There are two questions that I get asked frequently. “How can you afford to travel so much?” and “How do you find the time to travel?” Since the answers to both are quite elaborate, I decided to dedicate a post specifically to these topics.
First, let me direct your focus to the first question. Traveling doesn’t necessarily have to have a high price tag. Sure, you can spend a week lounging on the beaches of Hawaii or fly across the country to backpack the rugged trails of Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, but you don’t need to visit extravagant places or cross the country to have a fun, memorable vacation. In fact, most of you can hike to hidden waterfalls, explore the depths of caves, wind through damp canyons, view historical gems, and stumble upon secret spots just hours away from your home!
I have a binder with lists of all state and national parks in each state, and as we visit them, they get checked off. It’s a fun way to reminisce the adventures we’ve had and look forward to the ones to come. Parks are affordable (some are even free!), and they house some of nature’s most beautiful gems. State and national parks are filled with cascading waterfalls, gorgeous wooded trails with tall pines, hidden swimming holes, towering mountains, deep caverns and caves, and secrets that are waiting to be discovered by your hiking boots. Parks’ trails vary from easy to rugged, so whether you’re a beginner, looking for a leisure walk full of incredible sights, or an experienced hiker, looking for a thrilling adventure, there’s a trail for you!
If you are young, travel, travel, travel. Your twenties and thirties are designed specifically for seeking adventure and soaking up new sights and knowledge. Immerse yourself in new cultures, taste new foods, allow your toes to sink into sandy beaches and your boots to imprint wooded trails. Whether you’re married or single, travel anytime you can. Look up state parks, caves, trails, mountains and recommended spots in your area to explore. Generally, you will find someplace to visit that is within short distance of your town. Those of you who have more time or money, soak up your youth and travel as much or far as you can! Splash in sparkling oceans, cruise across the Bahamas, snorkel with sting rays, backpack through Europe, explore all of our country’s National Parks, and taste every food and snap every photo that your memory card allows. Those of you who have limited time or a tighter wallet, do what I suggested before: hop on the internet and browse day trips in your state. You’ll have the time of your life without spending a fortune or taking a week off of work!
Those of you who have children, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore! My parents took me on countless vacations when I was young. There are obvious adventures like Disney World, but how about a safari ride through the desert or a dolphin excursion in Florida? If you’re worried about money, my advice to you is to wait until your kids are old enough to remember the trips you take them on, especially the big adventures! Save up for vacations; memories are important at any age and will help your children develop. I’m thankful to my parents for taking me to so many places when I was living at home because it taught me the beauty of the world, and showed me how much more there is to see! Now I’m passionate and hungry for more adventure, and it’s the greatest, most vibrant feeling.
Those of you who are retired or have kids that have moved out of your house, this is your time! Whether or not you traveled when you were younger, you haven’t seen it all. No one will ever see everything the world has to offer, but we can sure make an effort. Free time is precious; don’t waste a moment.
Now, onto the next question! “How do you find the time to travel?” Every time my wife and I get an opportunity or a free day, we travel SOMEWHERE. Whether it’s an afternoon, a day off, a weekend, or a weeklong vacation, we travel! We want stories to tell and photos to show. I want to be able to leaf through scrapbooks brimming with photos of beautiful landscapes and exotic adventures. Traveling opens up your mind; soaking in new sights has the most positive effect on overall emotional health. I’m so passionate about spending a majority of my time on Earth outside. You only have one life, so live it to the fullest! I can’t stress how important traveling is. It has such a huge impact on our lives; we feel cleansed, purified, every time we seek a new adventure. I urge everyone to travel and fill your life with adventures and memories, not things. After all, we weren’t meant to stay in one place.
Happy hiking!
Wonder. Wander. Repeat. 
Very nicely written
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