The key to living a life of adventure | Ginger Kern | TEDxBrookings

[@nitirajdaby2554]

You are just like me: A free spirit who hates routine, small talks, dreams of connecting with people of different cultures, open, curious and longing for freedom.

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

[@cdreid99999]

she's an infant mommy and daddy gave money to visit a couple countries...

[@lorrainei1622]

I'm the same are you a Sagittarius too? I've noticed that alot of Sagittarius are like this :)

[@someoneinthecrowd1401]

cdreid99999 please spread kindness. your words matter and her words help many including me. hatred can only breed hatred.

[@mysticflower7727]

someone in the crowd so true thank you for saying that I didn’t want to 😊

[@Number1Fan4Music]

That was a wonderful speech. I'm 13 years old and I have a fear of living a normal life and getting stuck in routines but I'm also scared of talking to people. I want to travel and live the life that you described so badly but everyone around me believes that it would be impossible. I started to believe it too. Your speech, though, I really learned a lot from it. It really made living a life of adventure seem real. It was eye opening. Very inspiring:)

[@GingerKern]

Hi Sam, your comment means a lot to me. Thank you for being so open! I definitely understand that it can be scary to talk to new people (even if you already speak the same language)... if I'm intimidated to talk to someone new I try to focus on what I might be able to add to their life. Then when I start a conversation and ask what they're interested in, what they're up to in life, it's not about me, it's about them and their experience of life, which takes the pressure off of me... and most people enjoy talking about themselves. As for traveling and world-wide adventures -- and being surrounded by people who don't believe it's possible -- it's super helpful to keep doing what you just did here. Reach out to people online who have done what you want to do, and ask for help. Whether it's a travel blogger you admire, or a travel photographer on Instagram, or someone in a TEDx talk, there's a good chance you'll get support! Feel free to ask me any questions about traveling that you can think of :) Thanks again!

[@Number1Fan4Music]

Thanks so much for the advise :)

[@sfarzanyar]

Hey Sam. I live in Tehran, Iran. Whenever you came to Iran you're welcome to stay at my home🌸🌸🌸Warm Wishes for your Adventures🌿🌿🌿🍀

[@boatrvme8478]

@@sfarzanyar come to U.S. and stay with me😉

[@sfarzanyar]

@@boatrvme8478 Thank you Mark! I'd love to visit the U.S. .

[@duzer]

Hooray for travel, for adventure, for leaving comfort behind-in a quest to learn, discover and be part of this amazing planet!

[@GingerKern]

I love everything you just said :D Our home is a spectacular place!!

[@boatrvme8478]

On an ebike!!!😂

[@rodi2641]

@@GingerKern you not just look same as the woman giving the speech but also have the same name ....wow such coincidence

[@GingerKern]

@@rodi2641, I am that woman giving the speech :) Nice to meet you and thanks for watching my talk!

[@rodi2641]

@@GingerKern 😄oh you wish you were .........

[@Vik1919]

Years of video games made me realise my true purpose: adventuring, learning new things, improving myself. They will always be a part of me and I am going to turn my life into a game. You only live life once so might as well go all out!

[@behindthepie9430]

5 years later and its still relevant. Its crazy where life can take you if you let it. I never thought I would be living in japan, yet here I am, living in Okinawa for the next 3 years of my life.

[@GingerKern]

Congrats on creating a life that you love in a country you enjoy! Thanks for watching my talk :)

[@SenorJuan2023]

What are you doing there? My brother was stationed at kadina Air Base for a couple of years.

[@sarahfrey3876]

I'm 16 and I just came back to my hometown after living in Europe for five years. She hit every nail on the head, with what I was feeling I honestly couldn't believe it. I had the same ooccurence as she did, with the stars. I was in skyros, Greece visiting a friend I had made at my American international school in Belgium and it was night time. We walked high up this hill, and then I looked up. I could see every single star, and I felt so connected, just like she said. I needed this video so much.

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Hey Heather, it's Ginger. Thanks so much for commenting...how beautiful that you got to experience that amazing connection as well! I loved reading what you shared

[@abdulnasirbushra6049]

Omgosh that is amazing not many get the chance to do that at do young

[@preethicorrea6378]

And I found my idol

[@jaren.v]

Wow. She just answered the feeling I’ve always been feeling ever since I was little. I’ve been so confined in my daily routine life and that made me feel these weird empty emotions that made me long for something exciting, fun, daring, anything to entertain myself from my regular life. The only time I never felt that was when I was with other people. I guess humans really do need others around to survive!

[@GingerKern]

JV, I really appreciate you sharing that. I wholeheartedly agree, and I truly hope you find a community of people who will light you up and inspire you to take on new adventures (solo or with others), learn something new everyday, and squeeze the juice out of life!

[@joelambert1784]

This was probably one of the most confident speeches I have ever seen from TEDx, truly awesome.

