4 Ways To Stay Travel Motivated

For me, keeping myself motivated to travel is all about keeping my passions alive, exploring, learning, and connecting with others who share a love for travel. This way you'll always have the motivation to embark on new adventures. If you are not well connected to a community that travels often you can build connections with others that have similar goals and interest.

Tip #1 - Set Goals 

Start by setting a clear travel goal based on your budget. Many fall into a false narrative that travel is only for wealthy individuals. Once you start researching and planning you will quickly realize this narrative is not true and travel can be inexpensive. Write down your goals or create a vision board to remind yourself of the places you want to explore.

Tip #2 - Research and Plan: Planning your escape or creating a bucket list

We have all the time in the world to scroll down Instagram, no? Instagram has become one of my main travel research platforms. On Instagram, I dive into the experiences of others in a positive way and list the places I see and love. I then start researching those destinations or reading travel blogs about those places. This will not only inspire you but also helps with goal setting. You can also create a Instagram folder and that will become your virtually bucket list.

Tip #3 - Connect with Other Travelers  

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for travel or the passion you are developing. Join travel communities like our community, follow travel social media platforms and don't be shy to ask questions or suggestions on your planned trips. Engaging with others who have similar interests will keep you inspired and motivated.

Tip #4 - Forget about privilege and embrace new experiences and the unknown.

Traveling is not just about visiting new places; it's also an opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and history. I am very privileged to be a U.S. born citizen. My passport automatically gives me a privilege from birth that many do not have. As I immerse myself in travel I will never use my privilege to degrade other or to request things that locals in that community may not have. You must always embrace the unknown, travel will at times test you and take you to the unknown, learning to navigate that creates a true traveler.

Staying motivated to travel is essential for enriching our lives, broadening our perspectives, and creating long lasting memories. Lets remember to keep our wanderlust alive by seeking inspiration, setting goals, and embracing the unknown.

Unveiling My Journey of Healing

Reflecting on my trip to Colombia in January 2019, I realize that some experiences remain hidden beneath the surface, known only to a select few. Today, I find the courage to share a deeply personal and traumatic chapter of that journey.

Journaling has always been my sanctuary, a place where I find strength and a sense of security, even during moments of self-doubt. Two days before boarding the plane to Colombia, I discovered I was three weeks pregnant—a revelation both unexpected and overwhelming. There was a mix of emotions; fear not because I felt unprepared for motherhood, but because I was about to embark on a trip while carrying a tiny life within me.

Our Colombian adventure started blissfully, filled with exploration and tasty cuisines. However, the turning point came during a beach tour when an unexpected complication arose on the return trip. The shock and uncertainty of bleeding profusely left me confused, stressed, and thousands of miles away from home.

The ordeal forced me to confront questions that lingered without clear answers. Was it a miscarriage, a "chemical pregnancy," or simply a complex manifestation of my body's response? In the midst of this uncertainty, we reached out to concierge services, my lifeline in that foreign land. The journey to the hospital became a whirlwind, and the language barrier heightened my sense of confusion and vulnerability. While I am fluent in Spanish, there were medical terminologies that confused me and left me with a sense of hopelessness. 

The intervention of our concierge, Wilson, became a beacon of hope in that challenging moment. His advocacy broke through the initial resistance at the local prenatal center, granting me access to the care I desperately needed. In the examination room, no conclusive signs of a miscarriage emerged, leaving me in a state of further confusion.

Prescribed progesterone, my trip became a blend of sadness and hope, clinging to the possibility that I might return to the U.S. to hear a different verdict from my doctors. Sadly, reality struck, and the test results were negative. The remainder of 2019 became a delicate dance with emotions that I struggled to articulate.

It wasn't until my journey to Puerto Rico with my dear friend Stephanie that I found the courage to confront the buried feelings. The scenic beauty and the warmth of friendship created a space for healing. As the waves of the Caribbean lapped at the shore, I began to unravel the layers of emotions, acknowledging the pain, loss, and the strength that lay within.

This journey of healing has taught me that confronting our emotions is an essential part of the path forward. While the scars may remain, they become markers of resilience, reminding us of the strength we possess even in the face of life's unpredictable turns. As I share this experience, I hope it serves as a testament to the transformative power of confronting our pain and finding solace in the embrace of those who support us.

Panama: Gentrification, Cultural Richness, and the Latinx Experience

Months ago, I began documenting my stay in Panama City, focusing on the profound impact of gentrification in the old city. Recently, someone inquired about the worthiness of a trip to Panama, prompting me to revisit and finally complete this post.

Staying in Panama City offered a unique experience. While I enjoyed the city, my nature-loving instincts led me to explore the vast landscapes of Panama extensively. I believe Panama's cultural richness lies within its indigenous communities.

Our insightful tour guide, Alex from @XploraPanamaTours, shared valuable perspectives on Panama's communities, their struggles, and delved into critical topics like gentrification, displacement, and immigration. Conversations with Alex illuminated the stark differences between urban living, rural life, and the profound impact of gentrification on communities.

Panama City and its surroundings are undergoing gentrification, significantly affecting the lives of many Panamanians. Unfortunately, gentrification tends to disproportionately impact underrepresented communities, particularly those of color, becoming a tool for the elite class to exert control and displace the marginalized.

Casco Viejo (the old city) is a prime example of gentrification in Panama. Once considered unsafe due to crime and gang presence, it has transformed into a safe and vibrant area, becoming an artistic colonial community with rooftop bars and restaurants, attracting tourists and local artists alike.

Before traveling to Panama, it's crucial to be aware of immigration regulations. Carrying your passport at all times is advised, as government officials may request documentation. Panama is experiencing an influx of Venezuelans fleeing economic injustice, but sadly, there's a significant level of xenophobia towards them. This xenophobia manifests in inappropriate comments and attitudes, reflecting the challenges faced by the Latinx community elsewhere.

Understanding the reasons behind practical requirements, such as carrying a passport, evokes deep emotions. Members of the Latinx community, particularly Venezuelans, struggle to find peace, work, and acceptance in countries that should ideally stand in solidarity with the Hispanic and Latinx community.

Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus

Resources:

Read: [Venezuelans face new barriers, Xenophobia across South America](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/8/14/venezuelans-face-new-barriers-xenophobia-across-south-america)

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