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Friday Around

the Planet

August 26, 2022

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article reporting that young adults are putting off settling down and starting careers in exchange for the types of experiences travel offers.

Twenty years ago, I did exactly that.

When my friends went to grad school or started careers, I backpacked through Central America. While they married and had their first babies, I worked my way between Antarctica and the Arctic on the cruise ship circuit. Right after a summer spent riding a train through Europe, I got married, had a baby and started a career. I was 34.

I wanted to be a writer, but I didn't think I could do that without building experiences. The idea of sitting still induced panic attacks. The idea of trying to write from my narrow perspective felt disingenuous.

Now here I am. In my 40's, career, two kids, a husband and a mortgage. My retirement savings isn't what it probably should be. And that's okay – usually. Occasionally I let shame creep in when I think my career should be more advanced than it is. I put off creating a solid financial base when I was younger, so our budget is a little tighter than is comfortable. We're just now starting to figure out how to afford more travel. Fortunately, we like camping and sometimes the most expensive thing isn't the best thing anyway.

Read on for more insight for traveling on a budget.

Sarah Stocking | Digital Editor

From beginner to badass: How my adventure mistakes made me fall in love with the outdoors

Don't be afraid to try a new adventure

Bailey Freeman reminds us why we make sacrifices in order to travel more. The growth and freedom we experience are worth the effort.

Start planning your trip now

Those changing colors are captivating – and it can all be over before you've even thought of traveling. Finding wonderful places in the US to see fall colors is one of my favorite things to do each year. Check out these suggestions for a little autumn drive.

I traveled on the cheap and it made all the difference

My favorite travel stories are not from the experiences I spent the most money on. They are from the times when being open, friendly and excited led me on a path I could never have anticipated.

Eat on the street. A filling meal from a street stall in Mexico City costs $2 USD and tastes like centuries of inter-cultural food alchemy. Dried meats, creamy cheese and apples make amazing lunches in Montenegro and best enjoyed while sitting in a walled city and pretending you're an escaped princess. The point is, these foods are as much an experience as the pricier establishments and have better views (for the most part).
Be open to hyper-local entertainment. I once stumbled upon the Bosnia-Herzegovina national orchestra playing in a pocket park in Sarajevo while the sun set behind the mountains. We sat across the street and shared a bottle of wine.
Make friends. I made friends in a square in Havana, and they took me to the backyard of a broken-down mansion for a jam session. No cover, and great music. The after-party was in a park where we poured rum into our Cokes and ate boiled peanuts. All I really had to do was say hi and ask a question.

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