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Thank you very much, Joey. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my talk & help share the traveler's mindset :)

[@joelambert1784]

Traveler's Mindset Subscribed to your channel too :)

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Woot! Thanks Joey :)

[@jorgeromera3861]

How inspiring! Fear is always there, inside our mind, to shrink our world, to lessen our life. I am the only responsible person for my boundaries. Great speech!

[@GingerKern]

Thank you Jorge! You've inspired me too with your reminder to stay courageous: "Fear is always there, inside our mind, to shrink our world, to lessen our life." It's up to us to keep dissolving fear as it comes up, so that we can live a meaningful life that makes a positive difference for people in our families, our communities, and the world. Rock on, my friend.

[@user-mk5vj5bf3j]

I've seen your comments on other related videos, love your ideas and views👍

[@YoitsKendahl]

I’m 24, from WI and always have this urge inside of me that I NEED to travel. I didn’t grow up with a lot and never traveled. My biggest goal in life is to work hard for myself and make sure I can travel often ☺️

[@imjoshellis]

Adventuring is so important!

[@GingerKern]

+minmaxlife YES!! Love it :D

[@JuLiassdd]

I'm 14 years old, and since last year I've had this huge desire to live in a house in a field and venture into the forests there, what a life. And as I don't live in the countryside, but in the city, I tried to venture out with what I have near my house and it was one of the best choices I've ever made in my life! I have so many memories of my various adventures that make me laugh just to remember!! I hope I continue on this path! Im really an adventurer! 😆😆😆

[@atlscott744]

Ana Ju, I love that! Being older than you, I can say that adventure does not have to mean going to another country. I have been to over 40 countries, but several years ago, I moved to a farm not far from my hometown. Every day here is a wonderful adventure!

[@JuLiassdd]

@@atlscott744 Wow!! So great! I hope you have a wonderful life 😊😊😊

[@preethicorrea6378]

A year older than you and I feel the same

[@nathanielboyle3185]

Yes! Finally getting to see this. "I'm never bored because I know the next interesting person is just a conversation away." Love that. We both grew up on that same book of Greek Myths and never stopped wanting those adventures of challenge and transformation... and playfulness. Like Carl Sagan says, "The road still softly calls like a nearly forgotten song of childhood."

[@GingerKern]

Thanks for the comment, Nathaniel! I think the secret recipe for an amazing life is... adventure + challenge + transformation + playfulness :)

[@GingerKern]

P.S. This is that book of Greek Myths, for anyone looking to dive into that world: ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61yFx6feGcL.jpg

[@JE-hj4iy]

Ginger Kern Is that THE book? I might need to find a copy to buy, to keep me motivated when I'm feeling down/afraid/whatever. A signed copy would let me die happy. :P

[@GingerKern]

Haha, yes, it is indeed :) It's a great read if you're into mythology!

[@ceranko]

Ive travelled a lot too. Its the best thing in life.

[@Theskypriest]

Left Thailand when I was 9, lived in 6 countries, been to war, even moved to La, and I’m retired at 32. Go do what u want to do.

[@Merry_Adventure]

How

[@returniniman1997]

😳

[@zephanmoses]

I was fortunate enough to meet Ginger while I was taking a month off from my business and my life. I highly encourage you to find the courage to up and go. Where? Anywhere really. Pick somewhere you haven't been before and choose the travelers mindset. Go with an open mind and open heart.

[@GingerKern]

Zephan, you're a huge inspiration to anyone who owns their own successful business and is feeling the need to travel and explore. Keeping rocking the biz & life, and thanks for commenting!

[@riaramcharan8185]

Travelling is great. The world is big , its sad not to decide to explore and experience new things. As a Caribbean girl, i've been to the US 3 times, visited Germany and Paris and hoping to see more in the future. Routine has its place and adventure brings a healthy balance to it😎

[@GingerKern]

Awesome, Ria! Hope you enjoy your future adventures :) Thanks for watching my talk!

[@julescazedessus218]

"Choose openness, choose curiosity, choose the traveller's mindset." Yes!

[@GingerKern]

Love your enthusiasm, Jules! :)

[@Kweku1706]

Ginger Kern is the kind woman I'd like to go out with. She can share this adventure in ways that are inspiring.

[@GingerKern]

+Eddie Dakora Thanks for the sentiment, and for commenting. Keep adventuring!

[@beautywithshruti]

Ginger is absolutely amazing and refreshing. Loved hearing all that she had to say !!

[@GingerKern]

Thank you so much, Shruti, I appreciate that!

[@christianhoagland6339]

Ginger's speech is so inspiring!!! These feelings and mindsets she describes are so important yet so undervalued in our society. I am happy after hearing your words, Ginger!!! Thank You!!!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks, Christian! So glad you are feeling happy after my talk!

