» Travel Styles

Bloom Where You’re Planted

Leigh — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:04:32 +0000

I’m itching to travel again. Big surprise there. I’m planning a trip for June but not sure where yet. In the meantime, spring has sprung here in North Carolina! Sometimes I’m so focused on exploring other places, that I almost forget how beautiful this state is, particularly in the spring and fall.

Sometimes when we travel-holics are at home, we can get restless quickly and focus on when and where we’re going next. Often, it seems we are searching for something we feel we can’t find in our own hometown. This can be true to an extent as things such as fresh adventure, new sights, and different cultures can only be found when we travel to other locations. But really, most everything we are all truly looking for is wherever we are right now. Kind people, unique spots, interesting experiences, a home cooked meal enjoyed with wine and friends, and opportunities to help others can be found most anywhere. There are interesting people and fun things to do even in the most unexpected places. Even if we have to look a little. And believe me, I know this being from a small, but beautiful town in Alabama. Like my mom always said to me when I would get shy or lazy about trying something new, ‘Honey, you have to bloom where you’re planted.’

So this weekend, I took advantage of the gorgeous spring weather and decided to explore Raleigh a little more with my camera in tow. I started paying attention to the small things, and found beauty everywhere. A few of my favorite photos are in the new photo gallery on the right.

Happy Spring!

Leap of Faith

Leigh — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:32:44 +0000

~ ‘A courageous leap of faith can lead you into unchartered territory, enabling you to build a new more adventurous life. Though you may anticipate that fear will be your guide on your journey across the abyss, you will likely discover that exhilaration is your constant companion.’ ~

Trying something new can be very scary.

It’s that feeling of doing something completely novel that takes us out of our comfort zone and into unknown, unchartered territory. That’s o.k., it’s supposed to feel that way. In fact, studies have shown that taking risks and trying new things makes us happier. It gives us self confidence, higher life satisfaction and even a chemical high. Yep, the simple of act trying something new, and that slightly panicky feeling that accompanies, increases dopamine levels in our brain and gives us that brief high on life feeling.

So how do we brave up and take more risks?

Getting up the gumption to try something new doesn’t require herculean effort, just a little bit of practice. If you’re new to risk taking, start with small things and work your way up. For instance, a small risk may be initiating a conversation at a party, or asking someone to dance. Once you’ve conquered those, start taking bigger chances, like planning a solo adventure, starting your own business, or delving into a new relationship. These are where the big fat rewards lie, but they take more courage. Remember… the worst that can happen is that you take the risk and hate it. At least then you’ll know, and will have learned something new. The best case scenario, is you love it, feel exhilarated by taking the risk and have achieved a whole new level of growth (aka become a way cooler person)

Traveling to new places can help in becoming more confident in ourselves and in taking risks.

I’m constantly forcing myself to try and go outside my comfort zone. It’s not easy, as I’m very comfortable there. But travel helps me do it in a fun and exciting way. How? Being out and about in the world frees us of our normal constraints. When traveling, we are constantly surrounded by new things which forces us (in a fun way) to flex our risk taking muscles. If you’re one of those people that has never left your home state but whiles in your cubicle daydreaming about escaping reality for a while, take a leap of faith and start planning a trip. First step: choose the date. Ask off from work, even if you’re not sure where you are going yet or if you have someone to go with. Take that one simple step, the rest will fall into place. Once you make a decision to do something, all kinds of forces come to your aid to help you get what you want. So don’t worry too much about the details, they will work themselves out. The important thing is that you do it. Take the leap, have faith things will work out, honor your need for new experiences, adventure, and happiness and go!

If you’re stuck on destination ideas, here are a few places you can start:

Top Budget Travel Destinations for 2009

Lonely Planet

National Geographic Traveler (one of my favorites for cool photos, stories and interviews)

The Frugal Traveler (awesome travel blog in NY Times)

Happy Travels!

