How do you satisfy your travel dreams?
It’s easy to get caught up in current events and how they impact us, especially when those events have something to do with the money we have, or more likely, don’t have. But what happens when those events take a toll on your travel dreams?
We’ve all had to put off traveling, cancel an already-planned trip, or change plans and opt for a less expensive alternative from time to time. When you’re at home, wondering when you’ll be able to hit the road again, what do you do to keep your travel dreams alive? Do you engage in a lot of armchair travel reading, get excessively detailed in planning your next big trip, or try to distract yourself with finding new-to-you features around home?
For me, it’s all of the above, plus a little retail therapy. Yes, I know how weird that sounds. If I can’t afford to travel, how can I afford to buy travel gear? I keep it simple and find something that I need, but won’t just put it away for my next trip. I have to use it right away, and every time I do, it reminds me that eventually I’ll be off on another adventure.
What’s your secret trick?
November 26th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
We recently got swindled by a crooked contractor with at least $75,000 of our savings when we embarked on a home renovation. I am so bitter about that because I didn’t even want that home reno in the first place. I wanted to use that money to travel around the world. But my husband managed to convince me that it was the most responsible thing to do, since we have (at that time) one daughter (we have 2 now). I’m still regretting and crying over that lost savings, but what can I do. I just take cheaper, mini-trips now. And read blogs to fuel my dreams of some day going RTW with the kids.
November 26th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
If the dreams get too strong and I feel the urge to jump over the backyard lattice fence, then I just pack my backpack. Then I unpack it again, lay out everything on the bed and look what I am able to optimize and update my packing list. Somehow it helps, at the beginning I have the feeling that I am really going to start the trip but then I start unpacking it again and get used up in the optimation process and the urge slowly goes away.
November 27th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I drive myself nuts obsessing about where I want to go and read all about it–books, blog posts, etc. I can’t say that it really helps, but maybe I’ll be prepared by the time I get there, wherever “there” turns out to be! It also helps to go to local “ethnic” restaurants.
November 29th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I host couchsurfers! That way I can still learn about other cultures all from the comfort of my own home. I can hear about their travels and ask questions about where they’re from. I live in Japan now but still suffer from wanderlust. Hosting couchsurfers helps me feel more connected to the global traveling community while I’m staying put, saving money (to travel!).
December 8th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I am a recent college grad feeling stuck at home… meanwhile I’m really just hear to save up some money and hit the road. Over the past few months I’ve been reading over my journal entries, other travel blogs and books. I’ve been trying to keep a low budget for myself here in New York City, so I decided to take advantage of the things it has to offer… like the array of authentic cuisines. A new found way of satisfying my wanderlust: Once a week I treat myself to a different ethnic meal. I find my experiences doing so has helped me learn more about the culture (for which I am eating), explore my curiosity and eagerness using my pallet and simply escaping for an hour or two in the country the given restaurant is themed. Many instances I have found myself striking conversation with the employees (sharing the same ethnicity as the restaurant cuisine) asking them question about the menu and further asking them questions about their home country. It’s very fun!