I learned more about myself while being trapped on a bus with traveler’s diarrhea in India than I did touring the Taj Mahal. Through travel I’ve realized that it’s the uncomfortable parts of the journey – the ones way outside our comfort zone – that matter the most.
My name’s Jesse and I’m originally from Florida. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 40 countries across 6 continents so far. I’ve also been sick, lost, and otherwise uncomfortable in close to all 40. And that’s okay, because discomfort is a small price to pay for seeing the world. And really, it’s discomfort we pay for all the important things in life (like exercising, learning, and growing).
“True joy and understanding do not come from comfort and safety. They come from epiphany born out of exhaustion.”
– Sam Sheridan, A Fighter’s Heart
For me traveling is synonymous with changing and growing. My first trips overseas changed me and the way I see the world forever. I came back humbled by how big the world really is and how much of it I know nothing about. I also came back infinitely more curious for all the amazing people in the world who seemed just like me, and not at all like “foreigners.”
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”
– Mark Twain
From these early experiences my interests now lie at the intersection of travel and personal growth. I believe travel can transform your life. In fact, I believe travel is so powerful it can help change the world. I want to inspire others to travel farther and get more out of their journey.
I travel all the time now and I also have a full time office job. These posts are written almost entirely on my phone, in Evernote, at lunch, on the metro, and between sets at the gym. You don’t have to permanently escape the cubicle to have transformative and meaningful experiences through travel.
To read more about how travel can transform your life see my post on Why You Should Travel.
If travel has already changed your life for the better I’d love to hear your story below in the comments.
