Many of our clients and friends are reaching a point in life where travel is becoming an option. They are not as consumed by schedules and commitments and have decided to go and experience things they have only seen on television or from the photos of others.
One of things I have observed first hand is the obvious difference between new and experienced travelers. Newer travelers can easily be spotted by the volume of stuff they are hauling around with them. Not just the size of their suitcases, but the number of gadgets and bags strapped to their persons. By comparison, the well-worn global traveler often appears as if they left most of their stuff on the airport shuttle and just haven’t figured it out yet.
What you typically discover over time, is that the stuff you think you will need only distracts you from what you really want to experience. The idea of hauling a bunch of bags around the train stations of Europe can be so exhausting many people choose to not even go. Those who truly travel light can focus on the trip, be flexible when plans change, and save their energy for the experiences they desire most.
Of course, the advantages of traveling light don’t stop with travel. Many have found the things they thought they needed and much of what they thought they wanted, only weighed them down and wasted resources later in life.
Just like a good traveler, we need to know what we really want to experience and accomplish as we travel together with our spouses and families through this life. If you are anything like me, you might find that you have become a creature of habit. The things I needed before – the things I am used to “bringing along” may not be all that important to me now. They may not be helpful. In fact, they may even keep me from seeing and experiencing the things I value most at this new point in life.
One of the best pieces of advice I was given about packing for a long trip: once you know what you think you need, cut it in half. Its not about going without – its about enjoying the journey.
If you are wondering how to travel light - to use your resources in ways that are in alignment with your real priorities, call us. We can help you unpack.