out in the Big Apple for three years, and so many stories to tell! Even though there were many hardships, days that I would go home crying and thought about going back, there were also so many amazing ones that made up for it.

I would do it again in a heart beat. 

Now as I get ready for my huge overseas trip for next spring, I’m better prepared to karate chop any negative feedback.

Part of the reason for this blog was not just to take a deaf ear to those naysayers, but to let everyone know that travel is possible on every budget. People out there are doing it everywhere/everyday. I feel it’s important to hear their stories.

Along with great tips and articles, I plan to feature some impressive stories of woman (guys too) and their journeys through this beautiful vast world!

Some people have genuine reasons why they may not be able to travel at the moment, so I listen compassionately. However, I want to remind them that life is too short to make excuses.

Be genuine with yourself and follow your gut.

So far, mine has yet to steer me wrong.