Travel Because You Want To

As usual, I received both positive and negative replies to when I told people I was going to New York for Memorial Day Weekend.

"New York is amazing! You'll have a great time!"

"New York is so expensive. It's a waste of money for just a weekend."

"Good for you! Sounds like fun."

"Really? I would never spend all those hours flying to the other side of the country unless I was going for a longer period of time."

"Take lots of pictures! I want to hear all about it."

"You're not going for work or to visit family? Why would you go somewhere for no particular reason?"

Everyone is going to have an opinion, whether it's good or bad. The only thing that matters is what you want to do. Those slightly negative opinions might make me question my travel decisions, but my answers almost always confirm that I'm doing the right thing, especially when looking back on it.

Did I have a great time in New York? Yes! Was it expensive? Yes! But was it worth it? YES, absolutely!

I don't make a fortune by any means with my job, but I do my best to put some money aside every paycheck to put toward something I want to do. I've spent most of my extra money on travel: flights to New York, flights to visit friends... to me, it's worth it.

Everyone has different interests, and investments in "fun" things look different for everyone. Other friends may want to spend money on new designer clothes, a new TV, or bottle service at a club. That's fine! But if you'd rather spend money on travel, it's okay that you spend your money on different things than your friends.

The reason behind this post is to not feel guilty for traveling. If you want to travel, make it happen. Don't let others drag you down - you're not living their life, you're living yours. You don't need any other excuse to travel other than the fact that you want to.

The Time Is Now. Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do

When faced with a big decision or overwhelming goal, we tend to put it off and just keep it in the backs of our minds.

For example: me and travel hacking. I was first introduced to the concept of travel hacking by some friends/fellow travelers when I was in Italy. After Europe, they were going to move to Thailand for a few months and travel around Southeast Asia before continuing future travels.

How did they afford the flight? Well, they got it for free by putting their regular spending on a travel credit card and strategically signing up at the right times to get the best bonuses.

The first time I heard this, it blew my mind. Why didn't I do this sooner? Would I have earned enough points for a free flight by now, without even spending out of the ordinary?

It took me a year and a half to actually sign up for a travel credit card.

I had read the articles. I had heard the success stories of travel hacking. But this was something I was passive about - a pipeline goal, something I wanted to do but kept putting on the back burner, no matter how many times I put it on my to-do list.

It's been less than a week of having the credit card, though soon through regular spending I will be able to meet the sign-up bonus. The bonus includes the best part....50,000 bonus points! That's a round trip domestic flight or a one-way international ticket.

Why didn't I do this sooner? I'm always talking about taking action and going for your goals. In most cases, I practice what I preach. But for some reason, this particular goal of getting a travel card seemed extremely overwhelming.

Being overwhelmed is very common with many "big" goals, especially when they're travel-related. The best thing to do when you're faced with a big goal is to break it down into steps.

8 Essential Steps to Planning a Trip Abroad

Using SMART Goals to Take Action Toward Your Travel Dreams

Specify exactly what you want. Not: "I want to get a travel credit card," rather "I want a travel credit card with at least $xx,xxx bonus miles and no foreign transaction fees. I'm going to sign up for the card by the end of the week and put my first purchase on the card this weekend."

This can apply to anything in your life. Everyone has pipeline dreams, but by turning them into reasonable goals with a time frame we can stop dreaming and make those goals a reality. Get specific on what it is you really want and get started. Dreams don't work unless you do.

I Have a Full-time Job and Still Travel The World - And You Can Too

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I feel like many travel blogs I come across are along the lines of this: hating your job and cubicle life, spending every day dreading the office, and then quitting that job to travel the world.

There's nothing wrong with that - I believe you should do what makes you happy. If working at your job doesn't make you happy, work somewhere else! Or find a way to quit and travel.

...But what if you like your job? And still want to travel?

