It’s a feeling that I can’t ignore because it builds and builds until I finally go somewhere, anywhere. More often than not it’s a quick escape to the woods for a weekend of camping. But sometimes that feeling is a sign that I need to pull the trigger on something bigger, where I have to (no, scratch that, need to) hop on a plane and leave for some place new.

I’m making it seem like I’m the most spontaneous person in the world and I’m always jetting off somewhere, I’m not. In fact, I’m a free spirit locked down by an inner-planner. This means I’ve got excuses just like everyone else.

“I really want to go, but …” Insert long list of excuses here, right? I can’t take that much time off of work. It’s too expensive. What are we going to do with the cats, dogs, kids, etc.?

I get it.

I’m sad to say I’ve talked myself out of several big adventures in the past few years (please don’t talk to me about Thailand). But I’m also glad to say that I’ve talked myself into a few great trips in recent memory too (Puerto Rico with the girls, New Zealand on a whim for a pre-honeymoon and rafting the Colorado River on a solo journey!).

I’ve decided to travel more, travel often and put it at the top of my priority list because it seems (in my world at least) to re-balance life.

Yet, when my husband and I were supposed to take a trip to Belize earlier this year, the little voices in our heads started getting to us. February had sounded perfect for hiking in the jungle, exploring Mayan ruins and snorkeling one of the world’s best barrier reefs. How could it not?

Somehow as our trip got closer though, both of us had some anxiety about going. We were going to miss meetings, deadlines and have to play catch up for weeks (excuses). We went, of course. We’re not crazy.

And something amazing seemed to happen after I stepped off the plane in Belize. All the noise in my head disappeared. I was able to completely enjoy this adventure we were having without thinking about what was looming back home, back in reality.

At some point on our trip I wondered if my husband was as blissed out and enjoying life as much as I was. I asked him if he had been thinking about work while we were away. But I knew the answer. He had lugged his laptop all the way to Belize just so it could sit unopened in a closet.

I think I found the answer to why we travel.

Traveling is therapeutic. Throwing yourself into the unknown is energizing. Seeing another culture is inspiring. Barreling down a river in a raft is liberating. Connecting with another human being on the other side of the world is life-changing. And perhaps most important, but often disregarded, is that taking time for you is healthy.

So why do so many of us continue to make excuses and convince ourselves NOT to travel?

We have to keep telling ourselves that there will never be a better time to go on that trip of a lifetime than right now. We have to keep telling ourselves until we make it a priority and go.

Because when we do go, when we finally escape, it’s so worth it.

The post Making An Excuse To Travel — How To Say Yes To The Itch appeared first on River Currents.

Before you go. Make a copy of your passport, email a PDF version to yourself and if you’re traveling with a smartphone, take a photo of it. Yes, you’ve heard this one a hundred times, but it’s so easy to forget.

Do your homework. Check the U.S. State Department Website for travel alerts and exit/entry requirements, such as a travel visa.

Visit the CDC website and consult your physician for any recommended immunizations.

Take time to learn a few essential phrases in the native language. What are the local customs where you’re headed? For example, giving the “A-OK” hand gesture in some parts of South America is a big no-no. In Fiji, the locals dress very conservatively. If you are in a town or village, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Good to know.

If you plan to bring a camera, phone or other electronic device, consider your options for recharging your gadgets. If you anticipate having access to power, check to see if you’ll need an international travel plug adapter. Alternatively, you may want to pack a portable solar charger.

Money matters. It helps to know about the monetary issues of any country where you plan to travel. Be sure to investigate the currency where you’re going, commonly accepted methods of payment, ATM availability, currency conversion (so that you’re using the latest exchange rates when planning your trip), tipping guidelines, etc.

Pack like a pro. If you prefer a roller for convenience, consider one that converts into a backpack such as the Eagle Creek Switchback™ Max. Made from 100% recycled fabrics and backed by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What™ warranty, this durable bag includes a zip-off laptop backpack, ideal for day trips.

Think lightweight, quick-drying layers. Regardless of where you’re headed, weather can change quickly, sometimes bringing in storms or crazy temperature swings. Make sure to research weather patterns ahead of time and pack accordingly. As a rule of thumb, always plan to wear various layers throughout the day and shed or add on accordingly. If prolonged sun exposure is likely, strongly consider a long-sleeve, nylon shirt with a UPF fabric rating for UV protection.

Buy 2½-gallon freezer bags with zippers. Stay organized by packing similar items together. Then, roll all the air out of each bag to vacuum pack your clothes and save space (bonus!).

Just in case. If you’re going somewhere remote, make sure to have a decent first aid kit with you. Must-have items include Steri-strips which can hold you together if you can’t get stitches right away, Neosporin and waterproof Band-Aids/blister cushions.

Consider asking your doctor to write you a prescription for Cipro — or a similar antibiotic to treat bacterial infections — before you go. If you eat or drink something you regret, you’ll be good to go in no time.

Got cell service? Sure, you can bring your phone along, but just like the backcountry in the U.S., most adventure travel is done in remote areas and chances are your cell won’t be of much help. If you’re going with an outfitter, check to see what type of communication devices they will have on hand and whether or not a Spot device or personal locator beacon might be worth bringing along.

And last, but definitely not least, buy yourself travel and evacuation insurance. Whether it’s a glitch in the travel plans or worst case scenario, this is the smartest thing you can do to be prepared and protected. Broader coverage that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and medical protection is also highly recommended. O.A.R.S. is partnered with USI Travel Insurance but there are many other providers who offer similar plans.

Safe and happy travels!

This essay was originally created for the 2012 O.A.R.S. catalog. For more compelling stories from other renowned writers, request your catalog copy today!

The post Tips, Tricks And Life-Saving Advice For Traveling Abroad appeared first on River Currents.