Nothing in Life Comes Easy. Should I Still Go?

 Traveling is never an easy task. 

There’s a big difference between simple sightseeing and real travel.

Even with package tours, where everything is pre-planned, unexpected situations often arise. But independent travel? From the very start, it’s a challenge in itself.

From planning an itinerary, booking flights and accommodations, figuring out transportation, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances—everything depends solely on your own choices and responsibility. The moment you start planning, you’re bound to face various obstacles.

No matter how much AI helps, the process of organizing a trip is no simple feat.

Which route should I take? How much should I budget? Do I need a visa? Where should I exchange money? The list of things to check in advance is endless.

And when you start searching for information online, you’re bombarded with conflicting opinions and experiences. Unlike traveling in Asia, where information is abundant, certain regions in South America lack comprehensive travel resources, making it even more frustrating. By the time you’ve gone through all these preparations, you might already feel exhausted before even setting foot on a plane.

Embracing Challenges as Part of the Journey

But overcoming these difficulties is what makes travel an experience worth having. Unexpected obstacles will inevitably arise along the way—just as my life has never gone exactly according to plan.

And yet, isn’t that the essence of independent travel?

A trip that unfolds exactly as planned isn’t really a journey—it’s more of a guided tour. Getting lost and stumbling upon hidden gems, meeting kind-hearted locals in the most unexpected situations—these are the moments that make travel truly meaningful. And they wouldn’t happen without the challenges that come before them.

Just Take the First Step

The frustrations and setbacks of planning a trip, as well as the unpredictable hurdles I’ll face along the way, are already daunting. But I want to believe that these experiences will broaden my perspective, sharpen my problem-solving skills, and ultimately shape me into a more adaptable person.

That’s why I write—to document my thoughts and reflections, to remind myself why this journey is worth taking.

There’s a clear difference between those who have faced challenges and those who haven’t. Avoiding difficulties may seem safe, but confronting them head-on leads to growth—not just in travel, but in life. High risk, high reward.

And the most valuable part? No one is forcing me to do this. This is my choice, and because of that, I will see it through to the end.

The Final Takeaway

Yes, the process of preparing for a journey is difficult.

When you drive on the road, there’s always a risk of an accident. Even if you drive carefully, someone else might cause a crash. But that doesn’t mean you should let fear stop you from getting behind the wheel.

Travel isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about the sense of achievement that comes from overcoming obstacles along the way. And really, isn’t that true for life as a whole?

"There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path."
— Morpheus, The Matrix

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."
— Henry Ford

"February 15, 2025, 1:37 AM – 11 days before departure.

A moment in my room in Goheung, Jeollanam-do,

 

where the thought crosses my mind: ‘Should I just cancel everything and not go? This is such a hassle…’"