Ok. So let's start with dreaming and saving up! When you first begin to think of where you'd like to travel, you probably rule out a ton of places because you feel it's out of your reach (financially, sitters for the kids, etc). I agree that some places may be (hello.... Tahiti.... I'll see you someday!!). But, you should still get excited about the places you dream about. Order a brochure from there, tear out a photo of that beautiful place and hang it on your wall or just write the name of it down in a "Dream Travel" folder and stick it in your drawer. I made a list of places that I only dreamed of seeing years ago and I've actually been to a few of them since then!Whether it's a one hour flight away or a trip over the ocean, you should never just rule out a dream place because it seems out of reach in your current circumstance. You have to Make It Happen for yourself! You never know what the future may bring.
Saving up is the best way to achieve your travel dreams. I know it may seem almost impossible to save up for that amazing dream trip that costs several thousand dollars but that doesn't mean it is impossible. It's just based on how determined you are and what kind of plan you come up with. I'm not saying plan your dream trip to Italy and expect to go this decade. Maybe it doesn't happen for 17 years like my dream trip to Paris took. But, it will happen!
When I was 19 years old, I got this adorable little savings jar. It was one of those kinds that you have to break to get into (no sealable opening on the bottom). I started putting dollar bills in there and then soon decided it was a special jar and I was only going to put 50's and 100's in there whenever I had an opportunity to. When I dreamed of what I'd someday use it for, I thought of my wedding, my honeymoon, my first home, among many other things. Well, time went on and I kept putting money in it here and there. You'd be surprised how taking a 50 out of one of your paychecks every once in awhile doesn't affect your life that much but affects it greatly one day when you add those 50's up in a little jar!
One of the most important aspects of this jar was that you had to break it to get the money out. I was determined not to break my precious jar for something that wasn't special enough...... a water bill that was due, a credit card statement or even the cost of our wedding. This money was meant for something incredible and unforgettable. Well, that something incredible turned out to be PARIS!
My honey and I decided to break the jar open late one night, see "Jar Breaking Celebration Party". ;)
We were both so excited and shocked to find almost $5,000 in there!! It took 17 years but it was worth it.
