How much travel is too much? For our parents’ generation, a week in the sun was an indulgence to be enjoyed annually. But today? Gap years, semesters abroad, six-month honeymoons and going on a city break once a month are all the norm. So, whether you’re curious about travelling for a longer time period, making van life your reality or are just keen to make taking a vacation a more regular occurrence, it’s time to bite the bullet and make it happen.
It’s never been easier to travel
Gone are the days of having to go into a travel agency and rely on a single stranger to let you in on the best deals and recommend you the best holiday destinations. Now you have blogs, YouTube channels and review sites sharing top tips and advising you of where to go and when – as well as how much it will all cost. Add to that a whole host of online travel agencies and websites dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck, and the internet really is your friend when it comes to travelling more.
Plus, with the rise in technology and the move to digital, more and more companies are giving their employees the option to work remotely. In fact, flexible working has become so much more normal than 39% of millennials and Generation Z workers wouldn’t accept a job that doesn’t let them travel. But if your current employer hasn’t quite caught up with the 21st century way of working, don’t worry, you can still earn as you travel – simply become a digital nomad and work for yourself. There’s a whole host of opportunities out there, from being a freelance travel photographer to an online tutor or business consultant.
You can do it super cheap
Whether you’re looking to hit the road long-term with limited funds or you want to work more budget breaks into your year, you can do it for less than you think. If you’re flexible about where you want to go and when, then sign up to online travel agencies and airlines’ newsletters to be the first to find out about sales and discounts. Or, if you know when and where you want to go, look out for deals online that fit with your trip. Once your initial plans are in place, there’s still plenty of ways you can cut down on costs.
Consider camping or couch surfing rather than staying in hotels if you don’t mind forgoing a little luxury, or choose the accommodation that has kitchen facilities to cut down on food costs. Alternatively, if you often travel for business, make the most of the paid for flights and add a few extra days (or weeks, if you can!) onto the beginning or end of the trip so you can do some sightseeing. With 30% of workers saying they would accept lower salaries in exchange for more business trips, now’s the time to make the most of any that you’re fortunate enough to have and really turn that work commitment into a way of satiating your travel bug.
You can delegate the planning
If the idea of planning several trips a year or a multi-country adventure sends shivers down your spine – delegate. There are plenty of companies dedicated to making your life easier and your holidays run smoother. Head to a site where you can book your flights, accommodation, car hire etc all in one place for complete convenience, or if your budget is bigger, enlist a bespoke travel company to plan out every step of your itinerary for you. Plus, with the abundance of travel apps available, you don’t need to carry around armfuls of loose paper for every different flight, train and hotel you have booked – simply store all your boarding passes, confirmations and tickets on your phone and you’re good to go. Just remember to pack a charger, and maybe a portable one too!
Still have your doubts about upping your travel? Here’s a fourth reason to embrace the fear and travel more: you’ll never regret travelling, but you’ll most likely regret not. So get adventuring!
Great woks guys its great that you are coming out with great blogs regularly. I remember when we trekked the Frozen Zanskar river in Jan 2014 and had loads of fun. Nice to see you working on travel 🙂