I often get asked the question, “How do you get to travel so much?” It’s inevitable but also one I have a hard time responding to. Why? Because I’ve made a conscious decision to see the world and committed to going. I do not come from a place of privilege where I hit a magic button and, “Voila!” I’m transported into the sky…a misperception many assume based on my experiences. I’m a middle class girl from Brooklyn who had a dream early on in life to see the world and wanted to make this dream a reality. I took this fiery passion and found ways to manifest this dream through various mediums.
One way was working hard in school and getting a scholarship that would place me at a university (NYU – Go Violets!) that supported experiential learning and global exchange via study abroad options. Another way was making sure that I remained open to connecting with people from all different walks of life. In maintaining these relationships and being open, I have had the good fortune of knowing friends from all over the world. They have graciously invited me to learn and see their cultures through their eyes. The true reason why I’m obsessed with traveling and have a strong case of wanderlust is not about compiling a check list of places to boast about but instead, is about wanting to feel deeply connected to the rest of the world and understand how this unified experience we call life is translated in different regions outside my front door.
In addition, I chose internships, mentorships and jobs along the way that exposed me to flexible work lifestyles or presented me with the opportunity to travel on business trips. I also relentlessly saved a portion of my pay checks for travel purposes as well.
I believe the main reason why people do not take the leap to travel is out of fear of the unknown and not being in environments that nurture the essential benefits of traveling as a means of self-discovery rather than having the misconception that traveling is just a privileged activity that “rich” people do. I grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and not Beverly Hills 90210, there’s nothing wrong with either neighborhood. We afford the opportunities that we place a value on.
Travel is not out of anyone’s reach if it’s truly a deep desire and passion. What may be out of reach is the desire to overcome what is holding you back from working twice as hard to get to the places you want to be. There are no quick fixes or solutions for what we all deeply desire. An element of work has to be put towards all goals, whether saving up to travel or being paid to travel. Explore the real reasons that hold you back and then move forward with active steps to overcome them.
xo KO
What will be your plans of action for overcoming your fears and taking the leap to travel – Setting up a separate savings account strictly for travel purposes? Signing up for a study abroad program? Volunteering abroad? Making a global transfer within your current company? Leveraging your skills & expertise and becoming a digital nomad? Seeking out and surrounding yourself with like-minded people that see the value of travel as a means of character growth and not a mere luxury? Shoot me a message and let me know, would love to hear from you!
2 Comments