We all have ambitions to go traveling around the world. I have regularly told myself that I will go away. But like many people, I told myself I need more money to do it.
The reality is that it is becoming easier to go traveling on a budget. So what’s holding us back?
It’s very easy to become entrenched in your everyday life. You may become too anxious to snap out of it to go on a long-distance journey, much less do something long-term like a gap year or sabbatical.
Money Makes the World Go Traveling
We obviously need money to go traveling. It enables us to experience all that a country or place has to offer. In my opinion, it is likely that you are going to be stressing out more than enjoying your time away if you keep counting the bills, and worry how much you have left to last a certain period of time.
Whilst it sounds romantically endearing, budget travel can be a restriction to how much we can enjoy place that we visit. A lot of people I know spent months, even years, working hard to save money to go traveling. When they return, they always seem all the more content and excited to plan their next vacation. I guess the traveling bug never really leaves you after a life-altering trip.
The Fear Factor
Feel the fear, but do it anyway. Click to Tweet
This is a family mantra I would like to think holds true in the context of traveling. Yet, it is often one of the biggest issues you face whilst making your travel plans. So many ‘what-ifs’ creep up and make you consider the difficulty associated with traveling.
Lots of people just stay home and rarely even go traveling out of their country of birth because of the nervousness associated with going on long term excursions. I don’t think that this is the best way to live, but what if you get stuck in a non-traveling rut?
To Travel or not to Travel
Traveling can be simply defined as going from one location to another for pleasure. This doesn’t necessarily mean going out of your home country. It could be something as simple as going for a road trip lot of us do most weekends.
To understand the differences between long and short term traveling, it’s essential to just think about what’s holding you back in the first place. Some of these factors might be:
- Money
- Missing family and friends
- Current affairs issues in other countries
- Language barrier
- Fear of jabs
- Bugs
There’s no doubt anything in the world can consequently become a traveling hindrance. Even something as little as bugs! But it’s essential to not let those factors put you off.
In order to live life to the fullest and really see the whole world, you just have to let go of the little things that are easily forgettable. Once you see the Eiffel Tower, stroll along the streets of Manhattan, or even go bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa, you get caught up in the amazing moment. You feel glad that you let go of your fears and decide to live life to the fullest.
On that note, I think I’m going to escape for some winter sun and go on a dune buggy in Dubai! But I want to hear your opinion.
Have you ever struggled with overcoming fears before deciding to go traveling? Have you even been put off going to more far flung destinations because of uncertainty? I’d love to hear from you, so leave your comments below.
About guest
Twitter: SusanPCooper
says:
I have usually didn’t have the money to go where I wanted. When I did, I never hesitated. The fact that I was visiting my foreign students in many of the places I’m sure is a factor. When you have someone to visit, it makes all the difference. The fear factor, quite frankly isn’t an issue.
Be sure to check out Susan Cooper’s most recent post…Lemon Sangria: Wine
Twitter: mai_eaflores
says:
Finding the money to fund my future trips is usually the case for me. I actually want to visit all the other continents other than Asia if I had the cash. It’s just that I only get to earn enough for Asian and Philippine destinations. Nonetheless, I still blessed that i actually get to travel more than 5 times a year to a new place.
I also make it a point to budget during pre-trips as this helps me prepare beforehand. 
The experience you gain from traveling is priceless. What else is life for if you won’t give yourself a break and appreciate it. There’s a certain growth you get by being able to see other people’s places and cultures as well.
Be sure to check out Franc Ramon’s most recent post…The Zombie Journals: Michael Jackson Zombie
That is true actually Susan, perhaps having somebody there that you know where you travel helps keep any worries at bay. I would love to visit my friends in Adelaide, Australia, just need to keep saving now!
Be sure to check out Phoebe – Author’s most recent post…Bvlgari Hotel – London
Twitter: RickyBernardin1
says:
Traveling has inspired me to do my job well, every pay day I set aside funds for travel and when I get a raise I immediately place it in my travel funds too. Good work does pays off =)
Money is always my problem. I want to travel but I could not.
Twitter: mas10ph
says:
Money’s the usual hindrance to travel, esp to travels abroad. I try to save as much as I can to have money for my travels. If money’s not a problem, I don’t worry much about a trip. Anything goes for me. Nike’s slogan is mine too: Just do it.
