When people ask how I manage to travel so much . . .
This is what is true for me . . .
1) Have the mentality that collecting experiences is more valuable than collecting things.
2) Be opportunity-aware.
3) The most central Be proactive
*without just one of these three I doubt I would have had all these experiences.
1) "Collect experiences" mentality
I do not believe we should feel pressure to fit into society's expectations of study,work,save,collect enough things to have a family. Neither do I beleive that travel must always be "a transition stage" before you "get back to real life" (although that is often the case). Somehow I've managed to straddle both worlds. I finished school in the normal amount of time and taken no gap year, I am currently close to finishing my third year of university (of 4 years). The one standard of society that I consciously haven't kept up with is collecting things (all my stuff fits in 2msq+my tiny car). Despite this, I have collected amazing memories because I have found richness in that. I have found that aiming towards collecting travel experiences motivates me to save money effectively. This mentality motivates me to work hard in other aspects of my life too.
2) Opportunity-aware ~ some things in my life that demonstrate this:
My job at Newcastle University in Australia:
I work in a field that gives me experience towards my career (teaching) & it pays well... I quit a job which paid $7 less per hour to keep this one. Its not about being materialistic so much as smart with my time, as a full-time student time is precious but also the financial responsibilities that come with being a functioning, independent adult must be taken seriously.
Scholarship applications/any help I was eligible for (especially financial): I search at least once every year for these opportunities that I am eligible for and it is ALWAYS worth doing the paperwork for ALL opportunities that you can apply for. I have recieved 4 scholarships since being at university ... and people usually stop there... but I have applied for at least 15. That is opportunity-awareness.
Before accepting any opportunity, stop and rationally ask: is this the wisest opportunity for me to take?
3) Be proactive
Remember to make goals, prioritise, periodically re-evaluate them AND DO THEM.3 years ago I found out about a scholarship to come to La Rochelle and since then I made little goals and took little steps towards making it happen. When I struggled with motivation for certain subjects, I reminded myself that working hard for that assignment would manifest itself in me coming to La Rochelle. Then THE LEAP - you've got to take it if you want to experience new things. This is the simplest thing. Somehow people forget it. Just DO what you've been dreaming about for so long! This is the most defining characteristic for those who travel and those who dont. ACTION
Oh, and suprise, there's a 4th after all that hard work, dont forget the reason behind it all: at the end of the day sit back and soak in every little joy of the moments you are collecting.
Need some inspiration? . . . Perhaps 20 is too much, but here are some moments worth collectinghttp://lapercygo.blogspot.in/2013/11/20-amazing-festivals-around-world-that.html?m=0#chitika_close_button Or check out my photo album "Secret destinations"
Travel isnt for everyone, this note is just for those who ask in wonder "how do you travel so much?" Its not so intangible as you thought.
Great travel experiences = "collecting experiences" mentality + opportunity-aware + proactive
Just try it
Note: Health is a prerequisite to my 3 goals
If you have any more ideas for interesting topics you would like to hear about just let me know!
