If you are a novice or experienced traveler, odds are you have heard of the Yes Theory. If not, it's a great place to start for some travel motivation. Yes Theory is a group of guys who live by the idea of saying yes to every opportunity that comes their way. This theory has opened up countless doors and opportunities for people and has led them to once in a lifetime experiences. They have booked flights in seconds, sky dived in minutes, and created life long friends within an hour. Their motto is, “We believe life’s greatest moments and deepest connections exist outside of your comfort zone.”

As a traveler, it is imperative to keep a yes mindset. You never know what could happen or who you will meet at any opportunity. However, with that being said, you have to remember to protect your peace when traveling. As soon as you are off that plane, you are dialed in. When you step into a hostel on your first day in a new country, your social battery is on max. You are instantly making friends with the volunteers at reception or the people in your shared room. This means that if your roommates are going out, you’re going out. If the hostel is hosting a wine tour tomorrow, you are drinking your water tonight. If your bunk mate says they have an extra seat in their car for a road trip, you’re packing your bag back up. Having this yes mindset for these types of things can help you create long lasting friendships and memories. But there is going to come a time in your travels, when you have exhausted your social battery and it is okay to say no.

When you are staying in a hostel, you have a solid chance of being surrounded by like minded travelers. But they can also be exhausted from traveling just like you. You do not have to pack your schedule with every social and adrenaline pumping activity that exists under the sun. It is okay to have days where you simply just exist. This could look like going to the beach by yourself and reading that book you keep ignoring. Or taking yourself out to breakfast to just unwind and enjoy some alone time. This is not being anti-social, this is refueling yourself. If you exhaust yourself on your travels, you will be tired and inauthentic while doing activities you wish you said no to. This does not mean you are missing once in a lifetime opportunities, you are giving yourself the space to enjoy them even more when they come around when you are ready. And if you can find a hostel mate to enjoy your wind down time with, even better. They would probably also appreciate some chill time. 

Now, let me be clear. This advice is in reference to a month or even year long trip. If you are traveling for just a week, that is the time to ball out and in fact say yes to most things. You can and will be at your social max for a week, I believe in you. For those trips, you can sleep on the plane ride home. 

The Yes Theory guys believe in seeking out discomfort, and I interpret that in a few different ways. I agree saying yes to things outside of your comfort zone can be some of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. But I also find that a lot of people can feel discomfort just being alone in their own thoughts or company. Sure, having those wind down days may not be as thrilling as other activities, but you can take that opportunity to check in with yourself. The ultimate goal of traveling is to find growth within, and there is no better way to do that than to be alone. Can you have a picnic in a park with yourself? Can you go out to a fancy restaurant and be entertained by your own company? Can you feel at peace when you are alone? These questions can be very eye opening when you have spent a few months on the road constantly entertaining everyone but yourself. There is no better self-growth lesson than discovering what boundaries you need while traveling. 

Saying yes to things outside of your comfort zone is empowering. But let’s not forget, that can also be said for saying no. Take the time that you need to relax and enjoy the present moment. You do not need plans every second of every day while abroad. Fellow travelers are not going to judge you for needing a day to recoup, especially if you are planning on traveling for the long term. You never know, saying no to something can create new opportunities that you weren’t even searching for. Taking time for yourself does not mean you have to ignore the world around you. It gives you a chance to appreciate who you are, and who you are becoming on this journey.