[@CamAdair]

I got to hang out with Ginger on a trip to Frankfurt and now she has become one of my best friends! Thanks for always being so awesome Ginger, you're an inspiration! :)

[@GingerKern]

Cam, I can't get over how cool it was that we met!! You're one of the only people who knows my life on both sides of the Atlantic, and you've been such an amazing friend along the way! It means a lot to me that you understand the awesome benefits of travel -- it's really special to share that mindset with you :)

[@brahminiravi4717]

I love her outfit, I love how it's simple yet dressy

[@kiranSharma-bx4xk]

hawsi

[@SurajVerma-lw7mv]

hahaha. Like my mother, she would notice the dresses of model whlie watching TV :)

[@nicolaslondono2513]

I'm glad Ted talks make it to the Internet they're valuable insights and crappy crowds like this give wondrous individuals like her little justice.

[@gingerkern2356]

+Nicolas Londono Thanks for commenting, Nicolas, and for your kind words.

[@PeeedaPan]

I feel the same way about the Odyssey which I read when I was younger. It makes me want to live a life like the one you described. I am also a midwesterner and want to get out to see the world. This talk resonates with me very much.

[@GingerKern]

Awesome, Derrick, thanks for the feedback. I love how books are gateways to adventure!

[@summer2011leggo]

I want to create a world where a huge portion of people travel that didn't before.If I had a bunch of money I would love to fund several trips for people who otherwise couldn't go and then write a book about each persons experience which could turn into a movie which would inspire kids to do the same even if that's on a smaller scale

[@GingerKern]

+summer2011leggo Amazing. Very inspiring! Thank you for commenting and sharing your vision... Mine is similar: to live in a country where the majority of my fellow citizens have their passports and have left the United States at least once in their lifetime. (The ripple effect of this, in terms of empathy/world knowledge/creative problem-solving ability, is very exciting to me.)

[@randomuser1105]

+summer2011leggo That would be great.

[@firstfallingsnow]

Love to get funded, let me know how; traveled many places domestic and internationally. Looking for to go to Africa and Middle East.

[@michielheylen31]

summer2011leggo i

[@JuLiassdd]

Thats SO awesome!

[@RandyAguero]

If I had to choose the more useful educational tool for my kids, college or world travel, I would tell them to travel. If you don't get that concept, then THIS talk is for YOU! Great talk, Ginger!

[@danielholka3442]

So relatable. I recently got back from a camp for five days with people from across the state, and it feels so dull going back to regular everyday life

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Hey Daniel, thanks for commenting :) I'm curious, what's one activity that makes you feel "lit up" and alive? Once you've hit on that, how can you start incorporating / creating more opportunities to have it in your everyday life... or share it with those around you?

[@danielholka3442]

Traveler's Mindset One thing that makes me feel alive is helping people. I'm almost qualified for Vertical Rescue (stranded abseilers, cliff falls, etc. ). I love doing it because helping people is the right thing to do. Even when you don't know who it is you're helping

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

That's for sure! Awesome that you're going for Vertical Rescue certification too -- you wouldn't happen to be based in Colorado too, would you?

[@danielholka3442]

Traveler's Mindset no I'm afraid. coastal Australia

[@threeicys]

...with the stars and the trees with the smell of the lake. sounds invigorating and peaceful at the same time

[@tw3638]

For me it’s Adventure time that fostered my desire for adventure

[@jayden28430]

Me too I love adventure time. I want to go to different worlds like that!

[@elizadozell3680]

How good!!! Thank you

[@ChandlerBingtherabbit]

Im going to be adventurous in my life no matter what ever I do

[@FinnWoelm]

Wow, Ginger, that was a really inspiring and thought-provoking talk! You're so right when you say that all the adventures and connection and wonders of life lie right before us, just a conversation with a stranger away. We pass so many people in the streets every day, so many life stories and dreams and worries and hopes. But so often we walk through life as if we had blinders on and so we miss out on all the amazing people around us. You probably hear this many times, but I really have to point out what an incredible speaker you are. So fluent, so well-paced, so confident, so engaging and with such a welcoming and friendly smile :) I'm challenging myself to choose the traveler's mindset more often!

[@GingerKern]

Finn, your comment means the world to me. Thank you!! Time to take those blinders off as we pass by people on the streets today :)

[@kindnessducuray2656]

yes and thank you so much ...definitively agreed! From Mali Republic It brought me here today in the US...just say hi with smile it's works

[@GingerKern]

That's wonderful, Kindness (it looks like that's your name, I think?) :) Thank you for watching my talk & for sharing your smile...