Central American Revelations

Leigh — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:16:59 +0000

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

I’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Honduras and Guatemala with my good friend Lindsay. This was our first time visiting these countries and we didn’t do a whole lot of planning. Instead, we packed a bag, booked a flight, and went. This is totally opposite of my normal ‘research everything to the hilt and plan accordingly’ method but it felt adventurous to just go with the flow. Our travels were fun and problem free for the most part. We hit a couple of rough spots due to our lack of planning but these made for the best stories later, as usual. During this trip, I was forced to step out of my comfort zone, way out in some cases and in the process, learned a few things…

1.) Location doesn’t matter as much as who you share it with

Let’s face it, you can be in the most beautiful location in the world, but if you are with someone who totally annoys you, your experience will be severely dampened. However, if you travel to that same place and experience it with one of your best friends, like I was lucky enough to do, you will have not just a fantastic time but a happy memory too. Travel experiences imprinted most indelibly in my mind usually involve not just the location, but who is sitting beside me… whether that be a kind stranger I just met on the road, a good friend, or just my own company.

2.) Kindness to strangers is the best way to go

Being kind to others takes very little time or energy yet the rewards for both you and the other person are tremendous. I like to think that I’m kind to strangers but Lindsay takes it to a whole new level. She always takes the time to stop and speak to others, to give them a moment or two of her time to smile, say hello and a few words. I tend to be a more guarded, especially when I’m traveling and am unfamiliar with a place. However, she showed me that it doesn’t hurt to open up a little, say a kind word, engage in conversation, or buy two young Guatemalan girls carrying heavy textiles on their heads a watermelon smoothie.

3.) Everyone has their own unique travel style

And it’s as individual as the person. Lindsay and I discovered that our travel styles are similar in some ways, and totally different in others. We made compromises when necessary and everything went fine. However, this trip helped open my eyes as to what I was comfortable with and what I was not. I did not, for instance, love the backpacker scene. Definitely nice, fun people but I’m past the cheap hostel age and appreciate a little more comfort in my food and accommodations. Each person also has their own energy levels and activity preferences. It can be rewarding to see how your travel partner experiences new people and places as they can help you discover things you normally wouldn’t do on your own.

4.) Connection with others is essential, especially while traveling

We all need and thrive on connection with others and this is true when traveling, perhaps even more so because we are out of our usual circle of family and friends. We need connections with others even more. Luckily, this can be done anywhere, even if there is a language barrier. Simply saying hello, having a quick laugh, asking for directions or a smile and nod are small ways that anyone can feel a sense of connection while on the road. Connection is comforting when you’re in a strange place, and well worth the small effort it takes.

5.) Sometimes you have to get through difficulties in order to enjoy the beautiful moments

There are some really dirty and poor parts of Central America. There are also the most beautiful places you can imagine. The juxtaposition of these two can be startling at times. We had some rough bus rides, stumbled upon dangerous areas, and encountered a few very sketchy people during this trip. But, we had to go through these parts in order to get to the beautiful ones. The bus ride to Lake Atitlan was horrendous. We were crammed in a hot van with no AC, an insane bus driver, 10 other backpackers and were bumped and jolted around narrow bends and crazy traffic the entire six hour trip. However, once we finally arrived at our quiet hotel on the lake, with it’s amazing views, lush gardens and kind staff, we were in heaven. And we had a good laugh about our bus ride with a fellow traveler later at a yummy dinner of fresh fish and fried plantains.

The most important thing I learned on this trip is that travel is not all fun and games. It comes with it’s own set of challenges. However, it’s pushing through these that helps you grow, even faster than you would in your normal humdrum daily routine at home. And this makes traveling out of your time and comfort zone, so satisfying and worth it. When I look back at my pictures from the trip, I remember all the beautiful and fun things, and the few hard times are pushed to the back of my mind.

Becoming Location Independent

Leigh — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:23:34 +0000

Do you feel stuck in a routine of work, gym, dinner, sleep…rinse, repeat? Are you growing in your career and want to travel the world but only have two measly weeks of vacation? There is an answer to this dilemma which allows you to grow professionally while simultaneously trotting the globe. Become Location Independent.

What is Location Independent?

Location Independence is the freedom to travel and live wherever you choose while working from that location. Sounds amazing, right? Perhaps it sounds out of your reach. I’m here to tell you… it’s not. Most anyone can become location independent. Right now this growing group mainly includes digital nomads, freelancers, consultants, coaches, web entrepreneurs, and writers. But it can include you too.