Before I graduated college, I was beyond afraid of committing to a full-time job in fear that it would make me "stuck" and prevent me from seeing the world. I ended up moving to Italy for about six months to work abroad. I had an great time traveling around Europe. But then I returned home and was on the hunt for a full-time job.

Now that I actually have a full-time job, I'm realizing that a full-time commitment isn't as scary as I thought it would be. And I actually really like my job. That's not something you come across very often - a travel blogger who actually is okay with working 8-5! (For now, at least). Even though I'm not traveling constantly, I work in a rewarding position that allows me to fulfill one of my many passions in life: working with students in higher education.

Purple Flowers Amalfi

But I still ache to travel everywhere. That's where holidays and vacation time come in. In a few weeks I'm going to New York for a quick 3-day trip. This summer I'll be in China for most of July. Shorter trips to see friends and family around the US are scattered throughout the year as well.

Traveling with a full-time job is doable. Here are a few ways:

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1. Actually use your vacation days

Apparently 40% of Americans don't use all their vacation time. Knowing that most Americans get about 5-10 vacation days per year in entry-level positions, that makes me want to cry. Using your vacation days lowers levels of stress, making for an overall happier life filled with new experiences - or even just a relaxing couple of days off.

So, please, use your vacation days. Not just to fulfill your aching desire to travel, but for your health and sanity.

2. Travel on holidays

From a budget traveler's perspective, traveling on a holiday would be "taboo" in most cases since the price of flights, hotels, etc. tend to spike during holiday times. However, a holiday off work is a precious day off, and, if used wisely, doesn't have to be too expensive.

3. Schedule vacation days around work holidays

Since many work holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays, you've already got a 3-day weekend. Build that 3-day weekend into your trip schedule to maximize your time. This allows you to use less vacation days for one trip...meaning you can put those toward another trip later in the year.

4. Go somewhere nearby for a weekend getaway

Road trip somewhere close. Maybe you're traveling west to the beaches or to a winery a few hours away. Maybe you live close to New York and can just hop on a bus to get there. Maybe you live in Europe and a few hours on a train will show you to a new country.

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5. Take red-eye flights

I'm slightly dreading the red-eye flight I'm taking to New York in few weeks. Melatonin for the flight and a large iced coffee upon landing should do the trick, though. It beats spending a majority of a day in transport since my time over there is short.

6. Extend your work trip through the weekend

Ask your boss if your flights can be flexible. For example, if your work trip is Wednesday - Friday see if you can return on Sunday. You might be able to stay at the hotel through the weekend - out of your own cost, of course - or find an alternative place to stay.

7. Use unpaid vacation days (wisely)

If your job doesn't offer paid vacation time, or you are over your maximum amount, see if you can look into taking unpaid vacation. You'll need to make sure you budget accordingly and assure you can still cover your rent and other expenses when your paycheck dips.

8. Work remotely

If you are able to work remotely with your job, you might be able to extend a trip with another week or so (or even longer) in a destination. Keep in mind that you still need to actually be working. Though you still have your off-hours to explore wherever you're at!

11 Books For Travelers

Whether you're on the road or dreaming of your next trip, a good read is sure to entertain your travel enthusiasm. From fiction to guides, here are 11 books any traveler may enjoy.

1. Beautiful Ruins | Jess Walter

This is one of my all-time favorite books. Beautiful Ruins travels through time and location between 1950s Italy and present-day Hollywood. This story unexpectedly brings together a group very different people in Cinque Terre, Rome, and Los Angeles, plus a few other places I won't mention so as not to spoil the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you've been to Italy - or dream of stepping foot among the coastal towns of Vernazza and Monterosso.

2. In A Sunburned Country | Bill Bryson

Bryson's commentary on travels to Australia is both hilarious and informative, leaving you with insider knowledge beyond the average guidebook while at the same time making you laugh out loud. My wanderlust for Australia has grown immensely since reading this book.

