In honor of this issue’s theme of travel and adventure, ILLUMINE looked to globetrotters, explorers and those choosing to live life on the move. Here, we’ve collected their wisdom for making the most of your wanderlust, finding the freedom to get out of your routine and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Say YES!
“Some of my most memorable experiences have come after stepping out of my comfort zone. Being on the road is a perfect time to explore something new.” -Kyle Gati
“Anywhere anyone asked me to go, I said yes. I went to dance clubs, hipster bars and even strip clubs, never knowing what I was getting myself into. I let myself be irresponsible and it was so unbelievably freeing. In the midst of all that partying and traveling, I realized that life didn’t have to be so serious.” -Cat Aldana
Talk to strangers
“When I connect with someone new, it doesn’t surprise me when we stay in touch or cross paths again in the future. I’ve struck up conversations with people on trains, ferries and beaches with whom I’ve stayed in touch and formed meaningful friendships.” -Kyle Gati
“I think it’s so important to open yourself to speaking and more importantly, conversing with people around you. Whether they are fellow travelers or locals, you truly never know who you are going to meet, what you will learn, and how it may change your afternoon, week, or life.” -Aliy Puhalla
Seek authenticity
“Traveling is an opportunity to see how others live. I try to find where the locals eat and spend their free time. Whether visiting a different part of the country or another culture entirely, I always come home with more appreciation and a better understanding of life and the world around me.” -Kyle Gati
“I made sure to ask the locals about those off-the-beaten path gems that might not be in any guide book. It’s how I found an incredible shoemaker in Florence and a tiny winery in the Tuscan countryside.” -Brooke Johnson
Don’t overplan
“Let your days unfold, let your interests get piqued, let yourself linger at places that call your name. Especially if you are a Type A kind of person, try to have a rough idea of what you want to do and then allow for time to be really agile and spontaneous. There were days where I wanted to spend hours in a museum and others where I scrapped any plans and chose to sip coffee, eat gelato and casually walk the streets.” -Brooke Johnson
Join in
“Though I would typically gravitate toward expats, I wanted to experience and befriend some local Italians during my trip to Italy. For me, finding a local yoga studio where the practice was taught in Italian was an amazing and humbling way to connect with the community and made me feel almost like a local myself.” -Brooke Johnson
Attempt the language
“In many countries we can ‘get by’ speaking English. However, to fully embrace a new culture, attempting the language is key. Locals appreciate that we are attempting to communicate in their language, rather than expecting them to speak ours. I took two Italian classes and truly struggled through both, and I made a ton of embarrassing mistakes while speaking. However, I felt proud as I committed to the local language when possible.” -Brooke Johnson
Disconnect to connect
“At home I can be too plugged in, focused on work or social media interactions, even mindless television. While abroad my Wi-Fi was limited and TV was nonexistent. This forced me to make eye contact and engage in conversation while flying solo at a restaurant instead of burying my head into my iPhone. It gave me space to read, think and simply lose track of time by being in the moment of whatever I was choosing to do.” -Brooke Johnson
Find the joy
“If you’re planning to travel for more than a few weeks, life’s regular responsibilities still apply. You’ll need to do laundry, clean and cook. Find the joy in fulfilling these everyday needs in an entirely different setting, such as using laundromats or cooking in smaller kitchens or with limited supplies. Remember you are pursuing your dream. This is the true sign of living life to the fullest: marrying your basic needs with your passion.” -Megan Downey
Remember that everything is heightened
“We experienced the highest of highs, and also the lowest of lows. Be as present as you can in both moments, extending encouragement and grace to those around you, and remember to give yourself the time and space to breathe, reflect and renew.” -Megan Downey
Approach questions with openness and respect
“As we’ve been realizing our dream of living on a sailboat and spending our days at sea, we’ve received unbelievable support from family, friends and our community. There have also understandably been those who question our chosen lifestyle. Anyone who’s pursuing a radical change will inevitably encounter this. Rather than getting defensive, see it as an opportunity for open dialogue; answer their questions respectfully and encourage them to pursue their own dreams, wherever that path leads them.” -Megan Downey
Warning: Traveling can lead to major life changes
“If I didn’t spend time traveling, I don’t think I would have ever become a yoga teacher. I studied abroad in London the last semester of my senior year of college. It was an incredible experience because for the first time, I wasn’t concerned about grades and I didn’t have to work a ton of hours. When I was in college at DePaul, I had to work three jobs at a time just to make rent and pay bills. When I was in London, I just said “F*** it” and used my credit card to pay for entire vacations—which is a horrible idea, I know, but it all worked out! I traveled to Turkey, Budapest, Belgium, Barcelona, Scotland, Austria, Amsterdam, Paris. Traveling gave me the perspective I needed to explore and find out what was important to me.” -Cat Aldana
No Responses to “Rules for the Road”