Comments on: Cold Feet re: Travel–What’s it really about?

By: jade

jade — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:28:21 +0000

I can totally relate! I am usually the one making all our travel decisions and sometimes I want to crawl under the covers and pretend it’s all decided for me! Last year we didn’t decide to go to Thailand because of all the political unrest and shootings… but we did decide to go to Iceland only a month after the Volcano erupted. We actually were able to save a ton of money in Iceland because no one was traveling there at that time. I always have wanted to go to Thailand, but for me, that just didn’t sit well in my stomach. Maybe soon, maybe in a few years… but I knew I was nervous for whatever reason and I’m happy I made the decision. I felt a huge relief when I just crossed it off our RTW. The decision was finally made and I was happier!

By: Earl

Earl — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:16:08 +0000

My recommendation would be to just make a decision and stick with it. I think that the more time you spend trying to analyze your thoughts, the harder it will be to distinguish between gut feeling and over-thinking. In the end, there is no right or wrong answer and no matter where you end up going, Indonesia or elsewhere, you’re most likely going to have a rewarding time.

With that said, I personally wouldn’t let volcanoes, earthquakes or possible terrorism stop me from visiting Indonesia. I was just in Australia and felt more frightened walking around Melbourne at night than I did about visiting Bali afterwards.

And if you arrive in Indonesia and it doesn’t feel right, you have Malaysia, Singapore, Philipines, PNG and all of Southeast Asia to try instead!
Earl recently posted..How I Carry My Money While Traveling

By: Lorna - the roamantics

Lorna - the roamantics — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:45:10 +0000

good for you lisa! sounds like you’ve figured out an awesome plan and i’m so glad you found my comment helpful! you know, i say there isn’t anywhere i wouldn’t go, given the right time. maybe indonesia is just for another time for you. i know for me, i never expected to travel cross country so young(ish ) i thought it was too comfy and i should do all the really tough stuff first (and have quite a bit) and do the states as a much older person. but right now, with everything i have going on, surprisingly the states is the perfect fit. i want to be around loved ones scattered throughout the states in the wake of my divorce, instead of starting my solo int’l trip right now. so, i’m paying attention to that. reminds me of what you’ve said about not being in the mood for severe culture shock. no shame in that! makes no sense to “put ourselves through” travel just because, when we get such joy out of it when we do what we want! cheers!
Lorna – the roamantics recently posted..The Best Gift EVER- A Friend Gives Me the World

By: CB Driver

CB Driver — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:17:19 +0000

Have you, Lindsay? Good to know. I usually feel that way…know what you mean. The price is a bit high on the ticket (but it’s cheap once you’re there). I usually don’t hesitate. Last summer, I had a few doubts about Syria, but…I pushed them aside and went and loved it. This is a unique case here, one I’m struggling to figure out. And now, it’s gotten interesting…I have another possibility in mind that’s starting to look good. It may not seem as ‘exciting,’ but it may make sense for me. I’ll probably post about that in a day or two–if I decide.

Meanwhile…yeah, re: the warnings. There have been a few, btw, related to that Bali bomber.

Thanks for the advice, sistah…like you, it’s awesomesauce!

By: CB Driver

CB Driver — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:14:35 +0000

Elaine–Hi and thanks for joining in. I normally don’t let it stop me, either–which is why it’s so odd. I hear you re: the risks being everywhere. Funny that you mention South America and what you’re feeling. I’m considering a country there (once I used to live in, btw)–Ecuador (and I was in a mini quake there)–and thinking it might make sense for me at this time. (Explanation to follow in my next post–stay tuned.) Just wear a money belt or something and don’t flash your camera and hopefully, all will be fine!

By: CB Driver

CB Driver — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:12:04 +0000

Hi, Laura. Good to know about that title and that book. Must have been great if they inspired you to go! Thanks for sharing…

By: Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_

Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:55:20 +0000

Ive been in this situation too. I find it best to just dive in. No matter what, when it comes to travel… just DO IT. Unless the price is out of reach. If so find something else and DO IT! You can figure this out. Stop thinking about it so much. The best places I have ever been are from going to them on a whim. If I thought too much about my travels I may have never left Canada haha… Just decide, lay back and accept it! WORD SISTAH.
Lastly… I never go anywhere if theres a warning. Yes, majority of the time it’s fine. But theres a whole world out there, I don’t need to see that country when it’s unstable. It can wait.
Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ recently posted..Is it really what they say it is in magazines

By: Elaine Thatcher

Elaine Thatcher — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:42:56 +0000

Great post! I am so pleased to hear that I am not the only traveller who suddenly gets an attack of nerves at the crucial moment but you just need to work through it. I would never let it stop me from going anywhere.

Everywhere has risks involved, I have travelled around a bit but the place where I have suffered the most burglaries, vandalism and threats to my personal safety is my home in the UK. I lived in Japan for a year and of course we were always aware that a big earthquake could occur at any moment. I have visited Indonesia and it’s hard not to think about volcanic eruptions as your plane is bouncing around in turbulence above them. And I have been to many areas affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami – it could just as easily have happened when I was there. Thankfully I have been lucky and hope that my luck continues to hold out, what’s the point in living if you’re going to live in fear of what may never happen?

Having said that I am in the process of planning a trip to South America and the thought of it TERRIFIES me

Good luck and I wish you safe travels.
Elaine Thatcher recently posted..Read Your Way Around The World

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:22:01 +0000

There already is a book about Indonesia titled “Ring of Fire” by Lawrence and Lorne Blair. Their documentary and book inspired me to take my first trip there 20 years ago.
Lisa, don’t miss this country. It’s a wonderful place.

By: CB Driver

CB Driver — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:40:17 +0000

Hi, Conrad. Thanks for your input/advice. True about nature…yes. You saw a tsunami? Trippy. Anyway, I’m giving myself a few more days to figure out if it’s just silly fear based on nothing or a feeling based on something that needs to be followed. Hope to know by Wednesday or Friday, the latest. I do have an alternative location that I’m considering, which might make sense. Thanks!