I want to travel, but I'm afraid

Travel is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, yet lately, I have been hearing a lot of anxiety in people's voices in regard to travel, planning a trip, the idea of flying, and going overseas.

Sadly, I believe this is because we live in a digital world where fear is spread faster than positivity. I was once told, "Everything you want is on the other side of fear." This has been my motto, and has opened doors I never expected.

In March, I had to step through one of these doors myself. When I feel fear, I usually remind myself of the above quote, and proceed with my mind open. Well, in March, we had an agency trip that was a surprise trip. I was so excited, and in my mind, we were going to some dreamy beach destination. We were not told until we got to the airport where we would be going. I arrived at 6:00 am at the Des Moines airport with great anticipation. There were six of us, and when we opened our envelope stating our destination would be El Salvador, I felt this rush of anxiety. My body went into flight, not fight, and I was ready to walk right back out those airport doors.

Back in 1997, I had a trip to South America canceled because of concerns about cartel violence and safety. I was told at that time, if we go to Central America, we will likely be kidnapped and not come back. This has stuck with me for almost 30 years, and in my mind, Central America is where you visit to die. You will be captured by the cartels and killed in a horrible way.

Jumping back to current times and this trip, I was absolutely paralyzed when we opened that envelope while all my co-workers were jumping with joy. Our tickets were purchased by our agency owner. This trip was a gift in recognition of our achievements, and since it was paid for, I was going whether I wanted to or not. I put on my noise-cancelling headphones with a true crime story on loud because nothing says relax like a true crime podcast! I hardly talked to anyone. Just put my head down preparing for my kidnapping to come.

Once on our way to our first hotel, we passed a semi-truck with a man laying on the back with a burlap sack draped over his head. This was for sure confirmation of what I would look like before this trip was over. I yelled out, "Dead man. There's a dead man!" My co-workers all laughed, but I was convinced. Our driver and guide stated due to the heat and hard work, the man was simply resting between jobs and the burlap bag was to keep his face out of the sun yet it was still breathable. He stated this is common with construction workers.

THEN..... We arrived at our first hotel, and it was nice. We were taken to dinner, and it was nice. We walked along the street and I felt oddly safe, but still scanned every person around us. The people were so nice to us. After sleeping with a chair against my hotel room door, I awoke in the morning feeling a little bit better.

This next day turned all my 30 years of fear into adventure, fun, memories, laughter, and a destination that I would return to in a heartbeat. Come to find out, El Salvador is one of the safest countries in the world, and not only was it welcoming, it was absolutely stunning.

You see, these people were just like us. They weren't bad. They weren't there to hurt us. We weren't in some jungle filled with snipers in the treetops. We were in a land of volcanoes and beaches with the nicest people you can imagine.

I felt safe, I felt comfortable, I felt like my own fears were put to rest and I was reminded that on the other side of fear is incredible beauty and friendship.

I got to see a real volcano and climb to the top of one, I got to stay in a hotel at the top of the volcano, I got to eat some of the best food I have ever tasted, I got to relax on the lake of a crater, and most of all, I got to create lasting memories and build better bonds with my co-workers. All this would not have been possible if I had not stepped through the gates of fear.

I would love to help you get past your fear and accomplish seeing that destination you have always dreamed about! My specialty is focusing on the details, so you can focus on the fun. I provide travel assistance from the first stages to planning, preparing for your trip, and all the way through until you get home. You can inquire here! Let's go!!

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