When I first heard the term Location Independent, I thought, that’s me! I want to do that. It was a strong identification. I planned my escape from the cubicle for over a year and have just recently left my job, sublet my apartment, and will be traveling for the next 5 months while starting my new Wellness Coaching business. Honduras/Guatemala is my first stop and I’ll be there for a month. I am officially location independent and I have to say, it feels amazing. Having the freedom to live and work when and how you choose is a no brainer for me and for a growing number of others.

Learn How to Become Location Independent

If you are interested in working anywhere in the world and becoming location independent, there is a wealth of resources at locationindependent.com. I found this resource rich web site when I was first thinking of leaving my cubicle. It was so encouraging finding a like minded group that shared my desire to work AND travel. Since then the site has grown enormously and there is an entire community of location independent folks.

Lea Woodward is the mastermind of locationindependent.com and she has a ton of experience starting businesses while trotting the globe. If you’re serious about taking your business on the road or starting a new one that’s location independent, Lea has a book called ‘X Marks the Spot’ as well as a fantastic business course. Both are incredibly useful, thorough and easy to digest. They cover everything you’d ever want to know and then some about being location independent. I have the business course and it has been so helpful to me during my transition. While I’m still at the beginning stages of taking my business on the road, the information in the course has helped make the transition smoother. Lea has the foresight to know that how you set up your business in the beginning can save you a lot of hassle later on.

Also on the site is the Location Independent blog which is updated a few times a week with posts from Lea as well as other guest writers (including me) who can offer different perspectives on the location independent life. An ‘Ask the Coach’ section is a new addition to the blog. The resident Life Coach, Cath Duncan, can help if you’re new to the idea of being location independent and don’t know where to start. Or, if you already are location independent and just need some guidance or direction.

A few of my favorite posts from the blog:

Advice for Negotiating Becoming ‘Location Independent’ with Your Employer

Questions About the Location Independent Lifestyle

A Recession is the Worst Time to Start a Location Independent Business, Right? Wrong.

The Story of an Early Location Independent Pioneer

How to Live Rent Free While Becoming Location Independent

Your Thoughts

I simply love the concept of Location Independence and am so grateful to have found Lea’s site. She is very down to earth and realistic about the in’s, out’s, highs and lows of location independent living. (although there are rarely lows!) If you are location independent already or if you’re not but the idea appeals to you, I encourage you to take this quick survey in order to help them better assess what your needs are. (http://www.freepursuits.com/survey). It only takes a couple of minutes and it will help the team to create materials that will be helpful to you.

Are you considering becoming Location Independent? I’d love to hear from you in the comments or drop me a line at Leigh@freshnewlife.com

Travel Therapy

Leigh — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:15:04 +0000

Sometimes when life is beating you down, the best thing you can possibly do is get away.

What is travel therapy?

‘Travel therapy’ simply means using travel as a way to help alleviate a problem or situation in your life. For example: Are you just getting over a break up? Travel… out of sight out, of mind. Feeling the need to break out of your box and shake your life up a bit? Be fearless and take an adventurous trip. Are you in dire need of some rest and relaxation to calm the stress that’s been building up inside? Go on a vacation, even a short one.

There are a myriad of destinations and trips you can take based on what kind of ‘therapy’ you need. If you’re feeling like a zoned out couch potato in your big city apartment, get fit and de-stress by taking a vacation to a national park. Go hiking, biking or something outdoorsy that gets your body moving. And if you’re totally frazzled from your corporate job, be kind to yourself (and those that interact with you daily) and take a mini retreat at a nearby spa for some much needed pampering. Have you ever felt that you’d like to give back a little more but not sure how? Volunteering while on vacation is a great way to give, both to yourself and others at the same time.

Treat Yourself

If you’re worried about money, consider travel therapy as an investment in your health. If you can gain invaluable experience, heal yourself, learn something new, shed something old, and find out just how big and fabulous the world can be outside your own little life… I’d say that’s money well spent, wouldn’t you? You have to be kind to your body and mind and allow yourself the pleasure of traveling.

