Travel: How do you do it?

Surprise! I’m gearing up for another big adventure. I’m super excited about this one as it has been on my travel list since I was a little girl. I have dreamed of this exquisite location rich in food, culture and history for as long as I can remember. I would love to hear your guesses in the comments below. Where do you think I’m heading?

Every time I start planning my next adventure, I become unbelievably excited with the possibility of discovering something new. One thing I hear a lot is “You travel so much – how do you do it?” or “You’re so lucky!” I’m jealous!” or “I wish I could travel as much as you.” The truth is YOU CAN. Yes, I’m incredibly lucky to have experienced such diverse cultures and countries in my 23 years on this planet but it hasn’t come without sacrifice.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your priorities. Travel is a huge priority for me as I believe it is one of the best forms of education. It has taught me so much about life, empathy, compassion and the universal human experience. I have prioritized this desire to learn in my life. I rarely buy myself material items, avoid spending money on nights out/alcohol and try to cook at home as much as possible. I don’t have an abundance of money just saved up at all times – I’m constantly working (often 2-3 jobs at a time). I rarely turn down a shift and realize that the pay off of putting that work in will get me on my next plane. I work literally all the time when I’m at my home base.

I don’t stay in luxurious 5-star resorts and often live out of my backpack in a 10-bed dormitory in a hostel. Having said that, I have realized that roughing it deserves a night or two in some nice digs. I often splurge on a couple nights of luxury per trip but it’s not the priority. Rather, the priority is getting to this new place and exploring it like a local.

Activities and excursions can be a blast but also break the bank. I often decide on one or two musts before I depart and the rest is dependant on how my funds hold up. While traveling you don’t want to deprive yourself of once in a lifetime opportunities or skimping out on the local culture but you can do it on a budget. I have traveled on a budget in over 20 countries and lived to tell the tale.

You can make this your reality, it is accessible and possible. I have never owned a car, limit my bills and budget for the necessities. I prioritize travel. While material things are nice and I’m sure I’ll own a car one day – that’s not my priority right now. I want to see the world. I want to experience as much in this lifetime as possible. I’m striving to live fully and learn about how others live, what makes them tick and their stories.

So what’re you waiting for? Book that plane ticket and figure out the rest afterward.

xoxo,
linds