Africa - Travel GO NOW!

Someday has arrived. We’ve all sat in our armchairs talking about the ‘one day when we’d make a journey near or far when the right time comes along.  I’m telling you it’s here, right now!

When traveling in Hawaii, one hears the comment that the people traveling there are ‘newlywed or nearly dead’.  While that’s harsh to say, it’s very true, and the same could be said for the tourists we’ve seen along this journey.  Don’t wait – GO NOW!

Go now while you can still walk more than from the front door to your car.  A 500 meter or longer stroll/walk might get you to some really incredible sights.  There are some unique accommodations and attractions that aren’t wheelchair or lift accessible. If you are mobility challenged there are tours and assistance available. Most places we’ve seen, if possible, will make every effort to accommodate those needing assistance to see the feature attraction.  But climbing down 135 steps to get to a plunge pool is not really do-able if you can’t do it on your own.

Go now while you can still see.  If you can’t see the TV clearly in front of you…. well, do I need to say more? It’s great fun to be able to spot something off in the distance, or up close on your own and share it with other travelers with you.  Or to look out on that seascape and see the islands in the turquoise waters on the horizon or see the changing colors of the sunset on the mountain.  

Go now while you can still manipulate cameras and binoculars. Hands, fingers and eyes all need to be able to function so you can get the most out of the trip, and not necessarily just for Africa.  Practice using your equipment before you go so you’re not fumbling trying to get the “*&#^” thing to turn on and miss the elephant as it disappears into the trees, or the light just right on your chosen subject.  It’s amazing how a multi-ton animal can just appear out from behind a bush and just as quickly disappear into another. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit and watch the action, and not worry about recording it. But it’s also nice to have the gear if you choose to use it.

Go now while you can still hear the little sweet songs of birds in the morning, the babble of a stream at camp side, the roar of a lion in the distance, and the person sitting next to you whispering to ‘look over here!’

Go now while you can still turn, bend and move your body.  Being able to turn your neck to look from side to side is crucial if you want to see stuff.  The waterfall that is up a little draw that you have to twist and contort to see might be the “ahhh” spot you’ve thought about your whole life.  Or the great African Eagle that is over head and you need to look up to see it might be the one that makes your bird list.  Being able to walk bent over for 10 feet while on a tour through a dark tunnel might be the tour you’ve waited your whole life for. Stretch and bend and take up yoga!

Go now while you still have the ability to climb into a tour bus, a set of stairs that leads to a great view over a city, or up a gangplank or ladder to or from a boat.

Go now while you can still eat.  Being able to test and try the local cuisine should be high on any travelers list.  To be the owner of a cranky or finicky belly will limit your selections and excursions.  Some cities have great public facilities in convenient and frequent locations. Others, not so much. One can usually find something to eat on any menu.  It may not be what you’re used to, seasoned or cooked how you prefer, or what you had your taste buds set on, but try the local cuisine, take the waitstaffs recommendation, and eat what’s local.

Go now while you still have flexibility in your daily routine.  Seeing a sunrise in a new destination should be on every travelers ‘must do’ list, and of course most of the sunsets are amazing.  Staying up late to watch a moonrise, getting up to see the milky way overhead, or meteor showers at 3am, while not something you want to do every day, may make your whole adventure spectacular. Remember that you have just a few days on your vacation. Make the most of every hour. You can sleep when you get home!

Go now while you still are capable of mental flexibility.  Being able to change plans or go with the flow off of the written itinerary, or at least be willing to consider other options might deliver a better trip.    Making a quick decision and being able to adapt can make your trip.  Has the planned route been washed out due to unexpected, excessive rain?  The new one might be just as good or better! Left or right? Quick, decide!

Go now while you can still adapt and be a bit uncomfortable.  We all get into routines, I understand that, but being able to leave your suitcase behind and just take a small bag for a night or two to explore an unplanned destination could prove to be enlightening and wonderful.   While personal hygiene makes all of us happy, not getting to take a shower or put on a clean shirt everyday will not ruin a trip, unless you let it.  Just think how good that shower will feel after two days without one!

Go now while you might be able to travel light.  We have a hard time with this as we travel with a lot of camera gear. Two pair of jeans and three shirts, some undies and socks, and one pair of good comfortable shoes will just about cover everything you’d need. Small toiletries are lighter and to be honest, who cares if you’ve put on makeup or done your ‘at home’ routine. You’re not at home – wash your face and go to bed!  Also, not needing to take along any medical paraphernalia, and long list of medications that might cause issues when passing through customs and immigrations would also be helpful.  

Go now while you’re healthy. If you’re not in peak shape, go now anyway.  Is it going to get any better if you wait?  If you’ve just had a knee replaced, wait for it to heal and fully recover.  You’ll be able to go for those long walks and hikes. If you’ve got something that’s chronic quit reading this and go book a trip.

Go now while you’re still able to work to pay for your trip.   Take 6 weeks off from work as a ‘mental health’ vacation and you just might find that you really don’t like the job that only allows you 6 weeks or 2 or 3 of vacation!  You just might find that traveling and living with less is a better way to live.

For the past 20 years I lived comfortably but lightly in my 36’ sailboat.  It took my husband and I on some grand adventures and some scary ones. We lived to tell about all of them.  I’ve always wanted to travel and see just what was beyond my view.  In recent years, we’ve lost some family members, and experienced some health challenges that were overcome-able.  Those things were my ‘kick in the butt’, so to speak, to just Go NOW!   I’m so glad that we did, we’ll figure the rest out later – like how to stay longer the next time!

GO NOW!!!