I'm a black woman who travels, I want you to travel

We all have that one song we listen to for motivation or to get us pumped up. I was a victim of "I'm not going to travel because of..." You know how that list goes and I've heard it all before. I've been there. I've been you. <br><br>I understand that fear is real, but so is getting out and living your best life. I travel on my own a lot and I think that's the biggest thing that gets in peoples way. Everyone I know either has kids, a husband, or whatever that they need to think about before they can plan a trip. I don't. So I go.<br><br>I've been to almost 75 countries in my 32 years and I am not saying that "oh you've traveled more than me so you're better than me" kind of vibe. I'm saying this to encourage you to get out there because you can. I understand that some people don't have the means to travel like me, and that's okay because you don't have to leave the country to travel. Go to the nearest city, stay in a hotel and explore. You don't have to fly to do something like that. If you have the means like I do, then what's stopping you? You should be planning your next trip at the end of this. I'm not saying that I'm better because I've traveled more than you, I'm saying I'm better because I refuse to let race, sex, or budget hold me back. I make it work and you can too. Black people didn't die for you to fear for your life to see the world. Women didn't fight for you to stay in the kitchen afraid to see a world that's already yours. Don't let your past experiences scare you from experiencing what's waiting for you.<br><br>I'm not going to share all my experiences here because the point in this post is to get you to travel. Do your research, stay safe, and enjoy yourself. Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from exploring. You will regret not doing it and I know because that's where I was for years. Don't let your past make you afraid of your future. I've been sexually harassed, attacked, followed, heckled, and threatened but I still get on a plane and go somewhere. That's not going to stop me and it shouldn't stop you either. You are better than saying "I'm not going to because of..." and I know that. I've been there. I've been you. I'm telling you this because I want you to see the world. I want you to go out there and explore. I want you to experience something different than what you're used to and if you do, you'll thank me later.<br><br>Don't let your skin stop you. Don't let your sex stop you. You are beautiful DONT LET ANYONE MAKE YOU FEEL ANY DIFFERENT. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something because of a misconception. You are able to do anything you want and there is always someone willing to help. Don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from what's waiting for you. I didn't travel as much as I wanted because I let "I'm not going to because of..." stop me from seeing the world. Yes it's scary, yes there are times I want to cry or go home, but when that moment in time comes it's all worth it. So go out there and explore. Don't let anything stop you. You're better than that and I know that and so do you. So go out there and make it happen. Now is your time.<br><br>Edit: thank you all for the awards and kind words. I'm broke into tears reading all the comments from people saying they felt like I was talking to them. That was my point in making this post. I want everyone to go out there and see the world. It's a beautiful place and there's always so much more to see. If you haven't already, please go out there and explore.