There has never been a better reason to travel right now. I know what you’re thinking, “Here is another travel blogger telling me to quit my job and travel the world”. It seems like the blogosphere is full of people telling you to quit the 9-5, go out and travel the world and make money where ever you are. While that is certainly a dream of a lot of people, you don’t have to do that in order to travel and experience everything this world has to offer.
While we are on the subject I am not sure there are more world traveling nomads now than in the past. I think the fact that there is internet connectivity most places in the world and the ability of instant news just makes it easier for those that choose to live a life on the road to connect with everyone.
That same technology that lets us stay in touch with everyone also allows us the ability to get information and knowledge so we can travel more than ever before. Travel sites, travel forums and travel blogs give us a wealth of knowledge. We can get information on city and country guides, travel destinations, what to pack, travel deals, travel scams and more. There has never been as much information on where to go, what to see and do, what to be aware of and how to get there than right now.
Travel will probably not get much cheaper than right now. Gas prices will probably not go down significantly anytime in the future. That means everything from a weekend getaway in your car to traveling overseas; air travel will never be cheaper than right now. By booking a flight now you can lock in travel deals and vacation packages before prices increase and avoid paying high prices for last minute travel.
You can’t travel because you have young children. Well that’s just silly. Some of my fondest memories are when the family would take off for a month every summer and travel around the country camping in National Parks. Your kids will remember traveling their entire life and it will open their eyes to things they would otherwise only read about in a book or hear someone talk about.
With all of the travel sites on the internet that give deals you can find something to fit your budget and time frame. From the big guys like Expedia Travel, Kayak, and AAA Travel, to smaller niche sites, there is something for everyone. You can stay at a Bed and Breakfast, couch surf, rent a condo, trade homes with another vacationing family, house sit, stay in a hostel or a five star hotel. Speaking of Hostels, they are evolving also with some offering private rooms, Wi-Fi and enhanced services.
Another reason to travel right now, you’re not getting any younger. Conventional wisdom used to be, work your entire life, retire, then take a cruise or go on vacations. Why wait? Why not start enjoying life now. You don’t have to embark on a round the world trip, although that is pretty cool. Take advantage of the many travel deals that are offered daily. From sites like Groupon, Air Fare Watchdog and others, you can snag unbelievable discounts on some really great destinations. Take a few days or a week, get out and see some things.
There are a lot of ways to cut costs so money can be one less reason not to travel. Whether you travel by train, car, plane or cruise, there are so many discount travel sites and accommodations that with a little research you can find a deal. And let’s not forget our friendly travel agents. You remember them, they are actual people that you talk to and they arrange trips for people. I know sounds weird huh? An actual person that you can talk to and knows things about destinations and travel deals, who would have thought? Travel agents can offer things that you can’t get on your own. They also have access to deals that are not normally advertised.
So whether you want to quit your job to travel full time, take a gap year from work or school, take a month off or just take a long weekend , there is no better time to travel than right now.
Safiya says
Very well said, TTF. Travel doesn’t have to be a full time thing. People are finding it hard these days just to get by and I think it’s important for people to explore their local areas. Rediscover what they love about the state or county they live in and thereby boost their own local economy in the process. Fortunately the Aussie dollar is strong which makes it a great time for Australian residents to travel o/seas but things can change in a heartbeat. I agree – don’t wait, get out there and see as much as you can!
thetravellingfool says
Thanks for stopping by Safiya. Travel is what you make out of it. You can travel for cheap in your own country or shop around and get great deals for foreign travel. Just don’t wait around and think you will do it later.
Cynthia : says
I totally agree here, people procrastinate for all kinds of silly reasons not to travel, its always something…..I say ” Life is short, seize the day”
thetravellingfool says
Hi Cynthia, thanks for stopping by. You know I understand that work, family and life in general limits a lot of people from traveling. Having said that with all the deals advertised from multiple sites a person can find cheap getaways, plus you can always take a weekend and go a few hundred miles away and probably see something you had never seen before.
Pamela says
Agree, agree, agree. Especially traveling with kids…I don’t have any, but I can’t stand that excuse…my parents always took us and we had a blast. It’s about finding something that fits your budget.
thetravellingfool says
That’s true. To some travel is long term round the world trips, but 4 days in Vegas during the week can be pretty cheap, or a festival or fair somewhere nearby.
Jeremy says
I knew that if I didn’t start my travels sooner rather than later, I’d run out of time. We’re not getting any younger! If I had to do it, it had to be then. Best decision of my life. Two years later and I’m still at it!
thetravellingfool says
There are a lot of creative ways to travel, whether it is travel hacking with miles, all of the groupon type deals or just a weekend getaway. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Doc Wends of Journeys and Travels says
this is one of the reasons why I love travelling and this is a wonderfully written post. Awesome!
thetravellingfool says
Hi Doc, thanks for the comment. And you are definitely doing your part in encouraging people to get out and see things with your blog and speaking engagements.
Si @ Man vs World says
I couldn’t agree more, mate – you can wait around your whole life for the “perfect” time to travel and miss out on all the fun that can be had right now. For me, I found travel was also a great career move. If I’d stayed home to focus on my career I wouldn’t be as far along as I am right now, after having travelled and worked around the world.
Sheldon Christensen says
Amen. Travel teaches too much and enriches life more than anything else. Travel is the blood in my veins. Your article explains this well.
Not to self promote too much, but our site helps people to travel on points and miles. You point out this as an option, in your article too. Using points and miles has helped my family to travel more places more often.
thetravellingfool says
points and miles options are a great way to travel
Zoe Reed says
Interesting: how many people are going to travel every day =)