3. The Alchemist | Paulo Cohelo

I don't care if it's cliche to have The Alchemist on such a list, because this list would not be complete without it. I've read it four times and every time it refreshes life inspiration as well as provides guidance if I'm ever feeling uncertain. If there's any book you should read next, it's this one.

4. Places To Go, People To See | Kate Spade

I got two copies of this book for Christmas last year, and it wasn't even on my list! My family just knows me a little too well: Kate Spade + travel + cool photos from around the world + neon colors. Yup. It's a great coffee table book and provides endless inspiration.

5. The Happiness of Pursuit | Chris Guillebeau

There's an inspiration theme with this list, but that's what travel is all about. This book, written by Chris Guillebeau (who has traveled to every country in the world), is a collection of fascinating case studies of people following their "quests." Guillebeau inserts short travel stories from his own "quest" of visiting every country in the world throughout the book.

6. Lonely Planet's Guide To Travel Photography | Lonely Planet

This is a practical book for both beginner photographers and those looking to learn new skills in terms of travel photography.

7. Crazy Rich Asians | Kevin Kwan

Not my favorite book, though there was a lot of insight into Singapore and Southeast Asian culture that I found very fascinating! There are a variety of settings in Crazy Rich Asians, including Singapore, New York, Indonesia, and Paris.

To-Do List - Reading These Books:

8. Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide | Peter Allison

This book was a Goodreads recommendation in a travel list! It's a collection of supposedly outrageously funny essays from African safaris - from a Botswana safari guide, no less.

9. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance | Robert M. Pirsig

Like The Alchemist, this is another "travel book list cliche" for a reason. With numerous recommendations from friends and bloggers I'll have to read this book someday.

10. Secret Europe: 50 Truly Unforgettable Places For Your Next Trip | Lonely Planet

I've explored a decent amount of Europe (though there's so much I haven't seen!) and I'd love to learn more from this guide about the sides of Europe you don't easily come across.

11. Eat, Pray, Love | Elizabeth Gilbert

I paged through the first fifty pages or so of Eat, Pray, Love my sophomore year of college and couldn't get past the sad beginning. However, after hearing how good it is - and how good the movie is - one day I'll need to see it to the end. Especially now that I've been to Italy, I know I'll enjoy reading more about the Italian portion of the book!

When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left (And Never Settle)

When I decided I didn't want to get a full-time, permanent job right after college, I was going against the grain. Did I have a fear of commitment? Yes. I thought I knew what I wanted up until middle of my senior year, when I realized that this would be the perfect time to travel and explore other options.

A year of experiences is not a year lost

By working as a group leader for high school conferences, I realized I enjoyed working with students. And when I was living in Italy, I was also working and traveling with study abroad students. While I wanted to work in those jobs for the duties the jobs had themselves (and, of course, travel and live in new cities), it made me realize I wanted to incorporate education into my future career.

Traveling and working those jobs didn't make me "behind" my peers in my job search. It can be difficult to not compare yourself to others, but everyone is on a different journey. What might be right for them isn't necessarily what's right for you.

10 Reasons Why You Should Travel After College

While I was a little unsure of what I wanted, I knew what I didn't want - to work in a permanent job right after college. I wanted to travel. During the past year or so, I realized that (besides travel, of course) the education aspect was important to me. I wasn't "wasting" a year by doing the things I did, rather, those experiences led me to the job I have today.

But getting a full-time, permanent job in higher education can be difficult, especially for someone who doesn't have a master's degree and/or many years of experience (aka me).

Do not settle.

If you think it's not right for you, listen to your gut instincts.

I did interviews for jobs and felt bad because I realized I wouldn't want to work there even if I did get the offer. Sometimes it went both ways and I would get the rejection email (or no email at all). Sometimes it would be something I really wanted...and I wouldn't get it. But I kept going, because I was determined to get a job in higher education.

When I received an offer for something I wasn't entirely on board with, I would politely decline. I didn't want to be spending 40+ hours a week doing something not fulfilling when I knew there were opportunities out there that would be fulfilling.