[@kindnessducuray2656]

y're welcome Dear, my name is Khadijah, but I think that am a blessing for other.I really like what you said here...I made travel my solution.I use to say that World has so many parts..one shouldnot give up if things does not work out in one place...just move around the world and this is what I do.Hopefully I like the U.S for now, thank you Ginger, tkx y'all

[@ToddAetherwyn]

I've always considered myself a mind-traveler. Not that keen on physical traveling, but I'm very happy and eager to go someplace new in my mind (or in someone else's mind, if they'll let me in!). I think the traveler's mindset applies to either. Good to see you present, Ginger, and I love the soft giggles that intro and extro this piece :-)

[@GingerKern]

Haha that's an awesome way of putting it, Todd. And thanks for noticing the nervous laughter -- it had to come out somewhere :)

[@missbonbon333]

I so needed to hear this. I have been wondering how traveler's go back to 'real life'. I only traveled for 2 and a half months and since coming back have felt disconnected and lost. This is valuable

[@GingerKern]

I appreciate you saying that, Lisa... it's a very common feeling after longer-term travels. Some call it the 'post-travel blues' or 'reverse culture shock'. I've found my own way of dealing with it, which involves planning smaller trips closer to home - even just to a nearby city, hiking trail, or an event that's new for me. It also involves with cultivating friendships with people who are also travelers, and understand this feeling as well. I hope you're able to find your own way through this sense of disconnection and out the other side, and that the memories of your trip inspire you to the next phase in your life.

[@andioconor249]

Ginger, your talk has reached 73K views!!!! CONGRATS! So proud of you!

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Thank you Andi!! 75K now

[@miguele5077]

Thanks Ginger. I studied abroad in London a few years ago and left my heart there since. I’m graduating in a few months and I want nothing more than to move there for good. This inspired me, great talk!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks, Miguel! I wish you the best in getting back to London & living out your dream!!

[@Discoveryourmindpower]

Great talk! I had a very similar experience in Thailand where I was being taken down a dirt track road on the way to my hotel where no one was around and had the same thoughts and fears about my safety. I think the more we travel the more we realise the world isn't as unsafe as the media likes us to think. obviously we need to be sensible but also open. Thanks, you've inspired me to start making plans to travel again.

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

That's wonderful, foreverparadise, great reflection. The world is often much safer than we're led to believe. Thank you for getting back into action & planning to travel more!

[@babynyxe4784]

I FEEL SO MOTIVATED!! I WANNA GO AND RUN 10 MILES NOW!!

[@GingerKern]

Love it, Nyla! Go get it!!

[@nic2173]

I bought a ticket to Albania after watching this

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

That's fantastic, Leslie -- makes me happy to hear it! -Ginger

[@buff_daddyclub9539]

Its a beautifull country 😂

[@mysticflower7727]

Isn’t that a made up place 😂 I’m sorry idk every country 😅

[@Kaledrone]

@@mysticflower7727 It's a real country, Google it.

[@robertmcguckin2713]

I just stumbled on this video and saw your reply. My question, please; how was Albania? Did you get to go? I am planning a trip to Bucharest, Romania and then, on to Albania with my daughter and son. If you receive this, it would be great to hear from you.

[@christinawilliamson6548]

Such an inspiring talk! Bringing the adventure of travel into the everyday is a concept that really resonates with me. Thanks Ginger!

[@GingerKern]

Thank you, Christina!!

[@AgateDad]

I love adventure and getting outdoors! That's why I created my channel. Dont forget to explore the world people!

[@benjapeterson4592]

I love you girl. Your words are what I need to hear now. Happiness, adventure, courage is right in my home town in Saint George,Utah.

[@GingerKern]

So glad to hear it, Benja. Go find that adventure right outside your front door!

[@saradoka4539]

Ok, she just described my soul 😅I used to read Jules Verne's books and they were full of cool adventures. When I was 7 I wanted to be a ship captain and travel the world. Now, after going on holidays with my family, the traveler's mindset has only grown and the only problem is that when I return to my hometown I feel empty and weird 🙃 I hate staying in one place for a long time. Studying in university at first sounded great, but it's making me feel so bored and slothlike.

[@therealsabey5142]

I was reading a zelda fanfic and they talked about a journey, an adventure. I got curious and I randomly googled something with an adventure since I love to explore the world and I especially love woods and the legend of zelda. I found your video all of a sudden and it really inspired me. I'm 16, I live in germany and I really want to travel and see the world and go on adventures to have awesome memories with the people I love and to tell stories to friends and family. One day, when I will have a partner to travel with, I WILL travel and I will explore the world and it's glory💖

[@therealsabey5142]

@Ginger Kern Dankeschön😁, I would love to travel alone too but I'm a little young for that. The world in Zelda fames is just so incredible it would be amazing if I could just warp myself into the game and go on some adventures with Link and Zelda😁 (dein Englisch ist aber auch sehr gut!👍)

[@GingerKern]

@@therealsabey5142 in a couple of years I bet you'll be ready for adventures of your own! Don't let anyone stop you :) übrigens bin ich Amerikanerin, deshalb ist mein Englisch ja relativ gut haha ;)

[@montyanderson5097]

Good job. I just finished my 3rd around the world trip. Now my fear is not getting out there again. Thanks for telling Americans there biggest regrets are going to be what they did not do In life when you get older. If not now when.

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Hear, hear, Monty. Thank you for being a traveler already and for the kind words about my talk. I'm curious, can you articulate the source of your fear in getting out there again?

