Imagine yourself standing on the peak of an awe inspiring mist awning mountain with nothing more than nature´s glory sprawling out at you in every direction. If that doesn´t tickle your fancy, how about visiting that sacred temple that you thought was only accessible through the sticky pages of National Geographic Explorer?
It doesn´t take a lot of convincing to express that the rewards and benefits of extensive and extended travel are almost inexhaustible; however, the excuses why ´most´ never get out and experience adventures on the road are numerous. The most typical excuses aren´t exclusive to just travel, but there are some that seem more unique/specific to this given topic.
I Can’t Travel Because = It’s Just Too Expensive
The truth is that travel in developing countries is far CHEAPER than the cost of living for an average month if you hail from a first world developed nation. The expenses you avoid while traveling are numerous. The cost of living the high life with the swanky pad, vehicle, insurances, various (essential and non-essential) subscriptions, taxes and a multitude of other cash deplete-rs simply do not exist while you´re carrying nothing but a backpack.
As a rule of thumb, one can get by quite comfortably in areas such as South East Asia and many other developing nations with a daily budget of $20 to 40 which stretches anywhere between $600 to 1200 USD a month. Oneis not scrimping with this kind of budget feasting on three square meals of generous sized portions of local food per day, sight-seeing most afternoons, going on occasional organized tours, semi frequent nightlife and transportation to and from place to place.
Some have a harder time giving up creature comforts they find back home while others become frugal in ways they had never imagined. The budget I´ve given allows for the flexibility of the subjective traveller with all of their specific needs and individual quirks.
And while flights can be a little pricey, there are ways around that too. By obtaining travel credit cards via sites like Frugal Flyer, you can travel for free (or FAR less)… all while treating yourself to the occasional business class seat!
Anyhow, the verdict is in. Travel in most parts of the world is significantly cheaper than the boxed-in lifestyle (one often wracked with anxiety and discontent) back home.
Real-Life Example:
This backpacker has been on the road for over two years having left home with nothing more than $500 in his pocket.
I’m Not Able To Travel Because = I’ll Ruin My Career
I think this might be the most common excuse I´ve heard by far. I´ll be destroying my career if I take X amount of months off or a whole year from work or study.
I won´t be able to get hired or pick up my studies again and I´ll have a hole the size of the Rocky Mountains in my otherwise spiffy and impressive resume. What one often doesn’t realize is that the job you feel that won´t be waiting for you back home is likely not the only option one has to consider.
If one absolutely feels they’re limited to living in a specific city, house and job; however, if you have skills that are highly employable you´ll land that cushy job once again with nothing but ease. If you´re a trained professional you won´t find any shortage of students to teach, needles to poke or jerks to sue.
The conditions and reality of life doesn´t change overnight just because you´re not there for a year. I´ve seen numerous people quit and then find even better jobs after they´ve come back home. The truth of the matter is that backpacking changes you immensely and more often than not in a positive manner.
When you realize you can get by for an entire year with nothing but a 12 to 15kg pack on your back you´re probably less likely to go back home and continue hoarding, polishing, collecting and spending money on stuff in ridiculous ways that never even came close to fulfilling you in the first place.
Personally, I´ve found employers are often fascinated by those who have done ´unique´ things and backpacking definitely is given high priority in this broad category. The time away from the hamster wheel of daily routines may also give one a broad new perspective leading one towards an exciting new career that otherwise would have never been discovered.
Real Life Example:
This nomad has been abroad since 2003 requiring nothing more than a laptop and an internet connection.
I’m Shouldn’t Travel Because = I’m Too Old
I must admit this one makes me chuckle. I´m in my late twenties and feel the world is my oyster, but I´ve seen a few seasoned and jaded characters in my day who wouldn´t have done much to convince me that they were backpacker material; however, I´ve since changed my global opinion considerably when I witnessed with my own two eyes individuals in their 70´s and 80´s doing jungle treks, mountain climbing, safaris and white water rafting.
