How to Become a World Traveler, Step 1
March 27, 2009
Take the first step.
One of the things I miss the most about mis amigos argentinos (I include my study abroad program friends in this group) is their spontaneity. I could literally call up a friend on a Friday afternoon and say, “I’ve got to get out of this concrete jungle,” and the response on the other end would be, “I’ll meet you at the bus station in two hours.” This is very similar to how my trip to San Antonio de Areco started. But here, it’s not like that. I can mention weeks in advance of Spring Break that I want to go to New Orleans, and while initially I will receive an excited, affirmative response, as the date nears it becomes more and more apparent that the trip isn’t going to happen. In hopes of taking a trip somewhere I suggest Charleston–I’ll drive, all they have to do is pay for their food, hostel, and any excursions. This trip also falls through due to ‘money’ or lack thereof. This is how all of my trips with friends from the States go, or more appropriately, don’t go. It could very well be that I’m simply not hanging out with the right people, and if that’s the case, new best friends–where are you?
There’s a lot of interesting information in the much-linked post, Why You Should Quit Your Job and Travel Around the World, about money and whether we spend our money and live our lives in accordance with our values and also about delayed gratification. These are topics that many personal finance bloggers talk about and affect all areas of one’s life. However, for the moment I’d like to focus on one of the other arguments people like to use as a reason not to travel:
My dad, who recently turned 53, just acquired his first passport this year. He is currently planning a trip to France for this summer, which is fabulous and at least he’s finally doing it, but all I can think about is how different travel is when you’re younger: you have less responsibilities and you are physically capable of doing things that you most likely won’t be capable or willing to do when you’re retired, or even in your 30s and 40s.
This is usually when people throw in the argument about money–about how expensive it is to travel. Sure, it can be expensive, but it can also be cheap. Whether you travel cheaply or more expensively is up to you, and so is where you spend your money. I have many friends who constantly talk about not having money, but they go out to eat several times a week, buy a pack of cigarettes every two days, and go out to bars and clubs on the weekends. All that money adds up and it adds up quickly. It’s a matter of where you place your values. I’ve learned to scale back on other things (like eating out, buying lattes, getting my hair cut professionally, etc.) to have money for the things that are important to me (photography, travel, cooking classes, etc.).
Tomorrow, March 28, is Passport Day here in the U.S. If travel is something you’ve always wanted to do, but always made excuses not to, make an appointment to get your passport pictures taken, or better yet, head to your local post office and complete the entire painless application process today! If you already have your passport, pick a destination you’ve always wanted to visit and rearrange your budget so you can start saving for your trip right now. Jonathan Larson originally penned the phrase, but it goes through my head constantly and holds true for everything: No day but today.
“Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.” — Indira Gandhi
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travel isn’t too high on mine or billy’s list (well – international travel anyway) but i *do* want to start making it a little bit more of a priority. i know we’re definitely coming down to atlanta some time within the next few months (and hopefully seeing/being with you!) to do the swimming with sharks thing, and i’d really like to visit los angeles, los vegas, and my friend andy once he moves to texas. the only other place i’ve ever really *dreamed* of traveling is somewhere in south america, ever since i learned more about the culture. it might not happen for another couple years, but if/when it does, i will be SO excited and asking you tons of questions!
Found you via Twitter somehow.
Love this post but it makes me feel so old. (I’m in my very early 30s.) But you’re so right. You should definitely travel while you’re the only one your money has to support. Kids don’t have to make a difference in your travel, but they will affect your decisions. They will complicate travel. I wish I’d done more pre-kids, pre-mortgage, etc., but I plan to make many more opportunities for travel in the future! Good luck finding travel buddies in the States!
Brilliant, found your site via Twitter via National Travel Writing site.
I have just quit my job, and am also travelling, although not around the world, just around Europe!
I will be most definately following your site from now.
Also I love “immediate” trips. They are much better than lengthy planned ones, that usually end up not coming off for some reason or other. Go when the exitement is still there!
overlandsi’s last blog post: Good morning!