I just returned from a fantastic Caribbean cruise where we visited Key West, Belize, Guatemala, and Cozumel, Mexico. The most important thing that you have to be sure to do when you are visiting all of these places is: make it back to the boat. Well, I'm happy to say we did! We even did so without getting lost, mugged or killed and were able to see and take pictures of some pretty amazing things!

I am a loud advocate for using your vacation time and even more so to get out and see stuff. But after being on this mini adventure, I believe everyone should take their vacation time one step further and make sure to do something dangerous. Do something that makes you catch your breath. Do something that you might not do in a safety net of soon being back on your couch at home.

1. Danger makes you learn your limits
• Are you really going to get into that Guatemalan natural hot springs sauna with 6 natives? You don't worry about the germs, messing up your hair, or the possible wild snakes. This is not a recommendation to throw your sensibility out the window, but I do believe in the wild you are able to step a little closer to the edge -- all for the sake of learning or experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
2. Danger puts reality into perspective
• Getting into a taxi with someone you never would otherwise and asking for directions hoping they even speak your language is actually kind of scary. But it puts things into perspective when back at work you were hesitant to return that unhappy customer's phone call. Stepping into the unknown allows you to ask yourself "What's the worst that could happen?" with a little more realism and keep that wisdom.
3. Danger allows you to survive from it, relax and remember how much you are worth
• When you return to "normal", you realize just how much you can live with/without your talent and tasks that are so "indispensable". You really can step away when you need to and your team will have your back. They just survived a whole freaking week without you so now you can miss an hour if you need to and go to the dentist. Your team really is that good, just like you!