Soul Full of Detours.

It’s easier than you think. Okay, maybe not that easy, but it really isn’t that hard. Instead of me going back and forth, contradicting myself, let me go ahead and explain why it is not that difficult to travel and why you should do it now!

First, let’s think about the most common excuses or rather, excuse; responsibility.  “I have family, pets, debt, school, career etc.” I can assure you all these responsibilities are also part of every single traveler. For me, it’s the student loans that are putting a curve on my travel budget. I resigned from my perfectly amazing job to pursue travel (at least for a little bit). Does that mean I have put an ax on my career? I sure hope not. As a digital advertiser, the freelancing world is pretty kind to me. I have yet to launch my official freelancing career, however, I am spending this time learning. Learning about different cultures, how different countries advertise and how I can be beneficial to them. Some basic marketing research before I fully commit to freelancing. I am also in the process of writing a novel as well as relaunching my blog. So if any of you guys are looking for a digital advertiser or a marketing consultant, look no further, this handsome digital nomad will be at your service ;).

Okay, I went off topic. But what I am trying to say is that there is always an opportunity for you to travel and still earn some money (or save). Freelancing is one of them. Look into working holiday programs. Working holiday visas are designed for individuals under 30 years old to visit a certain country for a small duration of time, allowing them to work in that particular country. Many countries offer citizens of certain nations a one-year visa, where you can move to a different country and work while doing some traveling. Depending on where you are from, the cost can be as low as free or as high as about $400. Still, I think it is worth it to get out there and experience something new. You may not be making your career earnings nor will you get a career job, but it still gives you an international experience while being able to travel and meet amazing people without denting your savings. Another option is to use online tools such as workaway to find volunteering opportunities within the countries you want to visit. Most of the workaway volunteering programs provide you with at least accommodation and some provide food as well. A great opportunity to travel, learn, meet people and positively contribute to a country without using up your savings.

I understand that individuals with commitments such as kids, mortgages, car payments and others, it is a lot more difficult to travel. For those individuals, the only thing I can say is… DON’T HAVE KIDS! Jokes aside, it is still possible to travel. You may not be able to be travel for a long time (or maybe you could, a lot of travel families out there for inspirations) but you can still strive to make small trips around the world or within your own province/state and country. As for mortgages and car payments, start investing in passive incomes (Airbnb can be one) to support while you travel or invest some time in freelancing, or consider selling your house and car (more travel money) and/or move to a cheaper unit. As for pets, you can easily find pet-sitters who would happily watch your cuddle buddies for a couple of weeks or get that little doggy a passport and let it join you on your adventures.

When it’s all said and done, it is really your mindset of willing to give up certain luxuries. By all means treat yourself every now and then (at home and during travel), but giving up as little as your daily latte can stretch your budget. When you truly start living for the experiences, I promise it will be very fulfilling. You will start forgetting about a lot of your materialistic desires. The people you meet, the knowledge you acquire and the beautiful landscapes you see are all worth it. As for why now? It is just simple as there is no perfect time. There is also no set age for traveling, whenever you are ready, just do it! Don’t listen to the naysayers and ‘just’ the rational thinkers. Listening to your heart can go a long way! Even if you don’t do the long backpackers journey, make it a goal to visit one new country or a new city within your country every year; start small if you have to, but definitely go somewhere.

Cheers and hope to see you soon!