Whether it’s zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, learning to barter in the traditional markets of Marrakech, or simply getting to know a language you didn’t even realize existed before you set foot on the ground there, travel can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure. People are hardwired for excitement, and there’s no better way to tap into that than by traveling.
Many people don’t take the leap to travel because of the cost involved, but this is only a real deterrent if you allow it to be. There are a wide variety of ways to fund your world travel, and there are even organizations dedicated to helping you get on the road with very little money saved up.
It’s important to remember that a world travel experience is about so much more than just seeing the sights, and it’s easy to lose sight of that while you’re in the midst of it all. The effects of travel can be magical and profound, and can deepen your values, broaden your horizons, and make you feel like a citizen of the world. However, it’s not something that can be assessed first-hand, as Pessoa, Emerson, and Chesterton all pointed out, and many people who claim to have experienced such effects may be deluded.
Before you can really appreciate your destination, it’s important to spend time immersing yourself in the culture. One of the best things you can do is to spend a day or two sitting in a park or on a street corner alone, and just watch day to day life happen around you. It’s a beautiful and eye-opening experience, and you’ll remember it long after your trip is over.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local currency, and find out how much it costs to live on average in your destination country (if you’re planning an around the world trip). This is important because while it’s possible to travel the world for $50 a day, you need to make sure that your daily average includes all of the expenses you’ll be incurring, including food, accommodation, transportation, and any bills or debt payments that you’ll still need to manage while you’re away. This way you can ensure that your trip is affordable and sustainable. Lastly, it’s never too early to start applying for your passport! Make it a priority, so that it’s in process as you start to plan your world travel. This will help to keep you motivated and give you a tangible goal to work towards. Good luck! You’re going to have an amazing time! And don’t forget to take lots of photos. We can’t wait to see them!