January 2019 started off as one of the best beginnings to a year I could have asked for. I was on a 2-week journey revisiting one of my favourite countries Costa Rica and then I crossed the border over to Panama. However, shortly after returning from Panama and Costa Rica about a month later, everything seemed like it was crashing and burning down right in front of me. I had a very bad fall and slipped on some ice and damaged my sacrum. I was working very hard to improve my injuries with regular physiotherapy and massages. By mid-year, my body had gotten a lot better but then, I had another setback where I was limited to my mobility.


A couple of days before I was supposed to go to Peru in June, I had to cancel my trip because my injuries suddenly got so bad again. I knew it was a really tough call to cancel my trip which was so difficult as I had never had to cancel one before. Ultimately it was the right decision but a difficult one.


Though I have not been able to travel much since the beginning of 2019, it has given me a lot of time to think about what I want in life and some self-love. When I first got hurt, I thought “why me?”. With some time, I changed my perspective, thinking about all the good things that I have been blessed with. I realized that I was being a bit selfish and that if I look at my situation, there are many individuals who have much greater struggles in life than myself. Eventually, I will heal and go on another trip. So what’s the big deal? I’d like to share some advice of what has helped get me through this year not being able to travel much. I hope you find some comfort if you haven’t gone on a trip in a while or your next vacation is a few months away.


Read Books ~ Even though you aren’t physically there, you can go on a journey through the pages of many great authors. I have been inspired by various writers to explore new places from some novels I’ve read. If you want to go to the Amazon read Walking the Amazon by Ed Stafford. For those who desire a journey in the Sahara, pick up a copy of The Lost Letter of Morocco by Adrienne Chinn. For historical romance lovers, flip the pages of Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton.


Save money for a big trip ~ I tend to go on a trip that suits my budget well. If you save money for a longer period of time, you can either travel longer or in a more luxury-style. I’ve dreamed about going to New Zealand for a couple of years now for 3 weeks. Perhaps I can get there either this coming year or next.


Get in shape or find an active hobby ~ Take some time for self-care. I always feel better when I do physical activity. Normally I would be kickboxing 6 days a week but because of my injury earlier this year I haven’t been able to do it as much. Instead, I’ve taken the opportunity to get back into yoga and more hiking.


Explore your local area ~ Not travelling has allowed me to explore my local area and revisit some places I haven’t been to since I was a kid. I revisited Brier Island, Nova Scotia. I have different emotions than that of when I was a 5-year-old. It looked the same but it was a different experience.


Create a bucket list ~ Plan your short term and long term travel goals for the future. Maybe create other bucket lists as well not related to travel for things you would like to achieve and make you happy. Make them attainable and realistic but at the same time dream a little!