Just Do It – Stop Making Excuses and Start Traveling

Don’t over think everything. Don’t over plan. Go with the flow. Stop Making Excuses!

How to Plan Your Dream Trip, Step-by-Step

1. Decide where you’re going and. Be specific.
2. Decide how long you are going to stay. Be specific.
3. Research your costs. Estimate total, then round up.
4. Find the right amount of money for your trip.
5. Do research.
6. Create a budget based on your top priorities.
7. Add a cushion. (Add an extra 25% of your total budget.)
8. Think about how much you spend at home.
9. Start saving money.
10. Get a travel credit card.
11. Check for last-minute deals.
12. Book your flight.
13. Book your accommodation.
14. Plan your activities.
15. Sell your stuff.
16. Automate your bills.
17. Tell your credit card companies and banks that you’re leaving.
18. Pack light.
19. Just go!

Travel doesn’t need to be somewhere really far away, start small by going just somewhere different from your daily life.

• Try weekend trips!
• Explore your own city!

There is always time to travel.

1. There is no perfect time to travel. JUST GO.
2. Tomorrow, there will still be bills to pay. Tomorrow, there still won’t be enough money. Tomorrow, there will still be a wedding or a birthday party to miss. Tomorrow, there will still be planning to do. Tomorrow your kids will be too old.
3. Stop making excuses. Start traveling.
4. The secret to traveling more is simply the desire to travel more.
5. Figure out your priorities. Figure out what you want to do. Then do it.

How to Make Friends Overseas

1. Couchsurfing, Couchsurfing, Couchsurfing!!!
2. Go to groups, meetups, and events
3. Stay in hostels.
4. Go to events, tours, etc.
5. Talk to the people in your room
6. Use Meetup.com to find locals with similar interests.
7. Dine with locals: EatWith is a  good resource.
8. Say hello to strangers. Just take the leap.

Dealing with Unsupportive Friends and Family

1. Don’t let other people’s fears discourage you.
2. Tell them: everywhere is unsafe, I am more likely to die on my commute,  you can do this, lots of people travel as families, this makes you happy and in turn makes the family better and stronger.
3. Stay connected online.
4. You can’t wait for your friends. JUST GO.

Truths

1. You aren’t the first family to do this
2. You made it this far.
3. You are just as capable.
4. You will make friends and meet amazing people.
5. You can always go home.