I have intended to write this article for quite some time. I am certain that if I were to search through my drafts, I would come across an incomplete version residing there; and by “incomplete version,” I am referring to a title accompanied by one or possibly two sentences. Ultimately, I decided that it was essential to publish this. I will strive to present this post in a concise manner, although it is noteworthy that my approach to financing my travels has undergone significant evolution throughout this year.
HOW DO I TRAVEL?
This year, as my blog has flourished, both Lloyd and I have been fortunate to receive invitations to explore various destinations. However, for an extended period (and indeed long before the inception of the blog), I financed my travels through my employment.
I do not subscribe to the notion of counting the number of countries visited. Not that there is anything inappropriate about it; I have simply never felt fully aligned with that practice. You may find it challenging to locate more than a couple of entries (if any) where I discuss the ‘number’ of countries I have visited. However, I must make an exception in this post to provide some context. Prior to our blogging journey, we had been fortunate enough to visit over 40 countries, all financed from our own resources. Consequently, I am well aware of the concerns, challenges, and balancing acts required to maintain employment while attempting to travel the world on a budget.
I somewhat wish I possessed a more unique narrative regarding how I funded my travels over the years, but that is the truth. In fact, I take pride in the reality that I have worked to finance a significant portion of my travels. I capitalized on weekends and holidays (in the UK, we typically receive approximately 5 weeks of holiday, nearly 7 weeks if one accounts for bank holidays), consistently sought weekend deals, and perpetually endeavored to remain as flexible as possible.
The essence is that this blog was born from a profound passion for travel. We have encountered numerous remarkable travel experiences over the years and desired an outlet to share these with you. At that time, I could hardly foresee how invaluable the blog would become for us, not merely as an avenue for sharing our narratives but as a source of new friendships and an extraordinary well of travel inspiration from other travel-enthusiast individuals (like yourself). This community of explorers has enabled countless instances where I resolved to visit a location after someone presented us with a photograph, sent an email, or even engaged in a simple exchange of tweets. My innate curiosity about the world intensifies when one connects with like-minded individuals—it is truly remarkable!
WHY AM I SAYING THIS?
Returning to my main point, there are two fundamental reasons I felt compelled to articulate this post.
1.) Traveling while employed full-time is entirely feasible: It is all too easy to fall into the misconception that travel is unachievable for those working full-time. However, that does not have to be the case. Many individuals already have firsthand experience of this and deserve recognition for it. Others may find it more challenging, and while I will not assert that it is effortless, I do wish to emphasize that it is indeed a very attainable goal. It does require considerable effort and planning, but I can attest from personal experience that it is entirely achievable.
For example, during our first trip to Paris, we deliberately avoided expensive dining establishments and instead savored picnics in the park, opting for breakfast by visiting supermarkets the evening before for breads, cheeses, meats, etc. Back then, we awoke very early to catch the most economical available flights and chose not to indulge in luxurious hotels in Paris, favoring budget or mid-range accommodations instead. The reasoning was simple: we believed it more beneficial to allocate funds that would otherwise go to extravagant meals and fine wines towards additional trips the following weekend. We experienced Paris economically, prioritizing travel over minor indulgences. Consequently, the subsequent weekend brought us to Brussels and the weekend after that to Amsterdam. By our next visit to Paris, we had more latitude to indulge, and we did—with fine dining, exquisite wines, cocktails, and more. The crux of my point is that careful planning aligned with your priorities is vital. You may need to make minor sacrifices, but as long as those sacrifices lead you toward your desired outcomes, you will not only find fulfillment in your endeavors but also gain a sense of accomplishment in bringing your plans to fruition.
2.) Follow your own path: It is crucial to recognize that your particular circumstances may differ significantly from others. Some individuals possess both abundant financial resources and time, while others may not share those advantages. Regardless of the situation in which you find yourself, maximize the benefits of your circumstances. While this may seem straightforward, it is ingrained in human nature to compare ourselves with one another. Regrettably, this often leads to one of two outcomes: we either feel disheartened by what others possess that we lack or develop an unfounded sense of pride in our own possessions at the expense of others. Neither outcome is constructive, especially when it comes to pursuing personal goals related to international travel. Embrace your unique journey and march to the rhythm of your own beat!
