Rapunzel said it best in the movie Tangled…over and over and over again… “I can’t believe I did this”
If you aren’t a Disney movie fan let me, explain, Rapunzel finally leaves her tower for the first time in 18 years, sings a classic Disney anthem refrain, and is then hit with every possible emotion: overjoyed, scared, excited, worried, and hopeful all at the same time.
These feelings can simultaneously hit the SECOND we think about stepping out of that all too familiar “comfort zone”. But, is a vacation the right time to try new experiences and take that leap?
“It’s called the comfort zone for a reason” is Sheldon’s (Big Bang Theory) negative answer to that, and can be a quick and easy response when we think about new experiences that could come up when we travel! Should I or shouldn’t I try that new and slightly scary thing…
- Skydiving?
- Swimming with sharks?
- Ziplining?
- Snowboarding?
- A helicopter ride?
- Karaoke?
In that list all of those gave me a pit in my stomach initially but there is only 1 I haven’t taken the leap out of my comfort zone and tried…and I never will swim with sharks! (although now I’m worried because you know what they say about never say never)
So, why did I say YES to some steps out of my comfort zones and NOT A CHANCE to that one? Don’t I want to have new experiences and get myself out of my comfort zone? Won’t I wake up one day and wish I’d tried it?
This is where the difference comes into play with personalization and just getting out of your comfort zone because you can. Here’s the back story…I genuinely HATE looking at anything under water. This has been true my entire life. I can’t even watch the first 10 minutes of Titanic without covering my eyes! While I’ve worked on this fear and it no longer makes me freeze in terror, I have no desire to do anything that involves underwater activities. That is a comfort zone that moving out of is a slow and cautious process…not very fun to do on vacation.
However, my entire life I have also LOVED something else…ROLLER COASTERS! The bigger the better and I want the adrenaline rush that comes with it! That made the new experience of skydiving and a helicopter ride a no-brainer! While it was a step out of my comfort zone because it was new, it was also a fun-filled step I anticipated and one that was perfect for vacation!
When considering your next vacation and taking advantage of the can’t miss opportunities that may be available only during your trip, try to filter your choices through these personalization criteria:
- It excites you whether it’s a new experience or not.
- It is something you know you will regret if you pass it up.
- It will enhance your vacation experience, not someone else’s opinion of your vacation.
If something doesn’t line up with what makes your relationship personal and unique, think long and hard about doing it. Remember saying yes to something probably means saying no to something else that may be even more memorable and personalized to you!
You’re into underwater activities – swim with sharks or try SCUBA diving and skip the guided city tour!
You love dogs – try sledding with a dog team in Alaska and pass on the train ride!
Your passion is history and culture – upgrade to the VIP tour through Rome and don’t waste your time with the basic guided tour.
Make it about what matters to you, invest in new experiences that align with that, and never go on someone else’s vacation!
Quote: Ahsoka, The Mandalorian
“I like firsts. Good or bad they’re always memorable”