Be sure to check out mas’s most recent post…Manila’s Elite in the Eyes of Claudio Bravo
Twitter: tauyanm
says:
first time I went to singapore I was not in my mind that time! Im not scared travelling myself thinking if something happens I could fellow pinots around haha! I can lost all my things but my passport and money shud be tacked in my body anyhow! hhahah xx
Be sure to check out jane’s most recent post…OOTD: M IS FOR MARYJANE
Twitter: ronniedare
says:
Great article here Phoebe. Love to see such kind of traveling tips from the travel experts. Hopefully, I can put those tips/advice into action sometime soon.
Be sure to check out RonLeyba’s most recent post…Mind Playing 50 Shades Of Grey Fifty Quotable Quotes [In Text And Images]
I agree with some of the comments mentioned above. Money keeps many to have a second thought about traveling. but if the fund is there then I will GO!
Be sure to check out papaleng’s most recent post…The Tiny But Mighty Finger Monkey
I’ve been traveling since 2008 and I have learned a LOT from it. No regrets, just love.
Traveling definitely broadens one’s perspective in life. I would advise traveling for anyone who wish to learn more beyond those taught in the classroom or in formal education.
Be sure to check out DocBien’s most recent post…Baguio In Negros: Don Salvador Benedicto
Twitter: careermomonline
says:
If money makes a person go a-traveling, lack of money makes a lot of people go a-sulking, LOL. Yes, lack of funds has always been the case, I believe, for many. Then again, like you said, traveling doesn’t mean going to exotic places or places too far away from home. Traveling equates to seeing places that aren’t too familiar, places that gives a person a better perspective of the world he lives in because living life to the fullest means living it beyond our comfort zones. Hmm, I better start packing my bags one of these days, too.
Twitter: lovemindanao
says:
at first I was very nervous to go on my own to unknown places . But after I conquered my first lone backpacking adventure, it made me realize that places offers new learnings that you wont encounter everyday . It is also a self reflection on how you become a matured person in dealing with decision making. The money is secondary , I dont pour all my savings to it. I make use of the promos offered and look for friends in the local area (be careful though)- i go to local government or the barangay and tourism office to give me some saving tips .
Twitter: tedclaudio
says:
I agree that saving up for a bigger trip is a better idea than going too tight of budget. Going places is one thing but experiencing it is another. You have to maximize on what the place has to offer and most of the time it requires money. But of course, don’t blow out your fortune
I love travelling and exploring foods in other locations. Planning is needed in order to get the most of our money when we travel. Thank goodness for piso fares! hihihi…
Twitter: iamwaterLiLy
says:
I have always wanted to travel but there are two things that hold me back: budget and company. I don’t earn much and I can’t save enough to go on a travel and my friends, who are the only ones I could tag along, are most often than not, busy with work. :<
Be sure to check out lily’s most recent post…Health Benefits of Lady Finger
Twitter: NezMercader
says:
I usually plan ahead of time when I want to travel. At least a month. I wanna make sure I have enough budget before and after the travel. I also look out for those seat sales. Haha!
Be sure to check out Ness’s most recent post…Spaoay : Traditional Ilocano Treatments Indulgence in Timog Ave
Twitter: gawaya
says:
Given the money is available, I wouldn’t hesitate to go where I want to. Well, I always have a list of places to go so it’s just a matter of some time and cash in hand
Could be a staycation or overseas trip, what matters is experiencing something new and exciting.
Be sure to check out Shamis’s most recent post…Most Amazing Places In The World – Part 2
Just travel is the best travel advice there is. The lessons would unfold on its own.
Be sure to check out Franc Ramon’s most recent post…ZXIOXZ Enters The Nowhere Kingdom (Who’d Ever Thought This Could Happen?)
no matter how much i want to travel… i guess i just can’t for now… time and resources does not permit… hahaha. Yahwhe bless,
Be sure to check out ralph’s most recent post…My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) – Navy, Army Or Air Force
Everyone’s comments are really fascinating, especially Franc’s of ‘just travel’! It’s interesting to hear that everyone has their little worries and I think I just need to go on my first proper trip to really blast away all of my concerns. Going to start saving asap!
Be sure to check out Phoebe – Post Author’s most recent post…Bvlgari Hotel – London
Well I need to take off those what-ifs especially money-related. ^_^
Be sure to check out Mark Morfe’s most recent post…The week that was (September 16 – 22)
You would be surprised how you can travel for cheap these days.