They screamed, roared and laughed loader than the crowd less than half their age and had a common thread of being young at heart and full of adventure, excitement and enthusiasm. It´s never too late to get off your ass and get out of your well defined and ridiculously rigid comfort zone, but it does take a bit more initiative and enthusiasm I would imagine as you advance in years.
I´m not even thirty, totally healthy and physically fit, so I can´t comment too much on the area of daily physical challenges but just let it be known that there are those who are much older than you who are enjoying the times of their lives without the aforementioned aches, pains and moaning that might be associated with a more mature traveller. The bottom line is simply this – travel can be done at any age.
Real Life Example:
This digital nomad hit the road to successfully pursue a travel career as a writer and photographer around the time when most individuals are thinking more towards a lifestyle of retirement.
The Benefits of Travel: Why You Should Overcome Your Excuses
Lack of Time
One of the most common excuses is the belief that there’s simply not enough time to travel. Work, family, and other responsibilities seem to fill every moment, leaving little room for adventure. However, travel doesn’t always mean a long, extended break. Weekend getaways, short road trips, or even day trips to nearby towns can offer the same sense of escape and exploration.
- How to Make Time for Travel:
- Schedule trips in advance to block off time and treat them as a priority.
- Plan around long weekends or public holidays to maximize your vacation time.
- Opt for “micro-travel”—short trips that allow you to recharge without needing a lot of time away.
Remember, even a short trip can break up your routine and rejuvenate your spirit.
Lack of Money
Another major hurdle for many people is the cost of travel. It’s easy to believe that only those with deep pockets can afford to explore the world, but that’s not true. There are countless ways to make travel affordable without sacrificing experience.
- Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks:
- Travel during the off-season for cheaper flights and accommodations.
- Choose budget destinations where your money stretches further. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America are great for affordable adventures.
- Use points from credit cards or frequent flyer miles to cut travel costs.
- Stay in hostels, Airbnb, or even try house-sitting to save on lodging.
- Use local transportation and eat street food to experience culture on a budget.
With careful planning, travel can be accessible to almost anyone.
Fear of the Unknown
Traveling to unfamiliar places can feel intimidating. Concerns about language barriers, cultural differences, or navigating a foreign city are understandable, but they can be overcome with preparation.
- Preparation Tips:
- Research your destination in advance. Learn key phrases in the local language, customs, and important etiquette.
- Download helpful apps like Google Maps or language translators to help you get around and communicate.
- Start with a destination that’s more familiar or tourist-friendly if you’re worried about culture shock.
- Consider joining a guided tour, especially if it’s your first time traveling internationally.
Embrace the discomfort—often, the most memorable experiences come from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
Fear of Flying
For some, the idea of boarding a plane is a source of anxiety. Flying may feel overwhelming, but there are many strategies to help ease this fear and make travel more manageable.
- Overcoming Flight Anxiety:
- Practice meditation or breathing exercises to calm your nerves.
- Bring distractions for the flight, such as a book, movie, or music.
- If the fear is severe, consider seeking professional help through therapy or counseling focused on flight anxiety.
- Look into alternative transportation methods like trains, buses, or cruises for closer destinations.
Don’t let fear of flying ground your travel dreams.
Family Obligations
For parents, caregivers, or those with family responsibilities, finding time to travel can seem impossible. But taking time for yourself, or including family in the adventure, is essential for personal growth and can strengthen family bonds.
- Travel as a Family or Solo:
- Plan family-friendly vacations that cater to all ages. Choose destinations with activities for both kids and adults.
- If family travel isn’t possible, don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Self-care is important, and a short trip can give you the energy you need to better care for your loved ones.
- Consider arranging temporary caregiving help to give yourself the chance to travel solo.
Family obligations don’t have to be a barrier to travel; they can be part of the adventure.
Health Concerns
For those with medical issues or disabilities, travel may feel daunting. However, with careful planning and the right accommodations, travel can still be accessible and enjoyable.
- Traveling with Health Conditions:
- Consult your doctor before planning your trip to ensure it’s safe and get advice on managing your health while traveling.
