“Travelers are dreamers who make their desires for adventure a reality.”
Traveling isn’t always as easy as people on Instagram make it seem. For those of us who work full-time jobs, and don’t look at traveling as our job, it can be hard to juggle your wanderlust desires and your other commitments. Being able to travel full-time would be amazing, but that isn’t the reality for most people. For example, Nikki works a full-time 9 to 5 job in marketing, and Pam has other family members to consider before being able to jet away. We have been able to make traveling work for us by making the most of Nikki’s Paid Time Off (PTO) and being lucky enough to have local family assist us with responsibilities while we are away (in other words, babysitters)!
Since everyone has different circumstances, we have put together a list of some of the big milestones in life and how you can make travel a reality during each of them!
If you’re in college:
We say this from personal experience, if you can find a way to kick-start your travels while you are young and without a thousand other responsibilities…DO IT!
International travel truly teaches you things that you can’t learn any other way, such as seeing how large the world is and how different other cultures can be with your own eyes. Once you graduate from college and start that full-time job, it gets much harder to put your travels first!
Tips to consider:
1. Study abroad if you can
A lot of colleges have great study abroad programs where you can choose from many different countries, programs, and classes. If studying abroad for a full semester seems like too much of a commitment, do a summer study abroad session! By choosing a study abroad program through your college, you often get a great deal that includes your classes, room and board, and even some meals and activities. You also have a support system of teachers and classmates there for you as you adjust to the crazy realities of living abroad. Here’s a list of colleges with the best study abroad programs to get the wheels turning!
2. Budget travel doesn’t have to be all bad
Most of us have stayed in some hostels at one point or another. Don’t let scary movies or crazy stories deter you from doing it! College is the best time to save money on your accommodations so that you can spend more on experiences while you’re traveling. Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet other people your age since they often have a youthful and social vibe. Aside from that, try to get comfortable with public transportation in the country you visit. You can easily drop way too much on cabs and ride sharing.
3. Choose budget-friendly destinations
If you're American, it may feel the most comfortable to avoid huge culture shock out of the gate by visiting Europe, but they are definitely not the cheapest travel destinations. If getting the most bang out of your buck is important to you, consider destinations like South America or Thailand. Check what the exchange rate is for your currency while deciding.
When you start to build your family:
Settling down, getting married, and even having kids doesn’t have to spell the end of your travel days!
Tips to consider:
1. Be on the same page as your partner
We always say that it’s important to be in a relationship with someone who loves to travel or is at least open to the idea of traveling. If you start a relationship on the same page regarding travel being one of your priorities, you are less likely to run into problems in the future. Traveling as a couple can be extremely rewarding and make you closer in the long run.
2. Consider family-friendly trips
It may be difficult to get young children excited for European museums and other historical sites. Luckily, there are plenty of fun trips you can take with your family until they are old enough to appreciate those things. We would definitely be on board with visiting Disney or other theme parks around the world (hellooo Disneyland Paris and Disnleyland Tokyo), family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, and family-friendly cruises to name a few. Some resorts and cruises even offer free child care!
When life just feels too busy:
Okay, so you’re at a point where you really can’t swing that two-week trip aboard. We’ve all been there! This is a great opportunity to visit some of the beautiful cities that are closer to home for you. We put together a list of some of our favorite U.S. getaway destinations that you can check out HERE!
Tips to consider:
1. Plan how to use your PTO in advance
One of the top reasons that Americans skipped vacations was because they weren't able to schedule it far enough in advance. Planning in advance gives you a better chance of getting your requests approved by your job and you’ll probably save money, too!
2. Extend work trips
Are you already traveling to cool destinations for work? Add an extra day or two to your trip so that you can really explore the city. Nikki has been lucky enough to spend time in Seattle, San Diego, and Chicago, just by extending work trips!
3. Schedule trips around holidays
You will already have some days off of work and your family is sure to be available during holiday times. A holiday trip is a great way to switch up your usual holiday traditions and have fun with the family.
As you “mature”:
We refuse to believe that anyone is “too old” to travel, and we don’t even like using the word “old!” We choose to label it “mature.” With that said, your travels may take some additional planning, but don’t let a number deter you from checking those places off your bucket list!
Tips to consider:
1. Keep walking to stay in your best shape (if you’re able)
A lot of travel destinations involve quite a bit of walking. If you are able-bodied, keeping active by walking at home can make these trips easier for you. If needed, many tour companies can accommodate the need for additional items like scooters if you do your research.
2. Get travel insurance
We actually do this even now. Travel insurance is a great way to protect your investment in case you get sick or can’t make the trip, and there are plenty of companies that offer reasonable prices.
3. Consider your accommodations
Hotels always vary! Ask about the accessibility for any hotel you're considering if you have any special needs. Are there steep hills or steps to get inside? Does it have an elevator?
No matter what age you are, don’t be afraid to go alone!
It may seem scary to travel internationally on your own, but it is very possible! If you wait until you have the perfect travel partner to go where you want to go, you may never go.
Tips to consider:
1. Join a group tour
Many travel companies cater to solo travelers. They will often take care of a lot of the planning for you, so all you have to do is show up and be social!
2. Take day tours
You may be in a country on your own, but you can join day tours to get the most out of your time and to make sure you don’t miss anything important. We love to use Viator if we have free time to do a tour. In the past, we used them for river cruises in Eastern Europe, a day trip to Pompeii and Positano, and more!
3. Stay safe!
It’s important that you remain vigilant and stay aware of your surroundings when traveling solo. Don’t forget to keep people at home up to date on your whereabouts.
As two women who travel the world, we have experienced our fair share of uncomfortable situations, but being prepared is key. You can check out our blog post about traveling safely as two women HERE!
At the end of the day, the most important thing you need to make traveling a reality is THE DRIVE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!
We hope that these tips will help you take the next step to follow your dreams! Do you have any important tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
Nikki + Pam
