The earlier you start going off on your own the easier it is later on, like literally everything else in life. Chelsea started going off to film school in LA when she was 14 years old. The first steps of independence can be freeing and unnerving at the same time. I didn't take off on my own until I was 33. You're going to do this in your own time, but don't put it off just because you don't feel ready. You're never going to feel ready, so start scared.

If you're here, you're probably not the resort vacation type, not likely to look down on locals, or be upset by different customs and practices in a new location. And that's a great start. We can all do better with paying attention to our personal prejudices and lack of awareness. Is our guide receiving a fair wage? Are we participating in poverty porn? Is this show teaching us about a culture or just capitalizing on it and ultimately dehumanizing the members? We all can do better.

I did this myself. <- We all want to say this right? I did it on my own, no help. Of course, that's never completely true. We all have support and should, it's what builds communities. Chelsea talks about taking loans to build Heart of Travel even further. Money, borrowing money especially, can be an uncomfortable thought. And this is one of the few times I'll say this, but it's just business. If you need a loan to grow, run the numbers. Make it a calculated risk, not a random roll of the dice, the make your best business decision.

For full links and show notes, visit compasspod.com/043