Do you ever wonder how people used to travel before smart phones? Imagine people in the 70’s, packing up their things and traveling to California because they heard there was a better life there. Or what more, leaving one country to visit another, and learning to speak the new LANGUAGE once you got there! ?
Growing up, I read all about people traveling from one country to another and wished I could do something like that, but fear immediately took in and questions took over. How would I get there? How would I get around? Where would I go? What if I had a question and couldn’t ask it because I can’t speak the language? What if I got lost? So many questions and so many fears. I experienced these even when I left the US in 2015 with my smart phone in one hand and a one way ticket to Australia in the other - a place I had never been and knew no one.
My saving grace? Google maps. Using google maps I learned how to take the train from the airport to the city, found a well recommended place to book accomodation, found a great place to grab a bite to eat (that had meat/dairy free options), how to get there, and so much more.
Since then I moved again to New Zealand, where I found my place on this earth and decided to settle down permanently. But I haven’t stopped there. Last year I traveled around Europe (6 countries/one month) on my own, visiting mates I’ve made through my travels - all using Google maps to guide me. Plus many more trips planned in the future!
When I have shared my experience in the past, people have called me brave and courageous. I have to laugh when I think about this because I never considered myself as these things. But I do consider myself resourceful because I found and use Google maps to its full potential.
So, if you’ve been thinking about traveling somewhere, even if it’s just a few states over, but you fear the unknown and that’s what’s held you back… fear no more!
Will there be times when you aren’t sure what to do or where to go? Sure! But that’s ok! Because knowing you have this tool, literally in your back pocket, will give you the confidence to take on and overcome any obstacle! Start using Google maps and go explore and enjoy your life to the fullest! ?