Today I'd like to share an article which deals with the question: "Why to travel?". I received this thoughtful article from a girl from Wales, who now lives in Thailand. I hope you enjoy it!

Why to travel and leave things behind?

Chase your dreams!

Everyone has big dreams that they’re too scared to follow. It could be a dream job, starting your own business, achieving that family with your dream house. For me, it was to travel. But even though travelling is something that is done worldwide, for me -  a welsh valley girl from a small town where no-one went further than Spain - it was something that felt beyond reach. Like many people wanting to chase their dreams, I bounced back and forth through all the reasons why I should and shouldn’t travel. I was happy with my life. I had my dream job, my own house, a boyfriend, an amazing family and great friends and a comfortable lifestyle and income. But I was discontent. I felt like I didn’t belong in Wales. Some people spend their whole lives debating whether they should or shouldn’t travel. Other people have a ‘breakthrough’. A breakthrough is a point in your life which flicks on that switch that says ‘GO’. It happens in a matter of seconds and changes your whole life. My breakthrough was sitting with my grandmother who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She had a great life, but one regret. She didn’t travel. We would sit and talk about the countries she would’ve visited, what she would’ve done, the adventures she would’ve had... and she started to cry. It was too late for her. She looked at me with determination and she demanded that I get out there as soon as possible and see the world before I also get sucked into the pit hole of mundane routine and responsibilities.

Ignite the fire!

That was it. She ignited my fire. I quit my job, moved out of my house, sold my car and belongings, packed a bag and flew on a one way ticket to Thailand. Of course, I will riddled with fear and anxiety and I couldn’t quite untangle it from my excitement and happiness that I felt about finally putting myself first, despite my family’s doubts and disapproval to live my life the way I wanted to. I wanted more for myself and I felt like I was doing myself an injustice by not giving myself the gift of travel. I didn’t want to be having the same conversation with my grand children like my grandmother had with me.

Do it!

The experiences and adventures you get from travelling and living in different countries is not something you can buy or read about. It has to be lived. It has to touched, smelt, heard and witnessed. Travel will change you for the better. It will open your eyes to many possibilities and you’ll do things you’d never have dreamt of doing before. Life’s too short and you have to seize your opportunities now before it’s too late. Ask yourself, what’s holding you back? What’s stopping you? Everything will be waiting for you when/if you ever go back so you really don’t have anything to lose! Don’t let life just pass you by. Grab your opportunities and achieve the impossible!

Feedback appreciated!

1. Why do you travel?
2. Is leaving "your home" and living in another country a realistic option for you?
3. What prevents you from chasing your dreams?

About @stefan.travels: I'm a passionate traveller and like to share my stories and thoughts to inspire others. So you'll find tips, pictures and thoughts about travelling to beautiful places on my account. If you like my posts, please leave an upvote or comment. If you don't like them, just do the same. ;-) Following attracts good karma as well... :-)