The day-in and day-out rigors of working a job can get in the way of following your dreams. The rhythms of the daily grind become normal without much thought given to changing things up. But this doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your desire to travel and experience what the world has to offer.
Change career paths, save up for the trip to that overseas destination, explore parts of town you’ve never considered, or head to a neighboring state to experience its most exciting attraction. The time to add adventure to your life is now — not tomorrow, next week, or next year. Following are four tips to help you take the leap and do something new.
Take a Drive to the Nearest Large City
Not everyone has the advantage of living in or near a large metropolitan area like New York City or Chicago, but many live within driving distance of large cities. Set aside a day or two and head out to see what the area has on offer. It’s a way to get out of town without spending a lot of money and an opportunity to experience different environments. This type of trip is inexpensive when compared to other types of travel, making it easy to save enough money to cover all costs and some extras.
Another advantage of a large city is the entertainment factor. See concerts large and small, tour food and art festivals, and witness holiday events. Plan your trip around your favorite activities. Visiting a big city becomes a good excuse to see a beloved band or try new cuisines that aren’t normally available nearby.
Take a Road Trip
If you feel like hitting the road for longer periods, skip the big-city drive and take a road trip instead. It’s slower than traveling by plane, and it lets you see parts of America that you miss from the air. Plan a route that includes as many stops as possible. To get the most out of a road trip, research helpful hacks before you leave, then fill your car with friends or family members who can enjoy the experience with you.
Switch to a New Career
The nine-to-five career means a steady paycheck and the promise of advancement through the years. However, it doesn’t offer the freedom to take a break for any length of time. It’s a catch-22 in which many people find themselves: They don’t want to give up income or job security, but they don’t want to spend their life in the office. Not every job requires the nine-to-five lifestyle, though. There are jobs out there that offer as much freedom as you need while still providing income. In fact, Amway lets you schedule your time and hands you control over your life.
It’s true that you’re going to work harder when you start working as an affiliate or independent contractor. However, the only person you ultimately answer to is yourself. If you feel the need to take time away from the job, you can do so without anyone telling you when and how you take your time off.
Take a Trip to a Foreign Country
The world is full of nooks and crannies that are safe and worth exploring. It’s true that overseas trips tend to get expensive, but it’s not impossible to travel on a budget. Plan a trip around sightseeing for the experience as opposed to buying things that aren’t available at home. There are precious few items from around the world that aren’t available online these days, anyway, so the challenge becomes one of creating memories through interesting experiences.
Save money by staying at hostels in Europe, for instance, or buying tickets for rail and bus service before leaving so that you get the best deal. Look for packages that cover most or all of the stops you’re hoping to make.
Everyone needs some adventure in life. It’s time to put thought into action and start doing the stuff you’ve always wanted to do.