There is no denying that we all lead busy lives. You may be in school, working two jobs, have no vacation time, have three kids, bills to pay, or simply have no free time to spare. No matter the reason, there are a million excuses to come up with for why traveling doesn’t work now.
Everyone at some point has dreamt of traveling the world or has imagined jumping on a plane to some unknown destination. But how many people actually follow through with their dreams and make the extra effort to travel now, rather then put it off for the future.
Those who travel regularly, often feel rewarded by the simply freedom and experiences that travel brings them. If you were to ask an avid traveler how they do it, they will likely tell you that they have no more money then you do and have just as many responsibilities to take care of at home. The only difference is that they have found a way to balance their everyday life and make travel a priority.
With a little planning and motivation, there is no reason why you can’t see the world and live the life you dream of too. As difficult as it seems, anything is doable if you have the right mindset. By rearranging some of your priorities, making little sacrifices, and having a goal in mind, travel is closer then you think. So to help light that fire and get you on a flight to somewhere you’ve never imagined possible, here are 10 reasons to travel now!!
#1 – Believe it or not, you have the money!
In life we tend to place more importance on the material things, rather then the personal experiences we create. Do you really need that new pair of shoes, or that $5 dollar coffee from Starbucks? What is better, a closet full of clothes or a lifetime full of memories traveling?
We all have debt, bills and responsibilities to deal with. If we live our life working just to pay the bills, we will miss out on the greater things life has to offer. Prioritize! Set aside money from every paycheck and put it into a travel fund. Maybe spend less at Christmas, or instead of a birthday gift put that money towards taking a trip. Shift your thinking and pay attention to your spending.
Make one trip a year a priority in your life!! Whether it’s a road trip to a new state/province, or a long flight across the globe, find a way to make it happen! It’s easier then you think. Do your research and get online. There are hundreds of options out there to help you find cheap flights, hotels, etc. We love Megan Van Groll and her article “How I Afford Travel”. Check it out for some great tips on how to travel on a budget.
#2 – Write your own story.
Stop dreaming about travel through the pictures of others on Facebook and Instagram. Stop feeling sorry for yourself or wishing you could do the same. The reality is, you are the author of your own life and it’s you who decides what story you want to tell.
Consider the story you are currently writing for yourself. Is it the one you want to write, or is there room for a few more chapters? Are you living your life day-by-day, or do you dream of bigger adventures? No matter how crazy or unattainable your travel dreams may seem, if it’s something you want bad enough, you will find a way to make it happen.
#3 – Life is too short.
In life, tomorrow is never guaranteed. Don’t waste the precious time you were given daydreaming about the future and all the things you plan to do someday. Make an effort to live in the now!! Don’t wake up one day and realize you never accomplished all the things you wanted.
Regardless of your age, it’s never too late to get out there and see the world. Don’t find yourself saying, “I should have traveled while I was young or before I had children”, because none of that matters if you have the right mindset. Don’t wait 18 years until your kids are grown to start traveling. Life is too short, do it now!!
#4 – Travel is education.
The education you receive from travel cannot be found in a book or in a school, it is something that you learn through real-life experience. By immersing yourself in travel, you will see the world in a whole new light. You will gain a whole new global perspective and better understand economics, politics, sociology, and geography.
Travel will teach you about yourself and provide you with a strong sense of independence. You will learn how to adapt, be tolerant, self-sufficient, and resourceful. You will learn skills that are irreplaceable and priceless. Without travel, the only other way to see the world is through a book or TV screen. Don’t let the lenses of others travelers be the only way you get to view the world. Go see it for yourself, shape your own experiences and create your own life lessons.
#5 – Meet new people.
One of the best things you can gain from travel is the people you will meet. Through the eyes and stories of others, you will attain a whole new perspective of the world around you. Whether it’s a local or fellow traveler, get to know these people. They will provide you with great travel tips, give you ideas for your next destination and teach you things about other cultures. Who knows, if you are able to develop and maintain these relationships, you might even find yourself back on a plane one day going to visit them in their hometown. Having friends across the globe definitely has its perks!
#6 – Step out of your comfort zone
“I’m scared to fly, that country is too dangerous, I don’t speak the language, it’s too expensive, I don’t want to miss something at home, I have nobody to travel with”, whatever your fear, get rid of it! When it comes to travel, people tend to have a million excuses or concerns why they can’t go. The only way to truly learn about yourself and discover what your capable of is to take the plunge and step out of your comfort zone.
Travel is safe! Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t have to be a death-defying adventure and can be as simple as visiting a new place. Trying something new or unfamiliar adds excitement. Often it’s the things that seem scariest that bring the greatest reward. These experiences will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that can’t be achieved by sitting at home.
#7 – Create meaning and give back.
Travel creates meaning in our own life, but it can also create meaning in someone else’s. If you struggle to find the money to travel, one of the best ways to still see the world is by volunteering with a non-profit organization. These organizations offer different opportunities, so do your homework. Travel is a privilege, so why not do something special while you explore the world and give back. Check out Adam Pervez’s article, “7 Ways to Give Back While You Travel”, for great ideas and tips.
#8 – Experience new food, languages and culture.
When you travel outside of your own country, you quickly realize that people live differently then you do. They eat strange things, speak foreign languages, celebrate unusual traditions, and practice different beliefs. It’s through travel that you learn how to appreciate this diversity, making you less likely to judge others. Perhaps you will even learn to love the same foods, speak the same language or adapt new traditions into your own lifestyle. These cultural experiences will broaden your thinking and will help you to recognize that there is not just one way to live a life.
#9 – Learn to appreciate your own life.
By traveling the world, you will quickly realize how blessed you are in your own life. Travel puts things into perspective and makes you appreciate the little things. If you are reading this, then chances are you have a roof over your head and money in your pocket, making you wealthier then 80% of the worlds population. Seeing people eat rice out of a dish or struggle to find clothes for their backs will make you realize that your day-to-day struggles at home aren’t so bad. If people around the world can find happiness with so little, then we can find happiness with so much!
#10 – You deserve it!!
We all work hard everyday, have an overwhelming amount of responsibilities and commitments. Don’t loose sight of what is really important in life and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind. The worst thing you can do in life is look back and have regrets!
Take the time to escape and focus on yourself! Work is not going to fall apart because you took a week off, your kids will survive a weekend with a babysitter, and your bills will get paid. In order to regain energy for your own life, you need to take time away. Pack your bags, put your worries aside, and go live your life!! The world is a huge place, so you better start NOW!
Have a travel tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments below!!