18 Comments
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Stacey Steinmiller's avatar

There is so much goodness packed into this post! Your comparison of travel reminded me when I would barely be awake yet go out and run 5 miles of trail before the sun came up and I never really linked that to the same feeling with traveling. Jolted awake about to embark on the day! It really does often feel like a workout.

I also love enjoying learning new cities and the confidence that builds is life changing. Usually by the time I feel like I "know" the place it's time to leave! Even if I never return I enjoy that process.

Thanks for a great piece

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Stacey! Wish I had that discipline! 💪

Natalia Yakubson's avatar

«We don’t get old and stop doing this stuff Jo, we stop doing it and get old” - this phrase is gold! I can’t agree more!!

Sam Hill's avatar

I couldn't agree more! I've found that I speak to so many more people when I'm travelling. I'm curious about their experiences. Which then leads to greater confidence. It definitely opens up a part of my brain that shuts down in the humdrum of daily life.

Your first paragraph reminded me of my latest article where I write about how travel builds resilience! It certainly does that, too. Thanks for sharing 🥰

Sam Hill's avatar

https://substack.com/@sammycoach/note/c-289799443?r=17hgqa This is the article btw if you have time to read it ❤️

Jo Barnes's avatar

Great article Sam! I’ve shared it. Nice to meet you! 😁

Sam Hill's avatar

Thank you so much Jo! Great to meet you too ❤️

Maybe I'm Amazed - Kate Evans's avatar

Glad you're enjoying your lifestyle! I'm also struck by the fact in your piece here that traveling like this isn't for wussies. Ha ha. I'm curious: which San Jose? I know of at least 4 in the world.

Jo Barnes's avatar

San Jose, Costa Rica. Got through Brazil & Colombia no problem, then a couple tried to nab my husbands phone as we walked along the street in Costa Rica! Definitely not for wussies, though just doing it will toughen up the mind! 😂

Caroline & Davina's avatar

Yes, Yes, Yes!

I've never thought about travelling as anti-aging but now you've pointed it out, it def is!

For me, losing my curiosity is the end.

And I must say that so many people in my lifetime have queried that I ask so many questions, exactly like you mention here.

ppfftt! To which I've quietly ignored,

So what have we done lately to put our brain neurons in a spin?

Moved country

Negotiating a totally new alphabet

Having fun with 2 new languages (Thai and Swiss - there are a few Swiss people here) 😲

Navigating officialdom in English and Thai - yikes..

And loads more which I won't bore you with.

A fabulous article.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thank you. Yep, you guys are anti ageing your brains in overdrive at the moment! 😂 Hope you’re having fun! 🥳

Caroline & Davina's avatar

We are 🥳

Linda Jackson 🌏's avatar

Good one Jo! I intend to keep doing what I'm doing as long as I can climb on and off the boat. It is definitely keeping me in shape, interested, and (I hope) interesting.

"If you stop you die" - famous quote from The Captain!

Two recos for you in Vancouver (my last Canadian hometown) - ride a bike around Stanley Park seawall, and go to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Bonus points for the Japanese Garden at UBC as well, it's a beauty.

Jo Barnes's avatar

Thanks Linda! Yep I have a good friend who spent 25+ years on a boat and she’s well into her 60s and as fit as a fiddle! Thanks for the recos. I wasn’t sure about the Museum of Anthropology, but will check it out! Definitely fancy the Japanese Garden 😊

Linda Jackson 🌏's avatar

The museum of Anthropology has an extensive collection of Northwest Indian art - beautiful totems, jewelry, baskets, blankets. You can literally spend a whole day there.

TriciaGlobalTravel's avatar

Okay I love this article but also 🤯 I was thinking about EXACTLY this the other day and thinking that how travel keeps us young and is good for the brain was a great topic! 👏👏👏👏

Jo Barnes's avatar

Write it Tricia, more people need to hear this message! 😁