Now I’m not knocking traditional therapy, as it can definitely be helpful. But sometimes what you need is not to sit in a stranger’s office and talk about your problems, but to go out into the world and realize that your problems are small in comparison to millions of others. Or that you don’t care quite as much about what your ex thinks about you when you’re out meeting interesting people and seeing beautiful new sites every day. Besides, wouldn’t you rather spend your hard earned dollars on say, a two week trip exploring Costa Rica rather than on 5 sessions in the dark living room of someone who listens and nods once in a while?

Create Your Own Trip

There is a great book that just came out titled ‘Travel Therapy’ which inspired this post and got me thinking about the kinds of trips I take and why. For me, travel is the best kind of therapy, and the most fun! Depending on what’s going on in my life, I book different kinds of trips. For example, last April, I had a free Southwest ticket to anywhere in the U.S. I went to San Diego just as spring was approaching because it was the farthest destination from Raleigh and I was really feeling the need for some sun and the ocean. It was completely rejuvenating and just what ‘the doctor’ (me) ordered. I also realized that when major and/or traumatic changes occur in my life, my mom and I will often take off on a trip. This always helps to take my mind off the ‘big situation’ and is a sharp reminder of how big the world is, all the good people it holds, and how I can always choose to participate and have fun if I just allow myself.

What kind of trip do you need right now? Get in touch with how you’re really feeling. Then look through magazines and travel web sites to see what jumps out at you. Oftentimes, that is exactly the kind of trip you need to take. Try not to censor yourself about what kind of trip you think you should take. Be creative. Don’t book another week at the beach this year if you’re really yearning to take off and explore the vastness and beauty of Montana. Don’t start thinking ‘it’s just not possible right now’ either… it is. You just have to put yourself first and make it a priority.

Next month I’m traveling again. I just quit my job and am heading to Central America for a while. This city girl has been locked up in a cubicle for the past 3 years, and in serious need of some nature therapy. Honduras has lush tropical rain forests, Mayan ruins, marshy wetlands, and sandy islands to go snorkeling upon… ah, just what this city slicker needs.

What’s going on in your life? What kind of trip do you need at this moment? I’d love to hear about it.

Then go and book it. Now. You deserve it.

Dare Yourself

Leigh — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:41:53 +0000

‘All Serious Daring starts from Within’

Remember when you were a kid, happily playing with your friends, and all of a sudden someone comes up with some crazy idea that seems really fun but terrifying at the same time? You both laugh nervously, and then he says… ’I dare you!’ Oh no, not ‘I dare you’. Now you have to do it! But secretly you are relieved because this is a great excuse. You can’t NOT do it now. You must take the leap.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never been able to muster up the courage? Are you afraid to take a risk? I am not a huge risk taker but I strive to be. In doing so, I’ve discovered a fun remedy which helps in overcoming some of the fear and seriousness that accompanies trying something a little scary. Here it is:

Just dare yourself.

That’s right, dare yourself to do it and see what happens. Recently I’ve been daring myself to do things I know I should try, but am afraid. I dared myself to quit my boring, cubicle job in May and take a trip to Central America by myself. I dared myself to apply to be a writer for one of my favorite web sites even though they weren’t accepting applications any more. I thought, what’s the worst thing that can happen? The funny thing is, once I’d actually made the decision, it wasn’t that scary anymore. It’s as if the simple act of deciding to do it, stripped away the unknowns, because I’d soon learn exactly what I needed to do.

When traveling, it seems that a lot of people, (me included sometimes), are afraid of certain destinations they may secretly want to explore. Basic safety precautions aside, you can travel almost anywhere and be perfectly fine.

Once you take the leap, the net will appear.

You’ll figure out how to get there, how to find a place to stay, and where Internet is available. You’ll try local food because you’re hungry and you’ll find out how to say hello to that cute man in Italian simply because you really want to speak to him.

If you really want to try something but are terrified and can’t seem to dare yourself, tell a friend your secret desire and ask them to dare you. Out loud. The voicing of a dare is powerful. It triggers that time in our lives when friend’s peer pressure was real and frightening. It creates that defense mechanism in us that screams, I’m not a chicken! I can do it.

Once you start getting comfortable daring yourself, you can apply it to other parts of your life. Afraid to take that swing dancing class? To start your own business? To hike up that mountain? I dare you to do it. In fact, I triple dog dare you. :)

What have you ‘dared’ to do lately?