When nothing goes right, go left

Maybe that one "dream" opportunity didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other opportunities that are just as great.

I didn't get a social media job for a company in the town I went to school in after graduation. If I had gotten it, I probably would've taken it. But that means I never would've been able to work at leadership conferences or lived in Italy last year - experiences that made me realize that (at least for now) I want to work in education.

When I returned from Italy I didn't get a job that I really wanted. I interviewed with them two separate times and went through five rounds of interviews each time. However, if I had gotten that job, I wouldn't have started working at a restaurant in the meantime (where I met awesome people and learned some new skills) or have gotten my current job working at a university now (which I really enjoy).

When other people drag you down, don't give up

After my job hunt got a little lengthy, I started to get stir crazy. Trust me, last year was a roller coaster of emotions and filled with questioning everything. I knew the type of job I wanted and I was ready to just get it.

This is where the pressure from other people came in. They would say, "You're not supposed to like your job. You need to keep your head down, get a few years of experience under your belt, and maybe then you can actually do what you love. No one loves their first few jobs right out of college." I had multiple people tell me this.

And I need to say: THEY ARE WRONG. Do not settle for a life that's less capable than the one you want to live. Other people are going to be in your ear giving you crap "advice" telling you to take a job you hate just for money - while they sit at their desks miserable with their own jobs.

I don't know about you, but if I'm going to be working 40+ hours a week and sitting in rush hour traffic twice a day, I sure as hell need to enjoy what I'm doing.

Life is meant to be lived. We only get one life and there's no sense in delaying gratification for the hope that someday, fifty years from now, we might get to enjoy it. Enjoy it now. Don't give up. And don't settle.

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

Vienna Christmas markets

It's easy to dismiss an awesome idea by coming up with excuses. By "awesome idea" I mean traveling the world. Want to travel but you don't think it's possible? Think again. Here are 11 excuses I've heard time and time again - and why they're weak. Don't let travel intimidate you - take action and just go. If you want to do it, just do it.

The 11 Most Common Excuses for Not Traveling Abroad (and why they're weak)

1. "It's not safe"

Why this argument is weak: I felt safer in Paris at night as a female all by myself than I did out with a group friends at night in my US college town. The saying goes that you're more likely to be safe abroad than you are in your hometown. There are exceptions, of course. Just do your research beforehand, keep your wits about you, and be aware of any scams to look out for. Consider if it's smart or stupid to be out by yourself at night. And try not to get drunk or intoxicated to avoid getting lost or taken advantage of. These are all precautions you'd normally take if you were at home, though.

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2. "What if something goes wrong?"

Why this argument is weak: Things could go wrong whether you're home or abroad. Be prepared before you go.

"Most things I worry about never happen anyway." - Tom Petty

3. "I don't have anyone to go with"

Why this argument is weak: Why would you not go somewhere just because it doesn't work out to go with your friends? What if it's your only chance to go? You wouldn't want to miss out on the opportunity to go somewhere just because you don't have anyone to go with. You'll regret it if you don't go. Especially as you and your friends have increased responsibilities, it's difficult to make the timing align perfectly to travel together.

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See the screenshot above - I have a Facebook group with my best friends from college. No one's able to go to New York with me for Memorial Weekend, despite the tempting low ticket price. I'm not letting that hold me back. I booked the flights anyway. NYC, here I come!

Solo travel seems intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that it's not as scary (or as lonely) as you'd think!

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4. "I don't speak the language"

Why this argument is weak: If you're an English speaker, you will be able to get around just fine in most major cities. English is more often than not a second language and you will be surprised how many people in the world are fluent - or can at least make small talk - in English (plus many other languages!).

Of course it's always important to learn at least a few phrases before you go and to ask people if they speak English before assuming they would. The more rural an area is, the less likely you'll come across those who speak English. But if this is a main concern of yours you should be fine so long as you stick to cities or touristy areas.