- Choose destinations with excellent healthcare facilities or consider staying closer to home if that provides peace of mind.
- Research accessible accommodations, transport, and attractions if mobility is an issue. Many popular tourist destinations are disability-friendly.
- Travel insurance is a must. Make sure it covers any pre-existing conditions.
You don’t have to let health concerns stop you from exploring the world.
Work Commitments
Work is often the biggest barrier to travel, especially in fast-paced careers. But travel isn’t just about taking a break—it can recharge you, boost creativity, and improve overall productivity when you return.
- Balancing Work and Travel:
- Use your vacation time wisely. If you have limited time off, plan trips around long weekends or holidays.
- Consider remote work options if your job allows it. More companies are adopting flexible work-from-home policies, which can give you the freedom to travel while staying connected.
- If possible, negotiate unpaid leave for longer trips. The break from work can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Lack of Travel Companions
Traveling alone can seem daunting, but solo travel is one of the most rewarding and liberating experiences. It allows you to set your own pace, be fully immersed in your destination, and meet new people along the way.
- Embrace Solo Travel:
- Join travel groups, tours, or hostels to meet other solo travelers. Many people who travel alone make lifelong friends on the road.
- Plan a solo trip to destinations known for being solo-friendly, such as Japan, Thailand, or New Zealand.
- Travel apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing can help you connect with locals and other travelers.
You don’t need a companion to have an incredible adventure.
Environmental Concerns
Many are rightfully concerned about the environmental impact of travel, particularly air travel. While travel can contribute to pollution, there are ways to minimize your impact.
- Sustainable Travel Practices:
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations with sustainable practices, such as hotels with green certifications.
- Offset your carbon footprint by contributing to carbon offset programs that invest in clean energy projects.
- Use public transportation or rent bikes to get around your destination.
- Pack reusable items like water bottles and bags to avoid unnecessary waste.
Travel responsibly and minimize your environmental impact while still enjoying the wonders of the world.
General Apathy or Complacency
Some people may not see the point of travel, preferring their comfort zone over exploring new places. But travel can be life-changing, providing new perspectives, experiences, and personal growth.
- Finding Inspiration:
- Set travel goals or create a bucket list. Sometimes having specific destinations in mind can spark excitement.
- Read travel books, watch documentaries, or follow travel bloggers who inspire you.
- Start small. Visit a nearby town or national park to get the travel bug going.
Conclusion: Stop Making Excuses and Just Go!
I´ve only covered just a few of the more common excuses I´ve heard from those who desperately ´want´ but actively ´choose´ not to travel. The reality is that people are doing what one might think is impossible each and every day. Moreover, the fact that life is brief and unpredictable gives you ample reasons to get your gears shifted in the right direction.
There are only so many tomorrows and without making it a priority it´s likely going to always be stored away on the back-burner on the ‘things-to-do-list’ that one never finds time to complete.
Anyhow, I do hope that if one has the burning desire to seek new cultures, experience new food and bombard their every sense with new stimulation that they stop making the excuses that prevent them from getting the ball rolling and start moving in the direction of their wildest dreams 🙂
Completely agree Samuel. When we first started traveling the “too expensive” excuse was used the most. Now that we have been on the road for a long time we hear the “I’m too old” and “I can’t, I have kids now” excuses. Like you said, the world is your oyster and some grab it and some don’t. Each to their own. There are so many awesome people out there traveling – young, old, with kids or with a disability. I hope people read their blogs and get inspired too. 🙂
Completely agree! Although I am only 23, my worst fear in life is not old age but growing old from the inside. I went to China last year and everybody started feeding me with fears on the uncertainty of going to a different country and why I shouldn’t go. I’m glad I ended up going because it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life!
Hi Sam, I love your line –The truth of the matter is that backpacking changes you immensely and more often than not in a positive manner.
I have this Backpacker’s Hotseat page in my blog where I interview fellow backpackers regardless of age, gender and race. One of the questions I ask is “What life lessons have you learned from backpacking/traveling?” and it’s very inspiring to read their answers to this question. Backpacking really makes one realize the beauty of life and how each backpacking journey makes one stronger as a person.