Examples of fabulous, daring people:

Kris Carr dared herself to film her journey from a stage 4 cancer diagnosis to a new healthy lifestyle and thriving career.

Lea Woodward and her husband dared themselves to start their own location independent businesses and travel around the world.

Re-energize with a Mini Break

Leigh — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:28:43 +0000

In the movie Bridget Jones Diary, Bridget takes a mini break and goes ‘on holiday.’ I remember that sounding so quaint and refreshing at the time and thinking, ‘I want to take a mini break and go on holiday’. And so I have, many times. I can now attest to the effects that a mini break can have on your body and mind. A mere two to four day holiday away from home can do wonders for your sanity and help you recharge mentally and physically. Just simply being away from daily pressures can help you gain a fresh perspective on life and what’s important, which is essential during these times when the stress of the economy, and every day obligations can take their toll.

I recently took a mini break to Atlanta. I didn’t really realize it until I embarked on my trip, but I had become stuck in a work, workout, see friends routine that was getting a bit old. My mini break was not necessarily relaxing but it was definitely re-energizing. I met some great people, bopped around Atlanta and spent quality time with my mom. The best part was the feeling I had coming back home to Raleigh. My perspective of my current work and life situation had changed a bit by merely being away for a few days. The drive home allowed me time to think and by the time I arrived, I had all kinds of new ideas bouncing around in my head. Traveling outside of my normal routine always gives me a brief high but the feeling is still pleasantly surprising. I strode into work on Monday feeling like a completely different person!

If winter is getting you stuck in a rut and you’re feeling a bit antsy, plan a trip for the weekend. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just spending some time a couple of towns away can do it. The benefits you reap will far outweigh the cost to your wallet.

To really get the benefits from your mini break, don’t plan too much. Go slow, take time to walk, reflect and think. The point is to be doing something you really enjoy, not traveling the whole time or running around to different activities, unless that relaxes you. If you need to move around, you could do an invigorating adventure activity outdoors. Or, if you need to relax and recuperate, you could rent a cabin and read the entire weekend. Volunteer with an organization close to your heart or take a dancing workshop in nearby city to connect with others.

Whatever kind of mini break you decide to take, remember that the happier and more relaxed you are, the more you can give to others. So go and do whatever you feel like doing. Indulge yourself. Your body and mind will thank you, and so will those close to you.

Have you taken a mini break recently? How did it affect you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Other Articles You May Like:

14 mini vacation ideas: http://www.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_60/98_better_living.html

Top Weekend Getaways for Entrepreneurs: http://www.entrepreneur.com/worklife/travelcenter/vacationdestinations/article166626.html

Be a True Explorer

Leigh — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:35:37 +0000

When I first started traveling, I’d pick a destination and then read every single thing I possibly could find about it. Where to eat, what to see, hidden spots, pictures galore, reviews, guide books, travel blogs, etc. All this research got me excited about my upcoming trip and definitely made a few things smoother while traveling, but it also dulled that ‘wow’ factor of discovering a new place. ..that newness and wonderment of exploring.

While everyone has a right to their own travel style, I’d like to suggest an alternative. Pick a destination, read a little about it, definitely read the accommodation reviews, and perhaps take a small guidebook or map. Other than that, why don’t you just show up and explore? I’ve found this way of travel to be the most rewarding. It allows me to be more spontaneous and have a richer experience.

Just because someone has already taken a hot air balloon ride over the Pyrenees doesn’t make it any less of an amazing experience for you. Own it, revel in your experience, and don’t compare it to others.

A famous author (whose name is escaping me but trust me, he was smart) once said that watching television dulls the value and experience of ordinary, every day life. I would argue the same can be true for reading too many travel blogs and information about your destination before arriving. Just pack your bags and go. And when you run across that amazing local restaurant by the sea, you’ll be high all day simply because you discovered it yourself. So what if it’s listed as a hidden hot spot by Lonely Planet? You’ll never know and your individual experience will make for a great story.

Being a true explorer sometimes means not knowing anything and taking all new experiences as they come. Travel itself becomes more enjoyable and the wonderment of your journey remains intact.

Do you have ideas or experiences with this? I’d love to hear them.