How to Start Traveling: Part I
Debunking some common myths surrounding travel.
Maybe you’ve always been interested in travel, but you’re just not sure how to start. Or maybe you’re waiting for what feels like the right time to take that dream trip. Or maybe you’re just plain overwhelmed by the the thought of travel because no one ever taught you how.
I’m here to help! Travel can be so simple once you know a few basic skills. Let’s dive into how to start traveling: I’m going to teach you the basics. But first, let’s bust a few myths that hold people back from embracing travel.
Myth #1: It’s too late. First and foremost, we have to get something out of the way: you’re never too old to start traveling. Travel isn’t a race, nor is it a competition. Visiting new places is a gift to be enjoyed— not rushed; you can start anytime. If you’re interested in travel, now is as good a time as any to begin!
If this is a myth that has been holding you back, it’s just not true. Whatever your age, you can start traveling tomorrow. Maybe busting myth #2 will help you get on your way…
Myth #2: Travel has to be big. Though travel may always appear extravagant through the lens of social media, the truth is it doesn’t have to be. You can start very small with a weekend trip or even just a day trip to a nearby city. That’s travel! You don’t have to fly to the other side of the world for it to count.
Start building your travel skills slowly by doing a staycation or taking yourself out to lunch at a new restaurant or going on a weekend trip to a destination close to your city. Before you know it, you’ll be so comfortable traveling that flying to the other side of the world will feel completely natural. In the meantime, these small trips will fulfill your desire to travel and build your travel muscles.
Myth #3: You can’t go alone. This is the most empowering myth to bust! Once you realize this is a flat out lie the whole world opens up to you. Here’s the thing: you could spend your whole life waiting for the perfect set of circumstances or combination of people to take that trip, or you could just go. Which one is worth more to you? You can choose either, but you must know that it is a choice. We live in a day and age when solo travel is acceptable and much of the world is accessible. You are free to go!
I will admit traveling alone is a different trip than traveling with a group of friends. Different isn’t bad: there are pros to each. Traveling solo might be quieter than traveling with half a dozen of your closest friends, but you get to choose everything and go wherever you want. Sounds fun too, huh?
Myth #4: Travel is expensive. I completely understand why this misconception exists; luxury travel is expensive, and many factors surrounding any type of travel can be expensive, like plane tickets. But the truth is you can go so many places on a budget! One of the beautiful things about travel is it can fit any size budget. The important thing is to know your personal budget and stick to it.
In fact, the term budget in every sense of the word is your friend when it comes to travel. Budget ahead for your trip, and travel on a budget. You know your personal finances and spending habits: find a routine that works for you, and set aside money for your next trip. Make a separate savings account. Skip eating out and save that money instead. Whatever you need to do to feel comfortable. Travel is meant to be a joy, not a stress!
For me this means flying economy, spending ages searching for cheap flights, collecting credit card points, and staying in decidedly not-fancy accommodations. I like to travel more often, so I pinch my pennies wherever I can. Maybe for you it means saving up for one big trip once a year in which you treat yourself to a nice hotel. That’s ok: find what works for you, but just know travel doesn’t have to be expensive. (Check out some of my favorite ways to save money when it comes to travel below.)
Now that we’ve busted those annoying myths surrounding travel, let’s talk about concrete steps for how to start traveling! We’ll talk about what you need and how to plan a trip in my next newsletter: How to Start Traveling Part II.