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News Flash: You Can Do It!

I have received many e-mails from people saying "Wow, sounds great! I wish I could do that."

Well, for all you who feel that way, I have some good news: you can! It doesn't require lots of money; I have met people who have left home with $5.00 in their pocket and traveled for months (not recommended!). It doesn't require special skills. It doesn't require language ability. It doesn't require unusual courage. It doesn't require youth or exceptional fitness.

What does it take to travel around the world for a year?  Or for that matter, to just pick up and travel to a strange land for a few months?

Step # 1 Commit Yourself (not to an insane asylum.)

A commitment is the key.  You have to make your mind up to do it. Once you make up your mind, things happen. Here's a quote that should help motivate:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth (the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans). That is the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would have never otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one' favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meeting and material assistance which no person could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius power and magic to it. Begin it now.

-- Jonathan Goethe (1749-1832)

Step # 2 Get rid of some of your cultural assumptions.

Most of the objections people have are based on what they believe they SHOULD do. That comes from growing up in America (or wherever you grew up are are still growing up!). I can't do it because ______ (fill in the blank). Of course you can. What's stopping you? Most likely you.

I have compiles a list of common excuses and tried to shoot as many holes in them as possible. Hopefully, you will, after reading them, at least suspect that is you want to travel, the option is open to you...

Good excuses:

Are there good reasons not to travel to remote places where conditions can be rough:

1. Travel will exacerbate a serious medical condition you have.
2. You are pregnant.
3. You have very small children that need attention

But....

Most of us have been raised in a culture where we are conditioned to believe we need to have a good job, a nice car and a stable, regular life. We have assumptions in our head that prevent us from doing something wild and adventurous. If we get around that mind-set, then doors open up.

Let's look at some of the assumptions and shatter some of our cultural myths. C'mon, it'll be fun!

But John, I can't afford to take a year off to travel. It's got to be expensive...

Wrong! Most of the world is a LOT cheaper to live and travel in than the US or Europe. Even in developed countries, there are cheap options that most travel agents will never tell you about. Here are some examples of places I have stayed and prices I have paid. These are not teasers, these are average examples and may be a little pricier than many accommodations.

• Ubud, Bali: Room in town with a great view of rice paddies: US$ 2.90 a night.
• Coron, Palawan, Philippines: Native cottage on stilts overlooking the ocean: US $100 a month
• Boracay, Philippines (big resort town), cottage off the beach with fan and shower: US$ 15.00 a night
• Manila Philippines (big city prices): room w/ aircon, phone and cable TV: US$ 15.00 a night
• Singapore (expensive city). private room w/ fan and shared bath: US$ 15.00
• Cheap but delicious meal , Jakarta, Indonesia: US$ 0.50
• Eighteen hour 350 kilometer ferry ride in deluxe, air conditioned section, with bunk: US$ 13.00
• Same trip by plane: US$ 18.00
• Rent an outrigger boat with captain for a day of tropical island hopping: US$ 12.50
• Short jeepney (mini-bus) ride, Manila, Philippines: $0.07 to $0.20
• Pedicab ride, Yogyakarta Indonesia: US$ 0.30
• Taxi Ride (3 kilometers), Manila, Philippines: US$ 1.00 with tip
• Dental visit to fix broken tooth US$ 10.00
• Bottle of Tanduay Rhum, Manila Philippines: US$1.10

But John, it still costs a lot of money to be gone for a year. I can't afford it....

For a year traveling you might need US$ 12,000. Sounds like a lot. How much was your last car? Can you drive a used car for a couple years? That figure is within the grasp of most people--it's just a matter of forgoing some other things that we have accustomed ourselves to having--and believing--we need. Simplify your life. Move to a smaller apartment or get a room mate. Skip the Starbucks three times a day. Shop Wal-Mart instead of Nordstrom's. Pay off your credit card. It might take some time, but you can save that amount in a year or two.

But John, I have a job and a career...

And you still will have a career when you get back. Most employers will look on your experience with admiration and respect. Have you ever heard of somebody saying "we frown on hiring people who have an understanding of international issues and the global marketplace?" It doesn't happen. A 'round the world or extended trip shows confidence and some level of resourcefulness and courage. What employer would frown on those qualities?

But John, I have children...

So do many travelers. If they are small (can't walk yet) travel might not be a good idea. Traveling around the world might not be a good idea either even if they are still young, but you could certainly take an extended trip through a region. And what a great learning experience for the kids!

But John, I am too old to travel...

I have met--and enjoyed the company of--dozens of of gray-haired travelers. Age is no barrier, it's a plus! Our elder statesmen have more experience, more economic ability and more appreciation for travel. I had the best afternoon talking to somebody's sweet little grandmother in a cafe in Bali. She retired from her job and, with backpack, was traveling the world.

But John, I am not that kind of person....

Not yet. Neither was I. Just decide to do it and you will be. It's not what you have done, it's what you do that matters. It doesn't take brawn, brains or any special skills to do a trip like this. Just the will to do it. That's all!

But John, I don't know any foreign languages....

Neither did I. Now I can mangle: Tagalog, Indonesian, Malaysian, and German. It takes remarkably few words to get by passably in a foreign language. And English is the de facto language of travel. Most places "on the beaten path" (which covers an amazingly large portion of the world) there are people who can speak a little English--and are dying for practice. Especially those places catering to backpack tourists. So far my lack of language skills hasn't hampered me one bit.

But John, I am out of shape...

Good news! I lost almost 50 pounds in four months when I started traveling. I was an overweight computer geek, spending 12 hours a day at the computer. I had bad knees. Getting away from fat-laden American fast food and getting active (walking, hiking, climbing, swimming) did wonders for me. I feel better. I look better. My knees don't hurt any more!

Traveling can be great for the health--as long as you take the appropriate precautions.

But John, I have never traveled (much) before...

Neither had I. A couple small trips to Europe, once to a Club Med in the Caribbean. Once you get on the road you learn fast. It's pretty easy, mostly common sense stuff. There are lots of books that can help you get a better feel for it. Even a wonderful book on the web: How to See the World on $25 a Day or Less. Also look in my links section for lots of great web backpack travel resources.

But John, I am afraid of the food...

Like those fatty fries won't kill ya? I have had one or two possible bouts of gastric turmoil from the food. Common sense will usually keep you from getting anything bad. Look at the cleanliness of the place. Order foods that are hard to make badly (in SE Asia, you can't go wrong with fried rice...) Is it weird stuff? Sometimes. But you can get "American food" all over he place. Besides, half the fun is trying grilled chicken feet or fried dried squid. (Both are pretty tasty!)

But, but, but, but.....

So, what excuses do you have? E-mail me with them and I'll try to refute them here...

Step #3: Get Ready to Go!

Save some money. Read some books. Make an itinerary. Buy a backpack. If you have questions, e-mail me. I'll be glad to help.

John The Evangelist (of backpack travel...)