Remember those New Year’s resolutions you made? Lose weight, read more, save money, maybe even ride a unicorn (hey, why not dream big?). You start off the year all gung-ho, but as time goes by, that initial enthusiasm wanes. Excuses start creeping in: "It’s too cold to hit the gym." "It’s John’s birthday, so I have to party." "I was too busy binge-watching Netflix to read." Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, making excuses for why we couldn’t stick to our goals.
Procrastination is easy; doing nothing is simpler than taking action. I’ve been guilty of it too. I paid for a gym membership for years before actually using it regularly. It took me ages to establish a daily reading habit after numerous false starts. There are plenty of other things I want to do, but finding excuses seems easier.
Nobody likes facing failure repeatedly. That’s why we create elaborate stories to justify falling short of our expectations, shifting blame away from ourselves. We all have our go-to excuses. Mine? "I skipped X because of an event with great wine." Or "I didn’t do Y because work got hectic."
Travel is another area where excuses pile up: "I can’t afford it." "I have nobody to go with." "Flights are too pricey." These are valid concerns, no doubt. We all face obstacles. But what if we stopped letting those barriers define us? What if we became the hero in our own travel story, overcoming challenges to embark on amazing adventures?
It’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be, as T.S. Eliot wisely said. Instead of dwelling on limitations, why not flip your excuses into action plans? "I don’t have enough money…so I’ll cut expenses and change spending habits." "Flights are too expensive…so I’ll aim for cheaper destinations or start collecting points for free flights."
Yes, travel can be costly, and not everyone can afford it. But starting with a positive mindset is key. Magical thinking won’t get you far; action will. In the US, the work-centric culture often hinders extended travel, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
I had my perspective shifted by backpackers in Thailand, realizing there’s more to life than the traditional work-retire-travel model. By reevaluating expenses, researching thoroughly, and being determined, I made my travel dreams a reality.
It’s essential to challenge your excuses, take that first step, and plan your trip. For every negative excuse, there’s a positive solution waiting to be discovered. Don’t let excuses hold you back; start planning your adventure today and embrace the traveler within you. And when you reach your dream destination, send me a postcard!
For practical travel tips and booking assistance, consider using resources like Skyscanner for flights, Hostelworld for accommodation, and reputable travel insurance providers like SafetyWing. Travel credit cards can also help you earn points for free travel, while platforms like Get Your Guide offer a variety of activities for your trip. Remember, taking that first step is what matters most on your journey to fulfilling your travel dreams.
