Some people are scared of flying, some think they are too old to take on a long journey and others of fearful of things that could jeopardize their safety. Just are just three of the reasons that people give for not traveling, but there is no end of others that produce travel fears in people.

Whiles having fears is natural, travel fears are stopping people from experiencing other parts of the world. That is an awful shame, as they will never know how wonderful it can be to see the sights and meet the people of other countries. If you are scared to travel, here are a few tips that might help you to overcome your fears.

Having fear is natural, but if you're scared to travel, The Bucket List Project has some tips to help you overcome your fears so you don't miss out on unbelievable adventures. #TravelFears #DontBeAfraid
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Realize You Are Scared And Stop Making Excuses 

The first step to overcoming your fears is admitting that you have them. Stop making excuses why you do not travel, and admit to yourself that you would love to if only you were not so frightened.  Booking a flight to anywhere is as easy as going onto the airline’s website and filling in the information. The whole process takes no more than a few minutes.

If you know you want to see other places, stop coming up with reasons why you shouldn’t. The longer you delay, the harder it will get and then you will give up on dreaming of far off places forever.

You need to remember that flying is the safest form of travel on the planet. There are fewer airplane accidents than any other type of accidents, and if they do happen, there are aviation accident attorneys that are willing to help you sort out any problems the accident creates. The odds of dying in an airplane crash is 1 in many millions unless you are flying over a war-torn country, which is something you should always avoid.

Small Steps At A Time 

Start by having a long weekend away in another part of the US. Once you see how easy it was, it will encourage you to try further afield. If you need to do this a few times before you try another country that is fine. Each time you land in a state the other side of the country, so your confidence will begin to grow.

The next step is to try another country. You should opt for one that speaks the same language and whose culture is not too different.  Perhaps go to a European destination such as England or Ireland. The one thing you can be certain of is that you will meet lots of other Americans while you are there.

After this, you may find the travel bug is starting to bite. Then you will be ready to head for lands that are totally different to anything you have ever since. China and Asia are very exotic in parts, the people are friendly and the food delicious. For many people, once they have visited these parts of the world, they will not take a vacation anywhere else.

Know Your Budget 

The cost being prohibitive is a typical excuse people give for not traveling. It can be cheaper to get a flight somewhere else and to feed yourself as well as find accommodation than it is to travel by train and book into a hotel a couple of hundred miles away.

You do not have to stop in a top class hotel and pay hundreds of dollars a night. Most countries have bed and breakfast establishments and hostels that are very reasonably priced, and the food is often much cheaper than you would pay in the US. You will find markets that sell street food very cheaply, and they are very strictly regulated hygiene wise, so you can be certain that what they are serving is clean. Most of them use local produce too so it is usually fresh as well.

You could opt to rent a room with a kitchen so you can shop and cook for yourself. This is possibly an even cheaper option, but when street markets sell the food for less than a couple of dollars for as much as you can eat, that is hard to beat.

Flight wise, you need to watch the airlines websites for special deals. You will also find that maybe a month before the flight the prices will start to drop if they have too many empty seats.

If your work out what your budget is you will be able to stick to it without too much difficulty as long as you are not looking at traveling first class and staying in a five-star hotel.

Feel The Excitement 

There are two things you should feel excited about. One is the trip itself, and the other is that you have overcome your fear. If you can beat the fear of traveling, what else could you achieve in life? This will boost your confidence a great deal and that is worth being excited about.

Seeing other countries and cultures will open your eyes to different ways of living, different perspectives and will help you to grow as a person. You will learn to manage your money while away, try new foods and meet new people. You may find their ways a bit puzzling to start with, but be under no illusion, they would feel the same if they visited the US.

Travel Often 

You will soon find that traveling is not as bad as you feared, but you need to travel often to keep those fears away. Whole families backpack these days, and, many people travel in groups as well as on their own. There is no reason for you to not join these many thousands of people on their travels, and if you feel safer with a friend, drag one along with you.

