Adventurer or Tourist?

by Jill Crossland

Some women give their life to adventure.

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure. You have no idea what is in store for you, but you will, if you are wise and know the art of travel, let yourself go on the stream of the unknown and accept whatever comes in the spirit in which the gods may offer it.
.....written from Baghdad by Freya Stark, Travel Writer

The year was 1929 and while exciting and the stuff of a good book, adventure doesn't have to be big and it doesn't have to be about travel; it is about trying something new, about shaking up your routine and going outside of your comfort zone.

It is all so carefully planned, booked and scheduled there is no time for anything spontaneous, you have become a tourist in your own life. You are that person on the sightseeing bus; with your travel itinerary clutched in one hand, gazing longingly at the less traveled side roads but knowing that your schedule only permits stops to eat, go to the bathroom or visit the next landmark.

What are the road signs that you are not living life to its fullest?

• feeling sad or depressed
• normal things no longer give you any pleasure
• no patience, quick tempered
• no motivation

If these symptoms are persistent talk to your doctor or mental health professional. If they are intermittent then your inner adventuress is calling!

Chances are that you will discover she is a new part of yourself that started to get restless around the time of your fortieth birthday or she is the women that you buried years ago. She is not wife, mother, daughter, co-worker, doggy mom or best friend. She is however, well worth getting to know & there is a lot that she will add to your life.

To find what adventure is going to give you a new attitude about your life; look within. Ask yourself -
What is missing in my life? What do you daydream about? What have you always wanted to try? What have you given up for family & career?

Some adventure categories that you can explore:

• Learn Something New
  Home improvements, photography, pottery classes, flamingo dancing
• Never Done Before
  Wine tasting, opera, theatre, poetry readings, volunteer
• Explore your home town
  Art galleries, museums, markets, tourist attractions
• Spiritual Journey
  Church membership, meditation, martial arts, retreats, yoga
• Physical Adventures
  Rock climbing, marathon, adventure travel, hiking, early morning walks

If what you really want to do is travel but your finances or schedule say other wise, turn the planning into an adventure.

• Open an account and put away some money every month, even if it is just rolled up change. Come up with inventive ways to make some extra cash; have a garage sale or sell your baking, crafts or articles.
• Use your imagination; there are a lot of ways to explore India, Italy or Japan:
  1. Learn the language
  2. Cooking classes to get you familiar with the cuisine.
  3. Use the internet & your local library to find out about the culture, geography & history.
  4. Prepare your own itinerary of places that you want to visit…the ones that are not on the tourist maps!

Whether you are at the "Maybe one day" or 'I'm ready to go!" stage, check out these great sites:
Journeywoman: The Premier Travel Resource for Women
Gutsy Women Travel: It's Your Life….Live It!
Women & Wine: Extraordinary Experiences, Distinctive Destinations
Mind Over Mountains: Thought Provoking Adventures

The Women's Travel Network

Some women travelers/writers of the 21st century:

Marybeth Bond: Travel Expert & Speaker
Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem: Author, Therapist & Speaker
Marilyn's books combined self-discovery with travel to some fascinating destinations. Watch for her soon to be published "Questing France"

Whatever adventure you choose, you will feel renewed. You will be open to other opportunities and you will feel yourself come alive.

Print this page    Recommend this page