We should all be grateful that not everyone likes travelling, and that does who don’t, stay home. Sites are already over crowded (many who seem like they’d rather be somewhere else frankly), resources over used. I actually believe that are many who are not passionate about travelling but do it anyway because ‘that’s what everyone is doing’. It would be better for the world if they didn’t travel at all, also better for those who really love travelling.
I agree with you Denise. For those who aren’t passionate about travel it’s something that would be best avoided. I think though that there are a number of individuals who truly want to go but allow fear or excuses to prevent them from doing so. For people in this category I hope an article like this can help persuade them to refocus.
Nice points, Sam. People always cite fear also as another reason not to travel. They’re just afraid to travel and move out of their comfort. I was born quite autistic and only travel helped me come out of my shell. I know others on the spectrum who have felt the same way. Travel liberates, and opens minds in the way nothing else can. Very good post!
Charu, I couldn’t agree with you more. My life changed for the better when I caught the travel bug.
This is an inspiring post! I would never have thought quitting your job will ruin your career. You learn so much from travelling even if its a mere 2-3 weeks holiday. I’ve learnt a lot about opening up, listening to clients / colleagues, being patience and most importantly being adaptive in different environment. Businesses today need people with adaptive skills.
Hey Amer, you bring up some great points here! I think being flexible and having adaptive skills are qualities many develop being on the road or in a foreign country.
Great article. This is very timely as we just came back from a Meet Plan Go event. You covered the most common excuses I tend to hear when people say I want to travel but… [insert excuse here]. The more they tell themselves these excuses, the more they believe in it. It’s tough to break those shackles in their head and take the leap of faith.
Love the pointed out to real life examples. I didn’t realize Brendan only had $500 in his pocket when he started traveling. I somehow missed that!
So true,
Everyone makes these excuses. And they are just that excuses. After a while I got sick of people saying “I wish I could do that!”
“You can!”
“But my job, my car, my house, my partner, my kids.”
Ok, now some of these would change the way you travel, but if you really want to do it you can. I’ve met people from every type of job, who are renting out there houses at home (or sold them,) people with kids of all ages.
I must admit, quitting your job and selling everything you own is scary, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. After one year travelling, and six months recording an album, I am back working in my previous career, in a more senior role and earning significantly more money.
You know what my boss said was the main reason I got the job?
I was a backpacker.
all true! people just give too many excuses not to travel and the most common of which is that it’s too expensive. it’s really not especially when they do their research right. great post 🙂
I think for many people, the answer is “I’m not sure how to make money on the road.” That’s still an issue my friends are struggling with. It’s true you can travel cheaply, but I don’t think there are enough resources on how to find jobs while traveling, because eventually the money will run out. Not everybody can work remotely as a blogger or photographer or web designer, so that is a legitimate concern.
PS – I love that statue of Statler & Waldorf! Did you take that pic yourself, and where is it located?
Scott, that’s totally true. I’m lucky to have found ESL gigs as a way to keep me on the road and to save up for the next big adventure. I would love if my blog could someday take over from that as my primary source of income but I’ve yet to rely on it as of now. Unfortunately, that great pic is not my own and I found it from flickr 🙁
all the points that you have mentioned are so true… couldnt agree more!
Thanks Flip! 🙂
Great post mate. To be honest, I use ‘not enough money’ a hell of a lot. I keep setting myself distant goals like having $10,000 in savings and that’s virtually impossible for a crazy spender like me.
Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and hit the road?
Maybe that’s the key mate! Just get on the road and then let things happen naturally. I might be doing that myself again soon 🙂
Too old? We travelled Mongolia/Russia with 3 people in our group over 80!
We’ve been able to manage travel and juggle the usual things in life, career, mortgage, kids etc.
As for not travelling full time- well, blame the dog.