If there is an emergency at home or you really hate a place you go to, there is always the option of flying home if you need to. You cannot expect to love everywhere you visit, but you should at least give some places a try, as you will never know if you don’t.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

The post Overcoming Your Travel Fears appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

One of the best “side effects” of The Bucket List Project is hearing all the different bucket list dreams people often share with me. To see their faces light up as they describe the adventures, travels, or projects they want to complete makes my heart happy. Occasionally people will share with me a bucket list item that makes even me think, “Really? You must be crazy! I would never want to do that.” Now don’t get me wrong, I would probably do anything if I am inspired or incentivized and I would NEVER tell anyone that the things they dream of doing are wrong, but there are things that just don’t excite me or even perhaps scare me a little bit. I consider this My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die.

So what is on My Anti-Bucket List and why don’t I want to do them?

Below is My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die from A to Z. Not all of the items on My Anti-Bucket List are a definite NO. Therefore, I rated them from 1 Thumb’s Down for “would probably do it if it was free” to 3 Thumbs’ Down for “would only do it for a million dollars!”

A is for Acupuncture

Does anyone else have images of Pinhead from the movie Hellraiser when thinking about acupuncture? Now I am not scared of needles but the idea of being stabbed by multiple hair like needles in certain pressure points just doesn’t sound like fun to me.

The Anti-Bucket List is a hilarious list from Things from A to Z of things that Eric Gamble doesn't want to do before he dies! What is on your Anti-bucket list? #bucketlist #antibucketlist
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B is for Bungee Jumping

Just because I entered the world attached to a cord doesn’t mean I have to leave the world attached to another cord! It’s weird because I really have no major fear of heights at all. However, I am not a big fan of falling. So the idea of strapping a giant rubber band to my ankles and trusting some carnival ride operator to keep me safe as I dive to the earth will never be on my bucket list.

C is for Century Eggs

“I will not eat green eggs and ham, I will not eat them Eric, I am!”

Who doesn’t love eggs? Whether eating them boiled, scrambled, or as an omelet, eggs are one of my favorite breakfast foods. However, I don’t think I can stomach the idea of a Century Egg. Century Eggs, also known as preserved egg, hundred year egg, or thousand year egg are made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in an alkaline mixture of clay and other ingredients for several weeks to several months.

So what makes them so bad? Well, everything I have read describes them as having a dark green jelly like consistency for the outside while the yolk is green and oozes everywhere. Then, if that doesn’t convince you to forgo the delicacy, perhaps the strong smell of horse urine emanating from the eggs will stop you.

D is for Dye My Hair

I never really wanted to dye my hair any fun color as a kid – probably because I have a big old Charlie Brown head and never wanted to waste that much dye. Even now as I am older it doesn’t phase me that my dark brown hair is finally changing and fading away. Perhaps, this is because it is changing into the pre-destined Sam Elliot white that apparently my genetics has been gracious enough to give me.

E is for Eat Vegetarian/Vegan

“Being a Vegetarian/Vegan is just a big Missed Steak!”

I love puns almost as much as I love bacon! Don’t get me wrong, I love veggies of all types but I have no desire to live solely on them forever. Perhaps this is because I just love eating a Cuban steak and New Orleans crawfish too much. So if you are vegetarian/vegan that is okay. Just lay off my double double animal style from In&Out!

F is for Fugu Sushi

Food allergies are no fun – especially the two I have! Now I am not 100% sure, but I may be allergic to a poison called tetrodotoxin, which is 1,200 times deadlier than cyanide. Total bummer I know but I guess that means no Fugu for me. Fugu is a blowfish served in Japanese restaurants that has enough tetrodotoxin poison to kill 30 people if not served properly. Therefore, you have to trust that the chef serving you underwent the mandatory two to three years of training to obtain a fugu-preparing license and is not having an off day. Unfortunately for me, the type of training they go through has a weird side effect that stimulates my second food allergy. Their expertise raises the price of a full course fugu meal to $200 (USD) which makes me break out in hives!

G is for Golf

“Golf is a good walk spoiled” ~H.S. Scrivener

Though originally attributed to Mark Twain, Scrivener originally wrote the quote in a 1903 book about lawn tennis. Either way, the quote holds true for me. I really don’t want to play golf. Now I love the idea of a golf outing. I mean what’s not to love about male bonding in a beautiful location, playing a competitive sport, while drinking and smoking cigars. But when it comes to the actual skill, I STINK!

