Getting the travel bug does not happen over night. At least not for us.
It starts as an inkling nestled deep in the recesses of your brain. Cuddling up to the cobwebs and useless factoids memorized in the painted cinderblock elementary school classrooms that are buried there.
But then it spreads. Tickling the subconscious and eking its way into the background of every thought. A fleeting idea that “something is missing” zips into and out of focus just before you can grab hold and make it go away with more reasonable and responsible mantras. “I have a good, stable job,” “but all of my friends and family are here,” “I can see myself living here forever…”
Things get serious when the itch sets in.
With an infectious appetite it propagates throughout your mind, leaching into compartments of the brain that always remained safe and protected from such attacks. Nesting instincts – gone. Dutiful affection for the grass-fed Angus beef whatever at “the usual place,” – evaporated. Blind devotion to that underpaying over working job – toast. Now you know you are in trouble.
You are a hopeless case. Traveling has worked its way to “top of mind” and your cognitive biases are tying you in knots. Everyone around you is suddenly talking about amazing adventures and exotic locations! You spend your nights dreaming of the black pebble beaches along California’s Lost Coast, or the wild untamed Alaskan wilderness. Something has to give.
Finally, reluctantly, you admit to yourself that you have a problem. This is the first step. Begrudgingly embracing the fact that your only hope of peace is in the unknown possibilities. Strange people, funny looking food, and a few thousand extra miles on the car is your refuge.
Excitement builds to a palpable quake as you type your resignation for the job you told yourself you liked. Your voice cracks and wavers as you wrestle it into the more appropriate somber tones when breaking the news to your friends. A case of beer and an empty apartment later and you’re off!
It is time for an Adventure!
Written by Stephen Stockhausen
