Hey guys, I make mistakes. Regularly. Excellent! Let’s learn from them!

Here are a few related to travel.

1. NOT GETTING OUT OF BED
Whether due to a hangover, loneliness, or just downright laziness, most of the time this is just a silly thing to do. If you struggle with anxiety like I do, it can be hard to force yourself to go out and do things, but most of the time you’ll feel better if you do. Will you regret going out and doing/seeing/trying more stuff? Probably not.

How to conquer it: caffeine, breathing exercises, writing down feelings.

2. NOT TALKING TO PEOPLE
The people I have met traveling are some of my best friends, and great people to know when I visit their countries. Forcing yourself to talk to people can be intimidating, but what have you got to lose? Either you’ll make a new friend, or you’ll never see the person again in your life! It’s not uncommon for me to get super intimidated when I travel, and there have definitely been times where my anxiety has prevented me from putting myself out there. Don’t let the anxiety win!

How to conquer it: logic, positive self-talk, talking to the bartender.

I met this hilarious group on a night train in Thailand. They fed me snacks and made me laugh for 8 hours. Solid.

3. TOO MUCH PLANNING
Planning every little detail of your trip down to the minute can save you hassle in that you always know where you will be at any given time. What this takes away is the freedom to do something on a whim. If you have to catch a flight tomorrow, you’re far less likely to take those brothers up on their offer to road trip from Venice to Rome (this happened).

How to conquer it: booking the big stuff, but leaving in-between time unscheduled.

4. BEING DEHYDRATED
Drinking water is easy, and not drinking enough of it will make you feel like crap. Especially after a night out. Or at altitude. Hey, I am drinking water right now! It’s delicious!

How to conquer it: buy water bottle, replace most liquids you drink with water.

Pour yourself a nice tall glass of Victory.

5. DOING SOMETHING BECAUSE I FELT OBLIGATED
Most of the people you meet traveling, you will never see again in your life. Never do something because you feel socially pressured or feel like you should. Is it going to matter a year from now? No? Fantastic!

How to conquer it: give a hoot* when and where it matters, give zero hoots when and where it does not matter.

Things you can see when you get up & show up. Yeah!

Take home message: Ask yourself what you want from your travels, make a plan, and execute it like a champion! Party on Wayne!

* yep.