H is for Hike Everest

Hiking and climbing to the peak of a mountain can offer unbelievable views. But avalanches, rock slides, and losing my toes to frostbite seem a bit much even for an insane adventurer like myself. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to explore the base camp and see the beauty. But I hate the cold and very much like living!

I is for Ice Fishing

Did I mention I hate the cold?! Well I do. So to traverse across a frozen lake to sit in a wooden outhouse to catch fish out of a hole sounds like the worst vacation ever. If this sounds like heaven to you, then more power to you but leave me on a Caribbean island any day while you guys freeze to death.

J is for Jump Off a Cliff in a Wing Suit

I think flying squirrels are some of the coolest looking creatures ever. But that doesn’t mean I want to emulate them. Perhaps this is because I hate the thought of plummeting to my death. Or maybe it is because I just don’t really want to jump off a cliff in a wing suit ever. Even with a really good travel insurance from World Nomads, it doesn’t sound like my idea of fun!

While it is common for most people to create a bucket list, are there things you DON'T want to do before you die? Eric Gamble came up with just a list – an Anti-bucket list and it is hilarious! #Antibucketlist #bucketlist
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K is for Kopi Luwak Coffee

I know this may sound strange but I don’t like coffee at all. My dad used to grind Cuban coffee beans every morning and then brew up a wonderfully smelling beverage. But it just isn’t my thing.

With Kopi Luwak Coffee, there is no budge in my view. If you don’t know, Kopi Luwak is coffee made from part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. That is right, coffee made from animal poop!

L is for Learn how to Fly a Plane

My cousin Alex is a United States Naval Aviator, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. However, this has never created a desire in me to learn how to fly a plane. I mean I drive like a reckless NASCAR car driver already. Can you imagine me flying in the air above your head like an insane maniac?

M is for Mohawk

Did I mention I have a big old Charlie Brown head? Growing up in the 80s with characters like Mr. T made having a Mohawk a tough guy thing. But I would end up looking more crazy like Robert DeNiro in Taxi Driver than cool.

N is for the Ngwala Cup

I love The Adventurists and all the crazy races they put together! For those of you who don’t know, The Adventurists are the lunatics who developed the insane Rickshaw Run that Darcee and I participated in January of 2017.

However, they have one race that doesn’t interest me at all, the Kraken Cup (formerly known as the Ngwala Cup). Essentially, you take a dugout canoe made from a mango tree, add a bamboo mast, a sail and a couple of outriggers and you sail it towards the Indian Ocean racecourse of spice islands, deserted beaches and sand banks off the coast of Tanzania. Sorry I have no desire to be Tom Hanks in Castaway.

O is for Own a Motorcycle or Dirt Bike

My good friend Jason Hippler is an avid motorcycle rider and I love hearing his stories of riding around the country, but that is really the extent of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of taking a motorcycle on the open road or riding a dirt bike out on the trail. Not to mention, riders always look cool wearing their awesome helmets or the top dirt bike jackets. But, I took a motorcycle riding class and hated it. Perhaps it is because I drive a car like a maniac or maybe because my mom would kill me, but in this instance, being Evel Knievel is not on my bucket list.

P is for Piercing my Body

I have no desire to get my ears or any other body part pierced. This is probably because my earlobes are Dumbo floppy and they would look stupid on me. But in reality it’s more because I am a bit clumsy and I would be one of those horror stories where I get my piercing viciously ripped out in an accident of some sort.

Q is Quit Cigar Smoking

I love smoking a good cigar. It’s been a vice of mine since college. It relaxes me and slows me down even just for one hour. Perhaps a good cigar is my version of Adderall that allows me to focus and pay attention to my friends. Plus, I AIN’T NO QUITTER!!

R is for Run a Race

If you ever see me running, I would advise you to start running too because something bad like a bear, a tidal wave, or a woman scorned is chasing me! Don’t get me wrong, I admire anyone, like my friend Joe Elfer, who signs up for a marathon or a 5k but it doesn’t interest me at all!

