I know, I know. We are all tired of the “New Year, New Me” spill we always hear from everyone. It becomes rather old and redundant when we keep saying it, yet never do anything. Or maybe we do start out on the right foot, but don’t quite finish it out. As in, come February we are back to our scheduled programming. Last year was big for me. I set out to travel every month, and I even pushed myself to start a blog as a way to share my stories and tips I learned along the way. Ok… I started it because I didn’t want to keep telling the same story over and over, but I was tired of living through other people’s adventure and was ready to start my own. Now that 2016 is over, I practically traveled every month and been on over 16 trips.
Setting Travel Goals As I set off to continue to conquer my travel goals, I’ve realized a few people express their desires to accomplish their own travel goals. So I thought… what helped me achieve mines? Below are 8 tips to help you reach your travel goals.
1. Grab a Book (or two) We’ve all heard the saying, “Reading is fundamental.” It was usually from your parent or English teacher trying to get you to read some boring novel that drained your existence as a child. Maybe a little too dramatic, but I never appreciated a great book until now. Reading books about travel is a great way to motivate yourself to start your own adventure. Whether it’s a book of tips and tricks or a fiction novel of a journey far away, my mind couldn't help, but grow with excitement of what I would experience once I go.
2. Read a Blog (Good Start ;) ) Yea… I know… humble plug, but it’s the truth! Checking out blogs and reading about other people’s journey gives one ideas and comfort. Ideas because they share some of the best places they visited and support because they made it alive to tell you about it. As a blogger, your goal is to share the real. Reading it from a person who isn’t getting paid off perks to fabricate a story means there some truth to what you’d experience if you go. Granted, everyone will have their own experience and interpretation; blogs are a great base to start and gather ideas when planning a trip.
3. Stay in YOUR Budget Those trips to exotic beaches are to die for, but at the death of your wallet? It’s not that serious! Yes, you can luck up on an error fare or a flight sale, but if you're not ready to purchase right away or available to take off during those times, then that means nothing to you. So your best bet is to save your money and travel off what you can afford. Use this time to make a budget. Once you have a budget or an idea of what you are willing and able to spend, plan your trip. (Don’t forget to consider food and spending money in the budget.)
***What more tips? Be sure to check out How To Travel With A Full Time Job and My Favs.
4. Talk Big Stuff Talk about it! Tell your close friends and family about your future trips. Talk soo much about it that they hold you to it. Hey, they might even join you! Talking about it is affirming what you want and speaking it into existence. You’d be surprised at what power your tongue possesses. Plus if you talk about it, you wouldn’t want to be proven untrue… now would you?
5. Social Media Follow fellow travelers and bloggers for inspiration. Search hashtags of cities you want to visit. You'd be amazed at what you’ll see. It'll get you pumped and even give you picture ideas to show off your photography skills. It also help with finding out cool events in the city and different sites to visit while there.
6. Travel Group Join a travel group or find someone who hosts group trips. (Umm… Helloooo… Check out TravelBug!) Travel groups are an excellent way to venture out with like-minded people, explore new countries, and make new friends. It's also a great way not to do any of the hard work that goes into planning. This definitely is a great way to stress-free travelling.
7. Lone Star At times we don’t have anyone to go with or the travel group is not going somewhere where you'd like to go. Go by yourself! You'd be surprised at what you will learn about yourself and your capabilities as you venture out alone. Plus, I’ve experienced people are much nicer to you and look out for you when you're riding solo. Great way to do all the things you want to do without considering others and their feelings.
8. Just Do It Sometimes, we just have to just do it! That’s right! Don’t talk about, be about it! Why spend another year working and wasting away good paid time off when it’s a world out there waiting for you to explore?
Need help? Check out my Help Me Travel Page for your travel consulting needs. Also, stop by my TravelBug page for the opportunity to be a part of my group trips!
Now, if that doesn’t motivate your 2017 Travel Goals… I don’t know what will.
Happy Travels, XOXO