5. "It's too expensive"

Why this argument is weak: most people who say this are those that hear the word "travel" and automatically connect it to a five star resort vacation, sitting on an excluded beach, and sipping pina coladas. There's nothing wrong with that type of trip, but with limitless ways to travel you can bet anyone with that mindset hasn't done any research on the topic.

If money is tight, then do what's right for you financially and save up for travel at a later date. You don't have to leave next month; sometimes having a goal (for example: 1 year from now, or when you finish grad school) makes it seem less intimidating.

Also read: How To Save Money For Travel and Ways To Save Money While You Travel

Buda Castle View

6. "I'm going to stick out like an 'Ugly American'"

Why this argument is weak: You won't if you do a little bit of research on the cultural customs beforehand, be respectful, and embrace the fact that some cultures are different. As an American who have met other Americans abroad, not everyone fits into the "ugly American" stereotype. You'll still be seen as an American, but you should erase the "ugly" (being ignorant/rude) part of the stereotype. The more you travel the more you understand that not everyone hates Americans...

7. "I don't have time"

Why this argument is weak: If you prioritize travel, you'll find time. It doesn't have to be your number one priority, but it could take precedent over staying home for a long weekend versus going somewhere. If you really want to travel you will find a way to do it.

1 The Louvre Paris

8. "I have too much stuff to bring"

Why this argument is weak: Exhibit A: my mom who brings two checked bags for a 5 day trip to Arizona. If you want to bring a bunch of stuff, then by all means do. Though you may be surprised by how little you need and how much room you can save with packing hacks.

9. "It's too complicated"

Why this argument is weak: Use the many resources available to help you get started. You could plan it on your own with the help from blogs and travel websites (Google anything you have questions about), by asking friends for advice, or by reading guidebooks.

To make it much easier you could book your trip with an agent or join a tour group. This takes all the planning out of it so you can relax and enjoy your trip. There are a number of tour companies for people aged around 18-30: Contiki, EF College Break, and G Adventures to name a few. You can sign up solo or with friends!

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10. "I'm too young/too old to travel"

Why this argument is weak: You're never too young or too old to see the world. Traveling when you're younger allows you advantages like being more physically fit with less potential for injuries, able to stay up later and bounce back from jet lag or drinking, and (potentially) less responsibilities like not having to worry about children.

However, you shouldn't let age deter you. I've seen older people out traveling having a great time just like anyone else. Maybe you want to wait until you've settled down, have some money saved up, or are retired. Just don't wait too long to the point of regret. My motto? Don't postpone happiness! If you want to go now, go.

11. "I don't want to leave the comfort of my own country"

Why this argument is weak: Everybody likes being comfortable. But seeing the Eiffel Tower in person for the first time is 10000x better than seeing the fake one on the Las Vegas strip. Living life means taking risks, and taking risks outside your comfort zone allow you to grow. Is your dream destination worth the hype? If you never go, you'll never know.

10 Things Travel Taught Me

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It can be difficult to sum up how travel changes you or what you learn from travel.

I feel like a lot of the time this happens when people asked how your trip abroad was. When I got back from my study abroad program a few years ago, all I could really say was, "It was amazing," because it was amazing. It's difficult to describe it in more detail to someone who doesn't share that common ground.

But as the years have gone on and I've been able to travel a little more, I've been able to reflect on what I've learned so far.

1. People are very similar

Humans have the same basic needs: to be fed, to have shelter, to be loved. We want to surround ourselves with positive people, friends, and family. We want to better the lives of others. We want to learn and to grow.

People are very similar, even if their ways of eating, living, or loving are vastly different than your own. They don't do things in a "weird" way, they just do things differently. And that is okay.

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2. The world isn't as scary as you think

It's important to keep your wits about you while you travel (just as you would in any city) and to research the cities you're visiting beforehand to be aware of tourist scams. However, most people are nice people, and the world isn't as scary as you think.