[@julie_jam_]

Thank you for an awesome talk. I totally understood every your sentences in the lecture. Actually I had opportunity to study English in the USA last year which I had studied for a long time (by the way I'm from South Korea). When I was a little kid, I was just so curious about other countries and I had a dream to travel them. In terms of that, I had such a great time in America. It was like dream came true. I couldn't believe that I was in the place that I saw only through books and TV, talked with natives and shared cultures... I was excited to experience new things everyday. I felt like I was a child whose days were exciting and interesting every single days. So I was so afraid of going back home and especially my regular routine because I knew it would be so boring. I still feel that bored since I am back. That's why I searched and took your talk. It inspired me so much. I'm trying to find my new adventure here! Thanks! Best wishes

[@GingerKern]

+Jihyun Kim That's amazing to hear, thank you for commenting and sharing! What a cool experience for you, to have your time in the USA and explore and be challenged by all the newness. I'm happy for you :) Definitely keep up your #travelersmindset even while you're back in South Korea... the openness, the curiosity, the self-leadership. There are communities like Global Shapers and Internations to stay connected with international people even in your own city. I hope you're able to meet up with them!

[@PhreshFruit]

Congrats Ginger on such an amazing philosophy! I know it will open the world's doors and opportunities to you! So excited to see where you end up taking this adventure filled life of yours.

[@GingerKern]

Thank you, Romain! I'm looking forward to those new opportunities for sure, and I appreciate your support along the way!

[@TharynTaylor]

This is spot on. It's funny because the way I met Ginger was through a mutual friend whom I struck up a conversation with in a hostel in Bangkok. We were both there for a few days and he told me him and his friend, Ginger, would soon enough travel to Chiang Mai. I was also living in Chiang Mai, so I said we needed to meet up. The next month was history! We hung out several times and became good friends... all from talking with a single stranger. :)

[@GingerKern]

True!! We were so happy to meet you, Tharyn -- you brought us into a group of expats in Chiang Mai that we might never have met. I loved my time in Thailand so much because of how welcoming you all were, and I'm grateful to still have friends there for the next time :) Thank you for reminding me of this... it's bringing back happy memories!

[@jelenadelibasic8390]

Awesome speech! I travel often and like it very much even though I had some unpleasant moments on my travels. This speech answered the question that's been bothering me for a very long time - How to retain that feeling of excitement and newness which I get from travel? Well, simply by being open to people around you, talking to people and making a habit out of it. This way, I guess, I'll have a life full of adventures.

[@msafirimhehe]

Very great speech! Thank you.. Let's safely live our lives to the fullest. It's FUN!

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I want to have adventures. I want to see whats out there but i also want to see whats in here. In my heart and mind waiting to be discovered and unearthed.

[@AggieLately]

Anyone watching on here from Cameroon? That just made me smile . Lovely talk

[@GingerKern]

Thanks Blessing! It makes me happy to know my talk made you smile :) Cheers to you in Cameroon...!

[@AggieLately]

You are welcome. I should be thanking you cuz you inspired me so much. Do you have facebook, would love to connect with you on fb?

[@GingerKern]

Sure! I have a FB page for the Traveler's Mindset, and would love to connect with you there too: facebook.com/travelersmindset

[@pablotano352]

Very good talk! Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm traveling to Europe tomorrow for a few months, I hope I can find great adventures like you :)

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

That's great, pp! Enjoy your trip to Europe :)

[@MrBeracah]

Excellent presentation of a topic that non travellers find difficult to imagine. Certainly reminded me of the fun and excitement I enjoyed in my limited travel experiences. Well done.

[@GingerKern]

Thanks so much! Glad to have rekindled happy memories from your adventures.

[@fluffynamedkimba]

This is WONDERFUL! I cried. THANK YOU!

[@GingerKern]

You're so welcome, Rachel! Thank you for watching my talk :)

[@coleyy793]

Great speech. I'm currently a university student. I'll be concluding my studies this semester and I'm trying to figure out ways to avoid the 9-5 trap. I'm currently taking a TEFL course online, and hopefully by next year I will have completed the course and start my new life abroad.

[@GingerKern]

+coleyy793 Fantastic, way to choose the road less traveled. I'm sharing my presentation from CU Boulder with you to help you on your way: www.slideshare.net/GingerKern/how-to-use-study-abroad-to-kickstart-your-global-life along with this guide to funds for working abroad: gumroad.com/products/QRmU/ Can't wait to hear when you've found your opportunity and moved overseas!

[@coleyy793]

Thank you so much! I'll keep you posted :-)

[@GingerKern]

I'd love that - thanks!!

[@scorpionic3599]

@@coleyy793 did you start your life abroad?

[@Tr_e_x]

How to do it

[@azmiazmi3768]

u voice itself sounds adventerous. thank you for inspirational experiences

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

It's who I am, so it makes sense that it shows through my self-expression

[@edruaneinkerry]

Ginger truly upbeat and inspirational.

