**This blog is part 1 of a 5-part series on common reasons why people don't travel, as well as ways to combat those excuses**
There is always a reason.
"I don't have the money to go"
"If I could just find the time"
"Yeah, but going on a solo road trip is weird"
"Where do I even start?"
We've all heard these before. Maybe we've even said them or thought them to ourselves at one point. And guess what - we can keep on saying them. It's easy to wish for a trip, but may seem difficult to make that wish a reality.
But with a Wandering mindset, you can debunk the common trip-killer rationales with tangible steps to get started in the right direction.
Trip-Killer Excuse #1
"I don't have the money"
Ahh, the oldest one in the book. Listen, I get it. Not all of us have financial backing (shoutout to student loans for the next 10 years). If you're like me, paycheck-to-paycheck can be a real thing. When you start researching vacation spots, seeing the costs add up can be overwhelming enough that you shut down and don't even try.
Spoiler alert: Some places are expensive. You may not get to visit the streets of Barcelona or the waves in Hawaii with your current life situation. Keep those dreams alive. But in the meantime, find that parallel trip that can be just as incredible for you.
1) Prioritize your wants/destinations
Think about your dream location. Visualize your trip - what about it makes you want to go? Try to think of the generalities of the trip. If you're thinking specific landmarks or things that can't be replaced - think more broad. Want to hike the Swiss Alps? Why? Skiing? Craft beer? If so, try to find your equivalent closer to home. Grab a local cold one in Colorado after hitting the slopes in the Rockies.
2.) Save dat money
Now that you have found your go-to spot, save. When you're craving Chipotle, remember that box of spaghetti that has been sitting in your pantry. Spend a weekend in watching Netflix or doing something free - every dollar adds up. When you are about to spend but consciously decide not to, put that exact change/money in a money jar. Or open up a separate savings account. This adds up a lot quicker than you think.
3.) Balling on a budget
If you don't have the money, you gotta have the creativity. Creative decisions allow you to squeeze out more bang for your buck:
Find a hotel that offers breakfast
Yes, one of the best experiences of traveling is gorging on local food - but if you eat in for a meal or two, that saved money can pay for a touristy adventure later in the trip. Another choice would be to have a quick and cheap lunch at a chain, allowing you to splurge more on breakfast and dinner!
Groupon deals
Groupon can be a life-saver (depending on the size of the city you are traveling to). By looking at deals through the app, you can save some money while taking in the city and what it has to offer. Take that quirky segway tour! (Plus, seeing what deals are on the app can help you with planning your itinerary).
Views are free!
When going to a place, check out the free stuff - landmarks, parks, downtown areas, festivals, neighborhoods, etc. You don't have to pay for your memories! Soak up the local culture.
While money can be an obstacle or a deterrent, it should not be a brick wall. Keep the dreamin' alive!
Check in next week for part 2 of the 5-part series. Or maybe you'll be "too busy".
(that was absolutely a hint).
-MT