S is for Skydive

Back to that falling thing again. Not going to happen if I can help it. My good friend Steve always wanted to go skydiving so I surprised him with the opportunity to fulfill that Bucket List dream. However, like most people he got a bit nervous right before going up in the plane. Like an idiot, I offered to join him in solidarity to boost his courage. Thank God he didn’t need me and had the time of his life cause my pants don’t look good with pee all over them!

T is for Tattoo my Body

I really admire the artwork of tattoo artists. Some of the designs they come up with are truly beautiful. With that said, I don’t think I ever want to get a tattoo. I don’t think people with tattoos are any less, in fact I admire their desire to wear such amazing art. However, I am just too non-committal to a design. I would get a tat and then 2 days later want to erase it and get something different.

U is for U.F.O. Hunting

Is there other life in our universe? I have no idea and I really have no desire to spend time exploring Roswell, crop circles, or other alien sighting locations. Don’t get me wrong, I love astronomy and star gazing. But I have seen what aliens do to unsuspecting alien hunters and just don’t want a prostate exam today.

V is for Visit Austin, Texas

Ok so this is going to ruffle some feathers but the idea of Austin, Texas rubs me wrong. Perhaps it is because I am a New Orleans snob but Austin just seems like a hipster rip off. I just have no desire to see Austin City Limits or South by Southwest music festivals or to eat over priced food out of food trucks.

W is for Write a Book

One of the weirdest compliments I get from time to time is “you should write a book about your bucket list adventures!” Now don’t get me wrong, this is very flattering but I am no author. The idea of writing more than a blog article makes me sweat and my fingers cramp. So I will leave writing to the great authors of our time like E.L. James, L Ron Hubbard, or Nicholas Sparks.

X is for X-Mas Markets in Europe

Ok so I cheated a little with X but Christmas (X-Mas) Markets just don’t excite me. Now, Darcee would sell my organs to explore the beautiful markets in Germany, Austria, Poland, or Czech Republic. The idea of strolling the illuminated stalls and sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine would definitely get her in the Christmas spirit. However it isn’t the reason I want to jump on a plane to travel to those destinations. X-MAS MARKETS, BAH HUMBUG!

Y is for Yoga

So I love to go the gym and train. It is a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress. But there is something about tying myself into a pretzel that just doesn’t sound fun. Again this is probably because I am kind of a spaz and I would be that guy in yoga class who ends up needing medical attention cause I went left when I should have gone right. Plus I don’t want to be ogled at by those heathen yoga women. I am not a piece of meat ladies!

Z is for Zeppelin (the blimp not the band)

So Z was another tough letter. But some people that tell me they would love to ride the Goodyear Blimp (aka a Zeppelin). Now I love seeing a Zeppelin in the sky! However, to be stuck up there for several hours overlooking the Super Bowl from several miles away just doesn’t sound like a good time to me.

We all love dreaming of the many things on our bucket list. But are there things you would never do? Eric Gamble of the Bucket List Project has a few ideas and added it to his hilarious Anti-Bucket List! #bucketlist #antibucketlist
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So that is My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die from A to Z. Was there anything in the list above that you would definitely do or you have done? Tell me why I should change my mind! Also, what is on your Anti-Bucket List? Are there things you would never want do before you die? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, “The Anti-Bucket List: Things I dont want to do before I die” may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post My Anti-Bucket List: Things I don’t want to do before I die appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

(Originally published on 03/02/15)

Wait….What Year is IT??? How Did I miss 2014 already?  Wait, how old am I?  I turned 39 Last Wednesday??  Holy Crap!!!!  Where did those days go?

These are all statements people say all the time when you ask them what they did last year or what they did during the past year of their life on their birthdays.  I know its what people keep asking me.  So what did Eric Gamble, Mr. Bucket List, Mr. World Traveler, Mr. Crazy Adventurer, Mr. Insane Free Living Spirit do last year??  Then they ask, well what is NEXT?  So First, Let me give you my 2014 Year in Review and then Give you a taste of the State of the Bucket List Union for 2015!

Then the Summer time I got to give back!  I was able to help my mother see Alaska, help honor a long time friend by showing him what I saw in Him and his friendship (A Holy Cross Man), help another friend recover his lost high School Ring, and set another friend on his own insane Adventure to skydive!