[@GingerKern]

Thank you :)

[@cesardx86]

Great inspirational talk Ginger. Traveling and Experience are the best teachers but even when we are not traveling we should always cultivate a traveler's mindset hungry for knowledge and adventure. Life is all about the experience. Keep Rocking and hope we meet somewhere awesome very soon! Cheers!

[@GingerKern]

I absolutely, 100% agree, Cesar. Thanks for the comment, and cheers to you!

[@lshayo1658]

What a talk! I loved that, time for adventure is now.

[@GingerKern]

+Shayo Leonard Thank you!!

[@Theouterrim77]

The only way I have felt like a traveler in my own city was when I did Uber driving. It's not for everyone, but I certainly felt like a traveler when talking to all walks of life (ppl I usually wouldn't bump into) about anything and everything and seeing suburbs I had never seen. Every shift is an adventure because anything can happen.

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Great great talk . Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@wasimbijilias2496]

Hey, I am Wasim from Tamil Nadu, India. I'm 14 years old, now and I want to travel alone, every place possible, Starting with Kerela, North India, the Northeast, the Northwest, then, even countries like Finland, Japan, USA, basically the whole world, understanding everyone's cultures, their stories, their views, its so fun, meeting and talking to new people but, the problem is, my surrounding, says that the world is a dangerous place and I will get no support outside because no one cares about me...or my dreams, of helping people all around the world...I hope its not true...

[@chrisbauer9896]

i moved to Mexico 35 years ago, learned Spanish and became a teacher. Because of those changes, I travel and work throughout the Americas and the Carribean. Imagine what my life would be like today if I had never taken the first step to adventure and left San Antonio. I continue to travel and it just keeps getting better. So how did a teacher get to travel the world? I took the first step.

[@GingerKern]

Hear, hear! Love it, Chris - you hit the nail on the head. Take that first step, and you might just get swept into a whole new life you love :) Thanks for watching my talk!

[@mysticflower7727]

Who is this person I need to hear more! I just have this longing for something that can help me express my sense of adventure. I never new what I was missing I thought and thought and then after this it came to me, adventure, it’s now my goal in life to travel the world Ik I’ll never see it all but I can at least try 😊

[@subhay4211]

wow!!!! probably d best thought I really wanna hear.... same thinking same courage....but never made out my time... long way and exciting adventures to be explored... 1000000likes for the speech...

[@MattMurrie]

Love the #WhatIfs in this talk! Thank you for encouraging people to become constant travellers. Love this talk!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks, Matt! Appreciate the comment and your support :)

[@rs120]

Loved your speech and what a wonderful message!!!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks Rafik!

[@super0chick]

Awesome! Come here in Michigan and spread some of that adventurism here and excitement.

[@jimikelly1]

Excitement is found in the new, comfort is found in the familiar; both are essential. We have varying cycles, from daily to life, in which we wander in and out of both spaces; ideally. The new is youthful, it's making new relationships, it's variety; the familiar gives intimacy. It's great to make new friends, it's great to know and be known. The new is particle, the familiar is wave.

[@CamFunkShun]

Yo this is inspiring! I just got back to the US from a trip to Taiwan and caught a glimpse of exactly what was said in this video. Seems like the experience of traveling abroad is so similar with others too. Get out your comfort zone and live life people!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks +CamFunkShun! Keep staying in that traveler's mindset :)

[@PHILUS]

its nice to hear these kind of story. i hope i could be more strong enought to tell my story in front of lots people are watching.

[@GingerKern]

Thanks so much for watching my talk!

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I guess i am afraid of the unknown just like everyone else. But life and pain often pushes us into the unknown by force.

[@TallulahKidd]

Ginger you continue to inspire me! Awesome talk!!

[@GingerKern]

Thank you Tallulah!! Appreciate the comment :)

[@sfarzanyar]

I Loved It. Thanks Ginger🌸(from Iran)

[@GingerKern]

Thank you Saba! Sending you warm thoughts from Colorado 💃

[@am_I_or_am_I_not]

It's nice to see a female traveler. A lot of these TEDx talks on traveling are by male presenters and a lot of people seem to think it's too dangerous for women to travel, especially alone.

[@austincarterismahomie1533]

Great speech Ginger so relatable. I've traveled to the US and when I came back to Canada, I was basically doing same routine, I'm going to try and become more adventurous. Btw you remind me of that girl on spy kids, the sister lol.

[@GingerKern]

+AustinCarterIs Mahomie Thanks Austin!! I'd love to see the 'traveler's mindset' spread to Canada too (though you guys already tend to travel a lot more than those of us in the States). Keep up the adventure!

[@visionaire5065]

She did a really good job with this!

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Thanks, Visionaire! :)

[@fathimathsiddik]

you motivated me, I like that Thailand cab driver story, yes sometimes we do wrong assumption!

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Thanks Fathimath! It's human nature to assume things about people...but it's also within our power to flip our assumptions on their heads :)

[@beckya640]

Traveler's Mindset Sex trafficking is a how concern in Thailand. You were valid to worry. Worry is normal. You have to trust your gut sometimes and protect yourself. I don't think my life is worth proving a fear wrong. That's why I don't travel alone. I probably never will. Everyone's boundaries are different though.

