It’s true, not everyone can travel.
“What?!” you say, “I thought that’s the whole point? Blogging to show the world that anyone and any family can manage a life of excitement and travel adventures?”
No, the truth is that the majority of people in the world will never have the opportunity to travel beyond their neighboring city or village, not to mention their neighboring state or country. There are some situations that may disqualify you from traveling, or at least make it a lot more difficult for you to manage a life of travel:
-You make less than $1 a day
-You don’t know how to read or speak
-You are on life-support
I’m sure there are a few other factors that may make you disqualified for travel…but whenever I was tempted to write something like “you don’t have legs”, I was reminded that there are certainly people out there that are traveling with many physical or financial challenges–and that hasn’t stopped them.
Okay, now it sounds like almost anyone CAN travel.
But the real question is…does the world want YOU as a traveler?
Should you be a representative of the elite travelers of the world? Maybe not?
First…check to see if any of these apply to you:
-You believe that your way is the right way, and the only way.
-You believe that toilet paper should only be flushed down a toilet. Anything else is “icky!”
-You believe that french fries and chicken nuggets are an absolute dietary necessity.
-You want your children to never see poverty.
-Your hotel needs to come with a toilet seat and hot water.
-You think everyone should speak English.
-You think that an all-inclusive resort is truly “experiencing” a locale.
If any of these apply to you, please do us all a favor and travel only through the Discovery Channel. We don’t need any more privileged travelers out there jeering at the locals throughout the world, undermining their culture and ancient knowledge, and acting holier-than-thou.
Hopefully you can say, “these don’t apply to me!”
I realize it’s still likely you might be thinking, “I don’t have the money or flexibility to travel!”
Stop for a minute, and let’s get realistic. Are you reading this on a computer YOU own (or your credit card owns)? If so, this immediately makes you more qualified to travel than a HUGE percentage of the world population.
You have been given educational opportunities that others can only dream of, and you’ve lived in a land of abundance that has told you that you can become anything you want. ANYTHING.
Do you realize how freakin’ blessed you are?!!
The problem is…traveling families like ours are constantly bombarded with condescending comments from others, and we get a bit annoyed hearing how “lucky” we are, how others “wish” they could do it, and how they simply “can’t afford” to travel as much as we do. We look at these people and try to prevent ourselves from rolling our eyes.
FACT: You do not have to be rich or independently wealthy to travel the world. Many families travel the world for less than $30,000 a year. When’s the last time your family’s expenditures were that low?
FACT: Funding your travels takes creativity. Obviously, going to a 9-5 hour job is not going to allow you to take a paid vacation for 1 year or more. Many traveling families are headed up by entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to try something new and difficult, and they’re also not afraid to fail before succeeding.
FACT: Traveling is a trade-off. Many travelers give up that”secure” bank-owned home, so they can experience the world, receive life-long lessons, and show their children the various ways people live throughout the world.
FACT: If “wishers” quit consuming new electronics, eating out weekly, driving fancy cars, and redecorating/remodeling their homes for every season….they would magically FIND that extra money to travel more. MUCH more.
FACT: Traveling families are flexible. They do not require 5-star hotels, American-quality restaurants, and expensive tours to prove that they have truly experienced a locale. They often “live like locals”.
FACT: Traveling is a job, too. Despite all of its beauty, it’s not all fun-and-games day in and day out. It often includes sickness, fights, restlessness, and weariness…just like “normal” life, elsewhere.
In general, traveling is not for sissies.
Chances are, YOU can do it, but you first have to be willing to change your priorities.
So, stop making excuses for yourself, and make it happen!!
And while you’re getting prepared and motivated, check out these other fantastic posts by Traveling Families about almost anyone can travel!
Only the Very Special, Lucky, Rich, and Perfect (Like Me) Can Travel – Nomadic Family
Anyone can travel – Bohemian Travelers
Diet shouldn’t stop you from travelling - Livin’ on the Road
Our Path to Becoming Lucky Enough to Travel – A King’s Life
If Anyone Can Travel Why Don’t You? – Walkingon Travels
Anyone can do this! – Experiential Family
You Have to Be Special Like Us to Travel - Discover Share Inspire
True Story: Single mother from Bushwick, Brooklyn, funds long-term trip without having to sell a kidney – Break Out of Bushwick
Anyone Can Travel, Just Let Go – Minor Diversion
Don’t Be Jealous of Our Travels! Be Happy for Us and Know That You Can Make it Happen Too! - Grow in Grace Life
Anyone Can Travel…Just Find Your Way - Experiential Family
Pity, Envy, and why anyone can travel - Family Trek
Travel – Possible? - Wandering Photographer
Even Solo Mamas on Government Handouts Can Travel – Solo Mama Travels
A Family Travel Lifestyle – Little Aussie Travelers
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"The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." – Henry David Thoreau.