You CAN afford to travel. 8 Easy Steps!

I love to travel. I'd say most people do, or at least they love the idea of travel, but most folks never take that big, juicy, life-changing trip. You know...the one you dream about every time your boss comes in your office and says, "got a second?". You get your one or two week trip, but that never feels long enough, and the jealousy always creeps up when you meet that guy or gal at the airport with a shit-load of passport stamps, a guitar strapped on their back, and a glow on their face that only a long term travel experience can conjure. Often times that guy might be me, though I'm a drummer so you'd be hard pressed to find me toting a 6 string around.

 Every single time I hit the road and start blogging or posting pictures and comments on my social media feeds, I hear the familiar sighs of the "wish I's". Who are the "wish I's" you ask? The friends and family members who constantly say, "Man, I wish I could do that! You are so lucky. You must be fabulously wealthy....etc" While I have been on a few expensive and extravagant vacations, I have a dirty little secret to share... most of my trips have cost $2,000 or less. Also, many of those trips have exceeded a month in duration. What's the secret? Desire to experience something new, savvy use of internet travel sites like kayak and priceline, and a willingness to sleep on a beach in a tent... or stay at a private residence or hostel instead of a hotel. That's it. Oh... you have to save a little money and negotiate the time off....and that is where most plans meet their bitter end.

I'm here to tell you that the planning, budgeting, negotiating with employers (or customers if you own your business), family and would be bill collectors is one of the most exciting parts of taking a long trip. It's the salt of the sea! You will feel a far greater sense of satisfaction when your toes hit that sand if you know you got there by the fruits of your own efforts. You will discover a set of skills you didn't even know you had like patience, foreign languages, perhaps writing or photography. You will reset your proverbial buttons and feel more alive than any week long cruise or all-inclusive indulgence. Traveling teaches you about yourself and no matter how much planning you do for your trip, the trip ends up taking you to places you never expected, both geographically and spiritually.

 Ready to go? Here's 8 easy steps that I use every time I get wanderlust:

 1. Pick a place or region to visit - This should be a place you are dreaming about so much that you just HAVE to go! My first long term travel experience was a 6 month backpacking trip in the Hawaiian Islands. I payed off almost $50,000 worth of debt in under 2 years to do be able to do it debt free. I was drooling over luscious reefs, hikes to splendid waterfalls, bikini clad girls, surfing, and sleeping on beaches while I survived on peanut butter and jelly. Yes...I made sacrifices to get my goal, but I got it!
 2. Decide how long you will go - make it at least 6 weeks if you can....and YOU CAN!! Got kids? Bring them with you... got bills? Pay them in advance.... or negotiate suspended payments while you travel.  Got a house?  Rent it out, or let a family member or trusted friend stay there during your absence.
 3. Find out what it will cost - Airline tickets are typically the most expensive part. You can shop online for deals...they are everywhere. Also, flying standby is often a cheap option.  Look at alternatives to hotels, which kill any travel budget.  Camping is a favorite of mine, but there are some great hostels and also travel sites like couchsurfing.com and hospitalityclub.com where you can meet and stay with other like minded travelers in their home towns!
 4. Tell your employer your plan - You will be surprised how supportive they may be. Figure out a way for them to survive without you, but also have a job when you get back. I have done this many times with employers and with customers of my own businesses. If they are not supportive... look for another job before you take your trip. Take the trip... then start the new job when you come home. There are also several ways to make a living on the road... you can become an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language).... or transplant your current skill to a new locale.  This is often much easier than you think with modern technology.  Every option is available if you look for it.
 5. Budget- Really budget. Most of you DO NOT have a budget. I know you don't so stop pretending you do. You can vacation on the money you waste on coffee and lunch alone. The $100 you spent at the bar on Friday night could have bought me 4 days on a beach in Hawaii... and Hawaii is a rather expensive place to travel, even for the most savvy of backpackers.
 6. Visualize- Remember why you are making the sacrifice in the first place...and picture yourself exploring in your favorite destination. The one YOU picked, and made it to with your own effort. Don't let anything short of death keep you from getting there.
 7. Go. Did you leave yet? Get going already!!
 8. Enjoy and Repeat.  It's addictive.  Once you know you can do it... you will continue doing it for a lifetime!

Don't be a "wish I"!!!  Get out there and explore!  Live some of those dreams!

 The End! Have a great day! I'm grateful for having so many fantastic travel experiences! They have truly changed my life and will change yours too!!!