Have you caught the travel bug? Can you resist that wanderlust feeling?
More than ever, people are packing their bags and jetting off to see the world. In fact, the airlines of the world carry over 3 billion passengers in one year.
You may have been saying “I want to travel” for a long time now. But you may wonder what you need to do and how to start traveling.
Traveling isn’t just about what to do, it’s also about what NOT to do. Read on for 6 essential things you need to stop doing if you want to travel the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your passport, let’s go!
1. Stop Dreaming, Start Living
You might dream about traveling the world…someday. But dreaming isn’t going to get you anywhere.
You may be thinking: “I want to travel the world, where do I start?” The first stop is a good plan. Book things, buy a suitcase, make a date, get some vaccinations, do something that will get your plans into motion.
It’s easy to sit behind a computer screen and admire the travel blogger lifestyle. But it’s not always so easy to create a plan. Thankfully there are several websites that give you all the advice you need.
For example, if you were planning to visit the local US state Missouri. You would need to know what tourist attractions were available, where to stay, and where to eat. All this information and more is available in one handy tourism website — read more here.
Yes, concrete plans will turn your dream into reality.
2. Stop Wasting Your Money
If you’re wondering how to start traveling, you must first take control of your spending. Money is the number one reason that prevents people from taking the plunge and traveling. Although you think you’ve not got cash to spare, you need to take a look where your money goes.
Ask yourself: Do I buy expensive new clothes and makeup often? Am I obsessed with furnishing my home? Do I overspend on celebrations (that birthday limo I hired)?
After you stop spending frivolously, it may be surprising to find how much you can save in a short space of time. As mentioned, make a solid plan and add a budget to it. Then be strict with yourself.
You might notice that many world famous travel bloggers don’t have many possessions. In fact, many live out of a backpack during most of their journeys. They live by the expression “Collect memories, not things”.
If you can live by that principle, you will find it easier to save up for your adventure.
3. Stop Eating and Drinking Your Budget
Does wasting your money include food and drink? They are essential to life after all. But there are ways to save when you sacrifice on tasty indulgences.
For instance, it can be shocking to see the amount of money you save by not drinking alcohol. Instead of drinking your cash away, save it for your travels. You’ll make much better memories in the long run (and you’ll actually remember them).
While you can’t stop eating, you can stop eating out. Fast food, take-out, vending machines, and restaurants all add up. In fact, recent stats say that millennials spend 44% of their food budget on eating out.
That works out to about $2,921 each year. If you try eating at home or packing your own sandwiches, you could save this dosh and take a major trip!
4. Stop Living Up to Expectations
You must graduate from college. You must find a steady job. You must build a career. You must get married and have kids…
Before you know it, by living up to societies expectations, you’ve lived your life away. Although it’s expected, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to do. It’s your life, live it the way you want to.
So, if you want to quit your job and travel the world, DO IT! It’s better to have a full life doing the things you love than having regrets.
Many decide to travel in a gap year or after they’ve left college. This is a great period of time because you generally don’t have many other obligations.
But you can travel at any point in your life. Some parents have even sold their house and traveled the world with their kids! And why not?
5. Stop Letting Fear Win
When you watch the news, you’re bombarded with the terrible things happening around the world. It’s enough to put anyone off leaving the house. But don’t let fear stop you from traveling.
Think about it logically. Are you the first person who said: “I want to travel the world”. No, people have been traveling the world for years and they have been able to do it in a safe way.
If they can live their dreams and travel, then so can you. You’re not discovering uncharted territories or new continents after all!
If you are feeling nervous, start traveling to places close by.
For example, try a weekend away in a nearby state. Later, try visiting a Caribbean island, then move onto South America. After you’ve gained some confidence, head further afield to Europe or Asia.
6. Stop the Secrets
Tell people about your plan to travel. It will make it feel real and not only a dream. Telling people will give you confidence and most of your friends will encourage your adventures too.
It also will stop you from backing out. If everyone knows you’re leaving, you won’t be able to let last-minute jitters stop you from getting on the plane.
“I Want to Travel” — Turn Your Dream into Reality
You might have been saying “I want to travel” for many years now. But turn those dreams into reality by making firm plans and doing what YOU want to do with your life. If you don’t, the only thing you’ll have is regrets.
If you’re planning to travel with your family, what can you do to make it the best vacation ever? Check out these 11 essential tips.