In Paris, I encountered girls asking me if I spoke English, thrusting their "petitions" (scams) into my face, but I simply ignored them. However, there were quite a few people I encountered as a solo female traveler that weekend showed nothing but kindness.

Also read: Solo Travel Stories That Confirmed My Faith In Humanity

3. Your appearance doesn't define you

When you travel, you can wear what you want, put on makeup if you want, or do your hair if you want. You'll never see these people again, so what does it matter if you decide to not make your hair perfect or wear the same thing two days in a row?

Istanbul Mosques

4. ...But it is still smart to respect customs, especially in terms of dress

When you travel you're likely to come across religious locations. In Italy, you're required to cover your shoulders, knees, and toes in churches. In Turkey, females must wear a headscarf in mosques.

In general, knowing the cultural clothing customs will not only help you blend in, but show the locals you care enough about their culture while you're spending time in their country.

5. You can communicate with body language just as much with words

It's best to know at least a few phrases in the foreign language before you go and to attempt to use them. However, unless you're fluent, there will be parts of your conversation with others that sound entirely like gibberish. I've had a number of conversations where body language and/or the usage of hand signals were the majority of the conversation.

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6. I'm better at directions than I thought (and other soft skills)

Navigation was never my strong suit. When I got my driver's license at age 16 I was constantly getting lost...in the city I grew up in. Traveling forced me to be aware of where I was going and to be able to find my way around. Slowly but surely, I became more confident with directions to the point where I was leading tours for my job in Europe to cities I hadn't been to before.

When you travel you learn so much that is applicable to everyday life. Independence, communication, and cultural understanding are a few soft skills one tends to pick up abroad.

7. You can learn more from the world than you can from a textbook

Going off of the above point - travel makes you wiser beyond your years. Going to school isn't something to be taken lightly, and even if you build off your education, there is so much to learn when you travel. You get life experience that you could never get by reading a book or watching a movie.

8. Material things aren't important

The more I travel, the more I realize I don't need a ton of material things. When you're traveling with just a small suitcase of possessions, it becomes clearer that you truly don't need a ton of stuff. Growing up on vacations I used to love to take home souvenirs. Now I'd rather spend it on experiences versus tacky trinkets.

I'll cherish the memories of the times I spent on a boat cruising through the Mediterranean or clinking beer steins with Germans at Oktoberfest more than snow globes that say "Cannes, France" or "Munich, Germany."

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9. Give it a second chance

It's important to give things another shot, because not everything is perfect. I fell ill with a terrible stomach ache a couple days before my weekend in Switzerland - a country I was extremely excited to visit as it held a high spot on my bucket list. I also lost my debit card in Turkey the weekend prior and had to borrow cash from friends throughout the weekend. And to top it off, it was really foggy, so even if I had had money to go skydiving, the weather conditions weren't safe.

Needless to say, the weekend in Switzerland was my least favorite trip in Europe.

But it wasn't Switzerland's fault. There were just a number of factors and unfavorable coincidences that all happened at the same time. I'll be sure to give Switzerland another chance if the opportunity arises. You can't totally judge something entirely based on one experience.

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10. Getting out of your comfort zone allows you to grow

One of my college professors once said something along the lines of, "When you look back at a past relationship, you have three periods: the comfort of being in the relationship, the break-up and grieving portion - which is undoubtedly the toughest part - and the part where you move on from it. Which part did you learn the most? After the breakup, when everything seems unfamiliar and tough and scary. You're out of your comfort zone. But after you've gone through it, you'll look back and realize that the point when you were out of your comfort zone was when you learned the most."

Moving to DC (a city I'd never been to) the summer after college for a job was out of my comfort zone. Moving to Italy at the end of that summer to work in Europe was even more out of my comfort zone. Leading a group of students by myself from the thermal baths through the Hungarian metro was, you guessed it, out of my comfort zone. But I did it. I pushed past the fear and got through it, and learned so much from doing so.

After all, facing your fears is the only way to get over them.