[@0SpaceJunk0]

sometimes...

[@ramleengoggin2450]

Fantastic. I am inspired by you to be in the adventure of Life NOW! xoxo

[@GingerKern]

Thank you Ramleen!! You are an inspiration yourself -- thank you for being a stand for me to BE IN communication and be loving and courageous. xxxx

[@ricepaddy21]

Great talk! This makes all the difference. A real game changer, lets all get into the #travelersmindset .

[@GingerKern]

Thanks for commenting, Michael!

[@arianapelt5607]

i truly needed this. I had this change of scene and I guess about the feeling stupid part- i was just like that and I have no idea when i started putting up these borders around me. I use to be the one person with the spring in her step in the first class of the day but now that just makes me so sad. I miss being that free and adventurous person. I guess I changed myself to try to understand and help the people here, and in the process, I camouflaged into being one of them. This talk of yours has made me soo happy that I'm on my way to dinner to this homey Italian pizza cottage. Thank you soo much Ginger for making me discover my true self again. Also, fun fact- there are these resorts in India named 'Ginger hotels' You should totally check it out might make you happy, haha I mean they have these cute little notepads that say 'ginger' ^-^

[@ezechielmusic]

pretty nice Ginger, a great adventure. thank you for sharing it with us. From Giessen , Germany Eichendorffring , you know....

[@GingerKern]

You're so welcome :) I have many happy memories from my time in Giessen... Thank you for watching my talk!

[@meajones9206]

I am 12 and I live in Wales. I hate my country! It rains like 24/7! I am a person who loves being out and exploring. Before I said to my six year old nephew let's just go and have a walk whilst my mum was sleeping, and he said yeah sure. So we was only gonna walk around my court and then we ran into a bunch of bullies cuz we're I live there's loads of creepy people or bullies so it's hard walking round feeling safe and happy. Then we went back cuz my nephew started crying then it started raining! My mum doesn't get out much and we don't go on holiday a lot and if we do it's always Disney Paris. Which I'm great full for. But i wanna go somewhere free and tropical. Last year in July my family went to turkey. My nan Gramp my two sisters my uncle my ant my cousins and my nephew and me and my mum didn't go cuz we had no money. They went for two weeks whilst I was stuck in he rain and having to go to school was so sad. One day I hope to live a fun life, and live in a tropical country were I belong. But right now I'm stuck in a grey gloomy weathered country. So if you could subscribe to me that would help so I could get more successful and live my dream Please😓

[@ellacrowley8077]

This was incredible! Its so great to hear this from a female voice, gives me hope and drive to travel next year. Anyone have any tips for travelling solo as an 18y/o woman?

[@GingerKern]

Hi Ella, thanks so much for watching! I highly recommend two of my girlfriends' websites on solo travel as a woman: girlabouttheglobe.com & travelingjackie.com. Enjoy & happy travels!

[@liana8551]

I really want to start volunteering abroad alot.

[@flyingsanchi]

I'm about to give my first semester examinations in November, and the course is supposed to get me a high paying 9-5 job. I could not be more demotivated for this. All I want to do is become a nomad and travel the world, for as long as I wish. This "job" was supposed to fetch me money since I'm only 17 and I don't own anything that I can sell off to begin my travels. Today, I applied for some part time, home based jobs that promise me about $2000 a month and.. this has got me wanting to drop out of college. I know how it is. My parents would be really disappointed as they really wanted me to get a college degree, even if I chose to become a nomad after that. But all these possible travel funds are being wasted in a college degree I don't even care about. Should I drop out?

[@GingerKern]

Hey @FlyingSanchi, thanks for watching & commenting. 1. Sit by yourself with a pen and a piece of paper and put on some music you like... let your mind wander and write down what comes to mind to these questions: What would my 27-year-old self say to me? Who do I want to become? Go for a walk, and come back to write some more. You'll find you have a clearer answer. 2. Who do you admire? Mentors / teachers / any adults you think are cool, or living life how you'd like to live? Contact them and ask to have a phone call or sit down with them in person to see how they created their lives that way. Sometimes outside help gives us the perspective we need to get back on track in life. Let us know how it goes! I'd personally love to hear.

[@mtbboi9495]

Yes

[@chiragbhat6060]

To be honest life of a vagabond is much better than life of anyone else working 9to5. You can make life on streets also. You need to have sort of little skill maybe like knowing guitar. And the life will be like heaven

[@fernandosaldana6331]

¡Que charla tan fabulosa!

[@GingerKern]

Muchas gracias, Fernando :)

[@grandparocky]

Ginger did a great job here!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks, Dennis! Appreciate you watching my talk :)

[@BetsyRamser]

Wonderful job, Ginger! So proud of you!

[@GingerKern]

Thank you Betsy!

[@kristinegrazu162]

She wants adventure and goes to europe. Me as an german wants to go to america. I think it's interesting that we are curious about the other culture that is kind of similar to our own.

