I always said I wanted to travel and see the world, but I tended to say it more than I did it. As some of you may know, from my other articles, a few years ago I found myself single again. During my marriage I went to a couple of places like Mexico and the Bahamas – both were great, but I wanted to see more and do more things when I was there. I would tell my family and friends how badly I wanted to go and see foreign countries, the different cultures, have adventures and live my life without excuses. But a year after I was divorced I hadn’t stepped up and left the US. My biggest excuse was I didn’t want to travel by myself, but I didn’t really have anyone to go with to exotic places. But then everything changed.

A friend of mine, who I had know for about a year was going to Egypt and asked if I wanted to tag along. Egypt! OMG I always wanted to go there and never thought I’d ever get a chance! He sent me the itinerary and I read that we’d go to Cairo and see the pyramids, ride a camel, go on a Nile cruise, see ruins in Luxor and up along the river, ATV in the desert, and dive/snorkel in the Red Sea – all I could think is I’d be nuts to pass this up!

But then after a few days my rational set in. All the excuses in the world kept coming up and I started to waiver on if I should go on the trip. I didn’t know my friend that well, what if we didn’t get along – I can be somewhat of a pain sometimes. How safe is it to go to Egypt – what if something happens? The flight is quite long, and I don’t love flying – what if I freak out on the plane?. Do I have the money to spend on the trip – what if there’s an emergency and I then I don’t have the money to it? I’d have to leave my dog for 10 days, what if something happens to them while I’m gone? I’m a picky eater, what if I don’t like the food? What if my house falls apart or explodes while I am gone? The list went on and although I had legitimate concerns some of it was pretty out there – LOL

My family and friends were split if I should go – my Mom thought I should go for it, while my sister was more concerned if it was safe there and some friends questioned they never met this person I was might travel across the world with. Then one day I ran into a friend at work I hadn’t seen in a while. I mentioned I was considering the trip to Egypt. She looked at me and asked why I was only considering it? Why didn’t I jump right on it? I started rattling off all my excuses. She looked at me inquisitively and said, “All I have heard for years is how you wished you could travel, now you have the opportunity, what is holding you back?” I thought to myself I just told you all the reasons. So, she had me go one excuse at a time and counteracted it with the other side.

• Do I have the money? She told me I work hard and make a good living, I’m single and save plenty of money, what was I waiting for?
• I don’t love long flights – She said then take an ambien or other sleeping pill
• I haven’t known my friend that long – she told me maybe I’d become better friends with him and if not go do my own things- it’s only for 10 days
• I’ll miss the dogs – she said I can’t live my life not doing anything because I have pets- I have great people to help take care of them while I’m gone

And the list went on. After almost an hour of What if excuses, she blurted out the final What If– What if I don’t go – how would I feel? WOW – I didn’t think of that. I thought for a minute and said I wouldn’t feel good, I would be sad I missed the chance to go to a place I never thought I’d ever go, I’d feel like I let myself down, not pushing past my fears and living my life how I always wanted to. That was the final push I needed! I went back to my desk and immediately texted my friend saying I was going!

I never looked back and haven’t had any regrets on my decision to go to Egypt. Some people thought it was great and others thought I was nuts, but it was my life and I pushed myself to do something I only dreamed of doing. As I’ve said in other articles, Egypt is still one of my favorite trips. I not only got to see an amazing country, but I learned I loved traveling and I gained an amazing friend. In fact, after the trip Travis’s Mom asked if we still were talking (LOL) – he told her – yes, and we became great friends!

I know I’m not the only one who needs that push, I hope this will help others to open up their horizons and see the world. You won’t regret it – I promise!

Learn more about Judy’s Egyptian Adventure using the links below

make sure to mention FarFromLocal when you contact him.

Sam is an amazing tour guide. Check out this website and then ask for him specifically.