Decisions to make on your mindset while travelling

It came to me early morning, misty Naples, sliding around the back of taxi that was driving around corners at break-neck speed. He quoted me the price that was more than what I had seen on the app. To argue or not argue? How much did the additional 5 euros really matter? And maybe he was right, maybe there was an additional airport tax, or some other legitimate reason that he had to charge me that amount? Or maybe he was just ripping me off?? The realisation was, when it all boils down to it travel is really a series of psychological decisions*.

Another decision to make while travelling is when to argue and when to just 'play along'. You'll need to decide where that line is. What are going to be the things that are 'ok' and what's 'not ok' (then there are the things that are definitely 'NOT ok" - but that would need a whole other blog). And, if you're like me, that line will shift (sometimes by the minute) and can be influenced by completely irrational factors - being hungry and tired spring to mind. Sometimes solo travel can be a lot easier if you let some of the small things slide. Sure the extra 5 euros is annoying but it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Decide when to be budget (and more importantly when not). Sometimes I suffer from over-thrifty syndrome** . My sister often rolls her eyes at me incredulously as I am doing my research for flights - the range of dodgy airlines and ridiculous stop-overs can get a little outrageous. I'm getting better, but when you're travelling it's really worth deciding how much you want to spend in the context of the experience and think about how much you value your time. Would you rather spend 10 hours stuck in an airport or at the beach sunbathing? I know what I'd rather... maybe I'll stop being a tight a#$e and pay the extra $20!

Decide when to connect and when to disconnect with people. This one is more important if you're travelling solo, as sometimes this can get a bit lonely. And the best remedy is to put your big-girl-brave-pants*** on, go out the hostel/ hotel door and get amongst it. Sure it might be really uncomfortable to start and you might feel like the odd (wo)man out, but usually our fears are much louder than the actual risk itself. Worst thing that happens - you have a drink and some food by yourself (if you don't happen to find anyone to chat to) which is what would have happened anyway if you'd hidden yourself away. But best case, you may just find some freakin cool people to chat to, and that feeling of lonely will very quickly evaporate.

Travel comes down to a set of psychological decisions around what kind of adventure you want. You can have tough days (we all do) but if you get your mindset right and get out there, it can transform your trip (and your life)!

*I am no expert in psychology! ** I totally made this up ;) *** Yup this is a thing (am sure there is some guy equivalent?!)