"I was grieving and anxious when I left, and it showed in my backpack. I ended up lugging around a massage gun, a portable clothes-washing bag, a headlamp, and plenty of clothes that I never wore. I packed as if Central America had no laundromats or stores, even though they had plenty. Dragging that overstuffed bag onto buses, boats, and up hostel staircases was a pain. A few comfort items, like a small candle or photos from home, are nice to have,"
"I was so focused on getting out the door that I completely overlooked basics, like checking visa rules, entry requirements, and my wallet. First, in a panic at the airport, I had to buy a last-minute return flight to the US just so I could board my plane at LAX. I somehow hadn't realized proof of onward travel was required to enter Belize (as is the case when flying to most countries)."
A condo fire prompted a one-way flight to Central America and a first solo backpacking trip, beginning with scuba training in Belize. The trip was life-changing, messy, humbling, and sometimes painfully lonely, and it resulted in permanent relocation. Many travelers leave after major losses, creating a tragedy-to-travel pattern. Practical mistakes included overpacking items such as a massage gun and headlamp, and failing to research visa and entry requirements, which necessitated a last-minute return ticket at LAX because Belize required proof of onward travel. Pack only essentials, verify entry rules, and allow time and space to grieve while traveling.
Read at Business Insider
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