In the previous posts, we asked ourselves how often we take vacations. In this section, we’ll go deeper: Why do we go at this frequency? Could we vacation more often? What obstacles do we face? Do we have any bad memories that influence our desire to travel?
Perhaps one of the worst effects of social media is that we are constantly aware of everything happening around us, which causes us to drift away from our own reality and start building dreams that aren’t truly ours. We strive to become someone else, adopt other people’s dreams, and compare ourselves with others’ opportunities. Yet, one of the most important steps in self-realization and truly knowing ourselves is to break free from this superficiality and cultivate a relatively free will.
Earlier, we reflected on why we want to go on vacation, why we need it, what types of vacations we enjoy, and how we feel when we’re traveling. But there’s another side to vacations: the challenges and negatives.
Obstacles begin first and foremost with resources: financial limitations, difficulties in making time, legal issues like visas, transportation concerns (climate change, phobias, etc.), physical problems (health), and planning difficulties come immediately to mind. It’s important to think carefully about which of these factors are within our control and which are beyond us.
When it comes to planning difficulties, I would describe this as unrealistic desires. What does a vacation mean for you? This is a crucial question. For some, vacation means traveling far away and spending a long time exploring. If this is the case, being realistic is key — and you may need to make sacrifices in daily life to feed your wanderlust.
For others, vacation doesn’t necessarily mean going far away; it might mean returning to their hometown, relaxing in nature, or exploring nearby places. Naturally, your budget and plans will look different in this scenario.
Other obstacles also come to mind: family, social obligations, and work life — in other words, responsibilities. These are among the most important factors when trying to be realistic.
Then there are the factors that kill motivation: the negatives that arise after a vacation begins. For example, have you ever thought about what those travelers you admire on social media, visiting hidden corners of the world, actually experience? What do those inspiring images cost?
Here’s what I’ve observed: for the average person in Turkey, even stepping a little outside the norm is a big deal. That’s why, although many people admire adventurous travelers on social media, they tend to prefer safe and easy destinations. After all, no one wants to risk having their belongings stolen, encountering exotic animals while completely vulnerable, getting sick, feeling insecure or inadequate due to language barriers, or visiting places portrayed in the media as dangerous. Watching it all on social media is much easier.
Of course, risks and problems don’t have to be that dramatic. Anytime you step outside your home, you might face challenges. The question we’re asking ourselves today is really about how we respond to adversity and how we act accordingly.
Your plane might be delayed or canceled, your passport lost, your belongings stolen, you might twist your ankle, run out of money, arrive at an accommodation that’s dirty or noisy, face terrible weather, forget important gear, experience harassment or discrimination, argue with companions, get into an accident with a rental car, or realize you’re traveling with the wrong person… In short, there are countless potential setbacks, both listed here and not.
When you encounter these situations, will you let them ruin your vacation? Will these experiences impact your future trips? Will you turn your holiday into torture for your travel companions? Or will you accept these challenges as part of the journey and, despite everything, do your best to make the most of your limited time?
That’s the real question.
bahadirhancicek 
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