[@richardlocke488]

I live in a great resort town in Queensland Australia, have traveled quite a bit in the past but now find I am losing the desire as I am always pleased to be back home. Traveling around the world can teach you a lot and the gypsy life suits some more than others. Have to ask the question why, is it about telling friends all the places you have seen? Is there a purpose in all of this? The world is out there so why not go, I get that and for people under 30 probably good to do before they settle down into a family perhaps. Not knocking the yest for adventure, just the reason and motivation

[@wulf67]

Why? So we can have new experiences, meet people who have different perspectives, taste new foods, learn something new about the world and about ourselves. You're losing the desire to travel because you've fallen under the illusion of being in control of your environment. You feel safe and secure in your comfort zone and are becoming intoxicated by sense of power it makes you feel over your life and environment, and the validation of your own ego. All illusion. Your world will continue to shrink until you are trapped in this prison of your own making and desperately, but impotently threaten to leave your wife who no longer has sexual feelings for you, your job that brings you no satisfaction, and run away with a Czech nymphomaniac to ride a motorcycle across the American desert.

[@a4creations143]

I like adventurous life

[@brahminiravi4717]

That reality statement that she made us so damn true

[@TravelersMindsetUS]

Thanks Brahmini, would love to hear how you're living the 'traveler's mindset' in your own life!

[@paulvalentine1279]

great talk - I've had some of the same feelings myself!

[@GingerKern]

Thanks Paul! Would love to know, where were you in the world when you did?

[@paulvalentine1279]

I was in the Military - In Germany and wanted to go to other cities in Europe. I had my fellow soldiers to count on - but wasn't too sure about travelling with them. Basically - I was afraid of doing it but had 30 days on my own to do it. I didn't know these people very well and we took the autobahn from Wackernheim, Germany to Munich. In 1973 I didn't make alot of money being in the service - so hotels were out of the question. We stayed in barracks that we shouldn't have been in. Which increased my paranoia. We left one day and went to a Burger King and to my surprise the Burger King offered Beer on the menu. This was unheard of in my home town of Minneapolis at the time and felt compelled to call my friends from Munich. They were flabbergasted because there was no Burger King that had such an offering. Then they asked about the autobahn - something that everyone of my friends wondered about but had never experienced. I explained that we drove to Munich in a Citroen and that we didn't travel the fast lane. However at one point I saw a BMW pass us in the fast lane and about 20 miles later saw the wreckage of it when we caught up to it. I told them I'd never take that fast lane if I was driving. My friends that were with me became sick at the sight. It was that moment I knew these people I was with were "true" friends just by sharing their feelings. I think you hit it on the head - that you have to be somewhat afraid to do things that you are not used to doing.

[@imadmiller3146]

Sweet Ginger, one of the best humans I know 😋♥️

[@GingerKern]

[@aussiejt216]

worth watching the vids on youtube about "van living". Lot in Australia, USA live out of their van. Fruit pick, labouring, hospitality, drive the shuttle bus in a ski resort, or make money making websites or similar. 9-5 , mortgage, city traffic is not healthy for many. Especially men... we were born to be nomads, not wage slaves.

[@GingerKern]

Love the van life ethos, when it supports us in learning (about ourselves and the world) & growing (our skills, our self-knowledge, confidence, etc.). We all need uncertainty & adventure to stay in balance, and it's up to us to feel into how much of each truly supports us. Thanks for watching my talk! Happy travels in your van :)

[@carlosmp2043]

Im a 15 years old spanish dude and Im already wishing to have that kind of life in the future. I d love to travel to remote places all over the world maybe with someone (gf, wife) that understands me and likes that lifestyle as well...but I have no choice. Money moves us and without money you cant do anything. I meam its not that Im poor but if I had that lifestyle I wouldnt earn any money... I better just work like everyone else...have a normal life... That dream of traveling around the world will always be a non accomplished dream...

[@GingerKern]

carlos martinez pintos Hi Carlos, thank you for commenting. Money is often a concern that holds people back from traveling, at least at first. There are dozens of ways to travel for free nowadays (grants, scholarships, fellowships, travel hacking via credit cards, hitchhiking, CouchSurfing, WOOFing, etc.). It takes effort, time, and bravery to look for opportunities... but I feel it's important to trust yourself and give yourself that chance to find and go for those existing opportunities. If I can support you in your search in any way, please let me know.

[@carlosmp2043]

+Ginger Kern thanks a lot for the advice, well, I still dont know what I want to be when Im older but whatever it is, (probably something related to medecine) Im sure that whenever I have some spare time, Ill use it to travel around the world no matter how much effort it takes. Again thank you so much for replying it means a lot to me :p

[@GingerKern]

You're welcome, Carlos. Be patient with yourself, and always stay curious. Things will open up as you discover more about your skill sets and talents. Keep reaching out to people you admire and want to learn from... online, or in person. Most people just want to help :) Good luck!