5 Things To Do Now To Travel More And Live A Better Life
The yearning to travel is a desire that consumes many Americans who feel trapped by careers and financial burdens. Personal wanderlust is often set aside for the counterintuitive desire to keep up with a materialistic society—own bigger homes, fill closets with expensive apparel, and drive luxury vehicles. Most people feel as if they can't travel because they are strapped down by hefty monthly mortgage payments that come with expensive property tax payments, high utility costs, and continued maintenance that can be difficult to keep up with. According to the American Enterprise Institute, the average American home has increased by 1000 square feet since the early 1970s (as of 2015). Why are people taking on such large homes when they desire to travel and gain exposure to the world? Obviously, not everyone can or wants to sell everything they own in order to travel with only as many possessions as will fit on their back. But that's no reason why simple lifestyle changes can't occur to free up finances to take more trips and spend more time doing the things that truly matter. Don't wait to fulfill your travel dreams. Here are 5 things to consider doing now to live a higher-quality life.
Downsize your home
Real estate continues to be a sound investment and gives people a sense of security. Traveling more doesn't mean you shouldn't have a constant place to call home, but you should consider how much time you spend cleaning and maintaining your big home. Does it feel like you spend so much time doing things around your house that you aren't able to fit in the activities that you want to be doing in your free time? Do you use all your square footage to socialize as a family, or is most of it used to store your family's possessions? Look at the real estate for sale in your area—you may find a smaller house that your family could comfortably live in and free up monthly income to set aside for travel. You may also end up making money on your house (or on selling some of your possessions to fit into the new house) that can jump-start your travel fund.
Minimize personal possessions
Perhaps the step that should come first is reflecting on what of your personal possessions you use and what you just hold on to because you have the space. Do you need two dining tables as a family of four? Do you read all your books or watch all the Blu-rays in your collections? If you get pleasure from an item, keep it. But if you are indifferent to some of your belongings, get rid of them by donating or selling to someone who will find a use for them.
Curate your own capsule wardrobe
Clothing, shoes, and accessories take up enormous amounts of space. If you had fewer apparel items, you'd need a smaller closet. Most people do not wear much of what is in their closet and hold onto items for various reasons. Creating a wardrobe that consists only of quality essentials that won't go out of style will make your mornings go smoother, save you money on clothing, and take up substantially less space.
Scale down your cars
If you don't live in an area where public transportation is prolific, you probably own a car for each household driver. It may be necessary for everyone in your house to have their own vehicle, particularly if you travel in different directions each day, but is your car nicer than some peoples' homes? Do you need WIFI, heated and cooled leather, and a maxed-out entertainment center for your 20-minute commute? Reliability is vital, but luxury is not. Trading in your luxury vehicles for reliable vehicles that get you from point A to point B will put more money in your pocket each month. If your travel desires include cross-country road trips, make sure you invest in a vehicle that your family and luggage can comfortably fit in for long periods of time.
Don't overbook yourself
In addition to over-budgeting, many people overbook their weekly schedules, which can have adverse effects on stress levels. Whether it be children's activities, social and work events, or just keeping up with daily chores, there is little downtime for most. Look at your schedule and see what you cram in that doesn't contribute to the quality of life you want. Regardless of downsizing material possessions and home, if you don't give yourself the time, travel will be impossible.
Because everyone has different lifestyles and travel goals, it may not be necessary to act on all five of these things but simplifying some will increase personal gratification and happiness. Self-reflection and planning will give you a better idea of if the life you're living now will contribute to meeting your travel and life goals. The point is not to wait to do the things that will give you the ultimate satisfaction when you look back on your life.