Did you just graduated from college? Don't know where your life is going? Are unhappy with your job? Or are just looking for some adventure?
GO TRAVEL!
"Cue the excuses"
It's too expensive... I don't have time... I can't leave my job... I have no one to travel with... I am too old to travel...blah blah blahhhh
Well I am here to help you make travel possible!
As Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do that by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER."
First off, please make sure you have a passport! According to the State Department ONLY 36% of Americans own a valid passport! I couldn't believe this! Last minute travel plans are always a possibility and fun so go get it!
Planning the Trip
I had just graduated college and decided to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 1 month. I really just wanted to go do something fun before I started a full-time position and any "real" responsibilities. Through my adventure I was able to come up with these steps that could help you too with your travel planning.
Step 1 - Set Your Intention
If you practice yoga, then you know before your practice you will set your intention. I like to say the same thing when planning a trip. Is your intention to learn another language, volunteer, visit as many places as possible in a certain period of time, live like a local, learn a new skill, explore the unknown, relax, or to have no plan at all and let life happen? Having an intention or purpose can give your trip a focus.
If your purpose of traveling is to "find yourself" well change your mind set. Life and love are very similar where "Life Finds You, You Don't Find Life." If you do want to "find yourself" then focus on stepping outside of your comfort zone, learn new things, take risk, meet new people or go on adventures. Through your actions, you can "find yourself".
Step 2 - Picking the Destination(s)
You have 7 continents and 195 countries (excluding the US) to pick from. You literally have the whole world to chose from! Setting your intention may help you with this step. If money is your biggest concern, check out 130 World's Cheapest Cities To Travel. I lived on a budget yet very comfortably in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 1 month, which is ranked #63 on the list.
Unless you have a specific purpose, like a job or volunteer project that requires you to be in one place for the whole time period, MOVE AROUND. I primarily stayed in Buenos Aires for my month in Argentina, with no real purpose of doing so. If you can, move around and travel to different parts of the country or to other countries.
Step 3 - Do Your Research
Research is very important! I would say I spent at least 2 hours a day researching. s want to make sure you are getting "the best bang for your buck". I highly recommend you research your destination(s) to have at least a basic understanding of the languages, transportation, culture, living style, cost of living, attractions, activities, etc. I do not recommend relying on when you arrive to
What to research
Top Attractions - What are THE places to see and go to in the country. Also research some not so touristy attractions if you want to go off the unbeaten path.
Currency - Some countries have multiple dollar markets and rates. This will help you understand if you need to pay only in US cash, if you can exchange before, or use your credit cards.
Languages - Some countries speak different languages within different regions.
Weather - Remember summer in the US can be a countries winter. Make sure you research expected weather for the time your are traveling.
Vaccines - In many countries, especially Asian and Africa, you will need to get vaccines.
Visas and Entry Fees - You may have to apply for a visa or you may just get your visa upon arrive. I also learned that some countries have an entry fee that needs to be paid for before your arrival. In Argentina the Entry fee was $160 if you were from the US.
Deals - Search what are the best deals you can get. If you plan to stay in hotels then try booking your hotel and flights together. If you are staying in one place for a longer period of time try renting an apartment. Airbnb is a great credible site
Step 4 - Paying for your trip
Unless you are a multimillionaire, you will need to make sure you have the money for your trip and budget. If traveling is something you truly want to do, it is completely possible! You may just have to do a little more work to make it happen. Once you set how much you need for the trip, here are some ways to help you pay for your trip.
Prioritize your money - make a list, from most important to least important of your monthly expenses. Cut off those least important expenses(Starbucks, eating out, cable...let's be real we are all watching Netflix) and put that saved money into the travel fund. It adds up fast!
Time Is Key - Give yourself some time to save, especially if you are starting from scratch.
Work Abroad - If planning for long term travel, you can also work abroad as a nanny, in a cafe, at a hostel, tutoring, working online, etc.
Credit Points - Try and find a credit card that gives you travel rewards.
Be realistic - Understand that you may not be able to afford a luxury.
Start a GoFundMe - These online fundraising websites are great for people to reach a wider audience and easy for people to donate.
Check out Y Travel to learn some great tips to save money while your are traveling!
NOTE: Being a recent college and not having children, a mortgage, and other expensive monetary responsibilities, you may need some extra advice besides this.
Step 5 - Do Something With Your Trip
One of the most rewarding components of travel is to share it with others. With there being only about 1/3 of Americans who travel outside of the US, educate others on what you experienced. I spoke to a 7th grade social studies class on my travels to share with them what the world really is like and to hopefully inspire them to travel one day. Be creative!