I did some unique traveling to different parts of the US but the highlight of my travels was backpacking through Peru to witness Machu Picchu and Lake Titticaca!

So Here is a Little Taste of the Ideas of What the Year 2015, my Last Year in my 30’s, is going to hold!  Here is my 2015 State of the Union!

1) I am starting this year by helping 2 people complete their Bucket List Items, One will go Skydiving and my cousin will do a Color Run as a Catalyst to get healthy

2) 2015 Will be the YEAR OF FINISHING!  I plan on Finishing several Bucket List Items that have been a work in progress like reading all 15 Wizard of Oz Books, Doing my Last Mud Run of the 4 that were my Goal ( Last One? I AM SPARTAN!), Finally cut this last bit of Body Fat to see my 6 pack! and a couple of others!

3) I have been missing one of my more important sections Making Amends.  Therefore, I am going to actively try to work on 2 of them and hopefully do one other bucket list gift for one other person this year!

SO WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL?

4) Geez, fine…I will be travelling to hopefully 3 international sites and 4 new US sites that I have never been to…Think I am going to search for the Aurora Borealis, do Indy 500, Possibly go to China and do the Most Dangerous Climb to a Temple, visit the Galapagos and Ecuador for an EcoTravel, or perhaps go to Thailand.  These are just some of the ideas popping in my mind right now but who knows where I will end up however I will go see the world, eat strange foods, and learn by traveling!  I do know this, it will be crazy, it will be wonderful, and it will be epic!

So those are my Goals. I like to announce them and share them!  It holds me accountable!  You guys hound me and I like and need that.  What if 2015 is our last year of life?  What if we don’t get to see our next Birthday?  Well, then we need to Live now!

What are your goals this year?  Share them with my by clicking on the comments link below!!  Cant wait to see what you are thinking!

The post 2014 Year in Revew & 2015 State of the Union! appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

(Originally  published on 09/17/13)

Those of you who have recently had a chance to talk to me in person, know how much I LOVE talking about my Bucket List Project!  It has been a motivating factor in my life for the past year in improving my Mind, Body, & Soul!  But it has brought about a great Side Effect….Inspiration to Others!  There is nothing cooler than getting an email, text, or Facebook message from someone declaring that they have either started working on their own Personal Bucket List or even Better Completed an Item on their list that they have been pushing off for many years!

One of the coolest things to hear is the unusual things on Someone’s Bucket List that is Extremely Important to them!  See, it is very very easy to put “Losing Weight” or some sort of Travel on your Bucket List.  I mean think about it.  When you were 5 years old, you never dreamed really about travelling.  You dreamt of some experience or adventure that would lead to a personal greatness.

If you really take some time to sit down and think about all the things you want to do, experience, and see in your life, then you will discover that you have some very creative and obtainable dreams!

Below, I have listed some of the coolest Bucket List Items that have been recently shared with me.  A couple have even been Completed!

What Cool Thing Inspires You?  Write it Down & then Develop a Plan to Do it!

* Catherine F: “I know 2 things that would go on it……watching boxing match ring side and going to a roller derby.”

* Danielle H:   “choreographing a Musical!”  COMPLETED!!

* Amy L: “Take a Glass Blowing Class!”

* Kristy W.D.:  “Travel to Ireland to Have a Proper Pint at the Guiness Brewery…& Drive Down a Country Road while Getting Blocked by a Herd of Wandering Sheep!”

* Steve K: Go Sky Diving for my Birthday!  COMPLETED (Jan 18, 2015)

* Margaret W. R.: “when I’m a senior – join a seniors dance troupe and perform at a sporting event and not be embarrassed”

* Craig T: “Get over my fears of snakes by going rattlesnake hunting!”

* Cathy W.: “getting my haircut in London after high school with jet black dye and neon blue tips – Punk Rock Style!”

* Jon A.: “Go to Matador School & wear the cape!”

*Mike P.: “Meet the Dalai Lama”

*Wade T.: “I’ve also wanted to go to one of the many balls in Vienna ”

* Nicole T: “splash in the Fairhope Fountain! I’ve always wanted to, and there’s no time like the present Ice cream at my house after Bring a towel. No worries if you can’t make it–I’ll be jumping anyway!” COMPLETED!!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

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