She’s my rescue dog, and we can’t take off and leave her. 6 -7 weeks is a long time away from her. We managed 15 weeks travelling last year but in 3 segments. But walking to work the other week, I decided that when she’s gone, I’m shutting up shop and we’re taking off. I just don’t think I could stand it without her. She’s on notice as I told her ” Soon as you’re gone, I’m outa here!”, and she’s looking at me writing this….
That’s amazing Jim! I honestly feel the more senior travellers are true inspirations and give me hope that I can keep doing this the rest of my life 🙂
How about the dog ate my travel agenda?
LOL, I’ve used that at the airport b4 without too much success 😛
Great reasons! This is so true. Traveling brings such riches to life that really everyone should experience it, no matter what age or financial situation. It’s truly worth it all.
Thanks, I couldn’t imagine my life without travel 🙂
Love it. Trying to convince myself at the moment to get out of my desk job again which annoys me every day. Hopefully will be sooner than later.
It’s very hard going back to working after an extended trip. I’m struggling with that now as well 😛
Thanks for the hat tip, Samuel! The fact that travel doesn’t have to be expensive is so true. Once I started travelling I also realised alot of my previous living expenses were so unnecessary, so travel has certainly improved my financial expenditure as well.
James, that’s been the same thing I’ve found as well – backpacking really helps one become less materialistic 🙂
I’ve heard these excuses before and I think these people are afraid of taking risks that’s why they tend to stick to the safe side.
The ‘Too Expensive’ excuse was my alibi a few years ago, but i realized that it is doable as long as you know how to adjust with your lifestyle. It’s funny that most people who are saying that travel is expensive are the ones who have high salaries LOL.
The ‘Career Ruin’ part is understandable for those who have families already. I guess that is the reason why it is ok for me not to be employed (even if i have sleepless nights thinking where to get more freelance gigs huhu), but it is a risk that i took and i am happy about it. Also, i want to start my own business to where i am the boss 😛
The ‘Too Old’ part is something that i feel bad about for some people. For example, you have a very big salary in a multinational company and your retirement pay is big. Can you still bungee jump in Macau? What about skydiving in Cuba? I’m glad that my grandparents are open-minded when it comes to traveling. In fact, they make it a point to travel outside the country at least once a year. They will celebrate their 51st wedding anniversary on the 22nd 😀
Great suggestions Mica! I think it is a lot about getting over fears and starting to roll the dice and take some risks.
Yeah! Go Samuel! I’ll be giving this exact speech in a week at Meet, Plan, Go. I am proof that taking two years off does not equal career ruin, although, sometimes I wish, oh, never mind… 😉
That’ll be a very inspiring speech!
This is great! I like that you included the real world examples. Until I started meeting people who were traveling the way I wanted to, I didn’t really start making my own plan.
Stephanie, I can remember being in the same position. The biggest travel motivators in my life were a group of backpackers I met in a hostel in Korea well over half a decade ago 🙂
Excellent article, Sam, and very convincing. Now more than ever that the world is in financial turmoil its time to question stable institutions and ´normal`life as we know it in the developed nations. Like you say……there are only so many tomorrows…..Carpe Diem !
Glad things are working out for you and you are enjoying life. : )
Jacinta, I love what you said, “There are only so many tomorrows.” I wish I would remember that more often 🙂
It’s true. If you have the travel itch inside of you, don’t put “Imbeingrealistic-balm” on it. When you travel around other countries, you’ll be amazed how common and normal it actually is to be on the road, even for extended periods of time. I can still remember how amazed I was first time I met someone who told me he has been travelling the world for a couple of years. Nowadays, I can’t even recall all the people I’ve met who are doing just that 🙂
Indeed, it is that ‘itch’ that can’t be ignored 🙂
Oh yeah the too old one is a good one – got that when I was 30 – kinda stopped now though, now I’m closer to 50. There is a frustrating aspect to it – my partner has some health issues- and you don’t need much to make travel insurance something quite difficult to get.
Those are some great points! I would agree it gets more challenging but I feel that a strong enough will always finds a way 🙂