Does traveling ever seem too out of reach? Does it seem too expensive, or like you don't have the time, let alone anyone who would go with you?
Think again!
Here are four common myths about traveling that totally aren't true.
Get ready to rethink how you travel and go book that flight!
1. "You have to quit your 9-5 to travel the world"
Beijing, China
We've all heard it from pretty much every travel blogger ever: "I couldn't handle the 9-5 life. So I sold my stuff, quit my job, and bought a one-way plane ticket to [insert cool destination here]."
That's the dream for many people, right? Quit the cubicle job, get rid of all your stuff until all your possessions can fit into a backpack, and head for uncharted territories.
Doesn't sound too bad if you ask me!
Though I know many of you are currently in a 9-5 job that you can't escape from, at least not yet.
I worked a 9-5 for almost two years so I could have a home base, pay my bills, and travel on my vacation time. I actually liked the job a lot at first and was able to build my blog and side hustle on nights and weekends. I was in "Crush It" mode, if you know what I mean. ;)
How to travel around a 9-5: use "vacation hacking," weekends, holidays, and any time off to travel. Use your actual vacation days wisely, preferably for long trips or international destinations.
How to afford international vacations if you're living paycheck to paycheck? Find a short-term travel job that will cover at least some of your travel expenses.
If that sounds overwhelming, I've covered these topics in these posts:
Using "Vacation Hacking" To Maximize Your Travel
How To Travel When You Work Full-Time
2. "Travel costs thousands of dollars"
#TBT to Cork, Ireland back in 2011...!
It seems that there are two main spectrums to travel blogging and travel media these days: either 1) luxury travel, where you spend at least three- to four-figures or more per night at an exclusive resort, or 2) budget travel, where you find ways to save $7 on transportation only to find that the bus ride is going to take an extra three hours and has no air-conditioning.
Two extremes (either of which are totally fine), but there is an in-between.
"Affordable luxury" or "flashpacking" are travel buzzwords these days, allowing a little more comfort and style. You don't have to spend your life's savings to travel, nor do you have to ration out your grocery store pasta to last one more day.
One way to travel with a little more comfort is to travel where the cost of living is lower. Popular regions are Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
When I was planning my Southeast Asia trip for this month (which I had to cancel for other reasons), I came across multiple four- and five-star hotels in the heart of Bangkok for only $30-60 per night. If you're splitting that with a friend, that's only $15-30 per person each night for an (affordable!) luxury hotel. You can find hostels for even less than that.
Another way to save a ton of money on travel without sacrificing comfort is to work while you travel.
It is perhaps the most financially stable way to travel since your job should cover some (or all) of your travel expenses.
Working abroad is the only way I've traveled internationally the past few years. From living in Italy and visiting 12+ countries for my job, to working short 2-week conferences in Europe and Asia around my full-time job schedule, working while you travel is a REALLY great way to see the world.
3. "I want to move to another country temporarily, but the process is way too complicated"
There is definitely some truth to this one. There can be complicated things to get past, like finding a place to live, securing a job (if you want one), and whether or not you need a visa.
I know a lot of my readers have expressed wanting to move somewhere temporarily to travel! Doing so will help you understand the culture much more since you'll be living there and can provide a home base for travels to nearby places.
When I was living in Italy for six months, I learned a lot more about Italian culture - and even picked up the language a little bit! - compared to other countries I visited. At the same time, I was in a place that allowed ease of travel to nearby cities/countries (through my job, of course).
Helpful posts on moving abroad:
Travel Visas: Do You Need One To Work Abroad?
Your Guide to a Work + Travel Lifestyle
4. "I don't have anyone to travel with, and traveling alone would be lonely/scary/boring"
Paris, France (before they took those locks down!)
I totally get that traveling solo or moving someplace where you don't know anyone can be scary. How? Because I've done that, multiple times!
When I moved to work in Italy I didn't know any of my co-workers. But the good thing about working abroad is that you have a built-in social network already. And we happened to become good friends!
A few months later I solo traveled in Paris for several days before starting my other job. I loved it! I met so many more people than I would have, had I been with other people. And I got to do my own thing on my own schedule without relying on anyone else.
I've also moved to other cities in the US where I didn't know anyone, like DC and Phoenix.
It will work out! You can do it!
Posts on Traveling Solo & Meeting People Abroad:
Solo Travel Stories That Confirmed My Faith in Humanity
How To Make Friends in a Foreign Country - 7 Ways To Meet People Abroad!
