And there’s no risk I’d ever over-think my travel plans, or travel for someone else, or have too high expectations. So there’s no risk I won’t enjoy it – no matter what happens Ask yourself why you want to travel is a great point. There are many reasons. Perhaps I’ll write about that in a future post.

As for self-destructive behaviors…… I guess when you wrote “in the scale of self destructive behaviors this is not bad at all” that you referred to #3 (too much impulsiveness is not good) and #13 (get at least five hours sleep per night). You’re right. Balance is a hard goal to achieve. But those weren’t really the self-destructive behaviours I was referring to in the beginning of this post.

BTW, this is the first time I hear someone refer to guitar playing as a self-destructive behavior, but I get what you mean. As with all things in life, too much of something is probably not that good.

And don’t worry too much, everybody has some form of self destructive behavior (for example mine is that if I am not careful I can spend too much time playing my guitar, it is a serious vice, I have to really put limits on the time I spend playing). Just try to shake it off if you can, balance is a hard goal to achieve, being close to balanced is generally good enough.

And seriously don’t worry about it, in the scale of self destructive behaviors this is not bad at all. In fact, don’t even listen to what I am writing. Go have fun for yourself !

When it comes to your blog, I also like the direction it’s taking (and the new design).You’ve had a lot of great articles/posts lately – like the one about eating in Japan, and the interview with Craig Ferguson. I think it’s a great idea to mix posts like these with more personal updates (like the beautiful photo journal from your wedding). And I agree with you that the essence of a site lies with the person within. Well said.

Wonderful pointers.

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This is a very thoughtful, moving post. First of all, I hope you start traveling again when you are good and ready to go. Until then, I think it’s safe to say that we are all benefiting from your being in Sweden. After all, you keep us highly entertained, Erica!

I also identify with your statement about Travel Blissful being your space. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m caught between two places with my site. It’s moving away from a personal travelogue, and while I’m happy in the direction it’s going in, I’ve also felt torn between posting more intimate happenings in my life. However, I realized something when I dropped by to see you today. No matter how interesting travel articles are, the real meat and bones to a site lies with the person within. That’s what always draws me to a site. People who share their emotions and personal experiences tend to provoke more of a response in me. Thanks for sharing with us, Erica, and also for reminding me not to be afraid to reveal my own inner thoughts and emotions.

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@Final Transit, Hi Priyank. Thanks for your comment. I also think that traveling is a state of mind, but also a physical location. To travel in the mind can be fun and inspiring (when you read a great travel article or travelogue, or look at a beautiful photo) but it doesn’t beat the real deal!

@Cate, I’d say that travel makes me happy. I believe we’re all already complete, but that certain things, activities, places or persons can simply make us happier.

@Scribetrotter, Hi Leyla. I think many people who live in France and work in Switzerland, or vice versa, are guilty of the same thing. You’re lucky you haven’t had to turn back (yet)!

@Lola, Thanks for stopping by

@previously bitten, I can understand what you mean about finding somewhere to stay. What I wrote, “book accommodation for at least one day before arriving”, isn’t really a good advice for backpackers. That point is more directed to those who have a set date for when they will arrive and leave, and want to set out to explore the city as soon as possible rather than wasting time on looking for a ho(s)tel.

In a way I get what you mean with dorm rooms. They’re often fun, many people around to get to know and hang out with, no risk to feel alone, much cheaper, a young crowd, another atmosphere etc.

@Wendy, You’re right about that, when I’m ready I’ll travel. Thanks for commenting

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Mind you, we all like different things. I know some people who can’t travel without a private bathroom – whereas, with me, I hate having my own hotel room and would rather stay in a dorm with other people.

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Lola’s last blog post..Guardian UK – Spring is on its way….

I particularly sympathize with the passport issue – I live in France and work in Switzerland and I can’t count the number of times I’ve changed purses and forgotten to take my passport along!

The good news is you rarely get stopped at this border but still, I always feel like a guilty criminal whenever I cross without it… so yes, you just never know when you might get turned back!

A final word – you’ll get to London when you’re READY to get to London…

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Your honesty is very refreshing. If travel is what makes you become a complete person, than travel you must.

Thanks for sharing.

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I would vote this as the most beautiful post on your blog ever, since the learnings are practical and very sincere. I’ve suffered greatly from many of those problems resulting in time or money losses. There hasn’t been a clearer mental checklist than your list of 17 points.

Finaly, I think that traveling is a state of mind not physical location, so it doesn’t matter, I love your blog.

cheers,
Priyank

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