I even have a blogger friend who teaches people how to move abroad for a year or more with their whole family. They’ve done it. There are in France right now for two years, and I think that’s really great. So many people think that they can’t do this!
Thanks for those tips.
Be sure to check out Sylviane Nuccio’s most recent post…Cheese Soufflé (Soufflé Au Fromage)
Twitter: PrincessShimari
says:
Hi Adel,
I enjoyed reading your post by your guest Phoebe. I rarely think of hindrances to travelling, and all the nuances that may stand in one’s way. I was always one to go on a whim. But I guess these are real issues for some people. I fell in love with the teaching profession as a young woman mainly because of the vacation periods. A traveler’s dream.
Be sure to check out Princess Shimari’s most recent post…ABOUT AVOCADOS!!
MONEY MONEY MONEY!
It’s so funny, how can one travel without this?
Few people can get out of their comfort zone and travel for free. That’s pure LUCK!
I still have to see the world but I have to start from here. ..
I’m still a stranger in my own land.
Be sure to check out marri’s most recent post…Close Encounter With The Third Kind
Still in the process of saving lots of money for my future travel expenses. Everybody dreams of traveling the whole world and I MUST fulfill that dream. I want to learn more than just pure pleasure that going from one place to another brings.
Be sure to check out Yaniconquistadora (‘s most recent post…SPAOAY Wellness Center in Timog Avenue, Quezon City
Love your spirit, Yanee! It’s something I’ve also promised myself. Good luck to the both of us.
I love traveling and it seems that there have been so many things happening in my life lately. It’s so crazy and I’m lovin’ it! I just found myself succeeding and thanking God for His precious gift of life. A life without drive isn’t spending your time wisely. A life without strive is like being a vegetable, sitting there pointlessly and without meaning. no matter how lazy or how unwilling to move you are, get out of your home and do something. Move around. Meet up with a few new friends – or even better, meet new ones. Go take a walk in the most beautiful part of town you know. Because you’ll need it. You’ll love it. And you’ll realize how beautiful the world is – and how much you should be out there instead of staying in at home. Enjoy! Life is short after all!
Be sure to check out Justin | Hari ng lakbay’s most recent post…The Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park
Thanks so much for sharing your insights here, Justin. You’re so right! Life is such a precious gift to be wasted by being consumed with work and other things. I love what you said about getting out and do something, anything. We all need to do that every now and then. Otherwise, what’s the point of living, don’t you agree?
i always make it a point that the whole family goes with me when i travel, thus will not make me worry over my kids when left alone in the house. one more thing, if my budget is limited i will not pursue wit my travel plan
Be sure to check out joy’s most recent post…Proper Utilization Of Season Dependent Outfits
Twitter: NezMercader
says:
I also have that dilemma of wanting to travel a lot but my budget wont allow me. And when I finally got the enough budget, I am already hesitant to go. Haha! Another factor is that I don’t have a travel buddy everytime I got the already the budget. I havent tried travelling alone though..
Be sure to check out Ness’s most recent post…Starbucks Philippines Christmas 2012 Kickoff Party in BGC
I feel you, Ness. I tried traveling alone once, it was scary, but also exciting. You can go around as you please without having to worry about whether your travel buddy would like going to a certain place or trying out something.
Traveling is indeed a rich way of spending your time as it’s always enriching and teaches you a lot about culture of different places.
Be sure to check out Franc Ramon’s most recent post…Incoming: Quezon City International Marathon 2012
Twitter: crazyoverpurple
says:
When I was younger, I looked forward to summer vacations because the family would always travel out of the country. Usual destination was the US. I loved those trips, and when I look back to those times, I realize I enjoyed much because I didn\’t have to worry about anything. Dad took care of all the expenses and mom packed my bags! LOL Now, as much as I want to travel, I have work to think about. On top of that, I would need to SAVE MONEY (my own) if I want to travel. Oh, and yeah, pack my own bags! Bummer! Seriously though, I enjoyed reading. Will certainly take these \”words of wisdom\” to heart for when I finally save enough money to travel (on my own).
Be sure to check out Bambie’s most recent post…Airline Uniforms That Make a Fashion Statement
I’ve really been wanting to travel but due to budget constraints, we can’t. But for sure and I know given enough budget we’ll be doing it. No what ifs.
Be sure to check out che’s most recent post…The Community Center