Sacrifices for Adventure
This year, I spent over two months in Southeast Asia, including five weeks in Vietnam and four in Thailand. I enjoy staying in a new place for a few weeks to experience more than just tourist attractions. I like to get a feel for the local culture by exploring the streets and local life.
Spending that much time away on a modest income means I have to be strategic. I don’t want to look back on my life and regret not traveling. So, I travel differently than the glamorous vacations we see in movies. Instead of luxury vacations with fancy hotels and fine dining, I travel economically. Essentially, I work from different locations rather than just taking vacations.
To afford trips to places like Asia, I prioritize saving locally. Every time I skip buying a luxury item or an extravagant meal at home, I think of it as money saved for travel. When I cook at home instead of eating out, I remind myself that I’m saving for my next adventure.
Making daily decisions about where to spend my money and time can be daunting, but remembering my goal helps. This mindset applies to life in general. I get to travel, live a freelance/digital nomad lifestyle, and work for myself because I understand that every decision is a sacrifice. Sure, I could get a 9-5 job with paid time off, insurance, and a pension, but I believe every choice comes with its own set of challenges. No path is free from issues and hurdles.
Life will always be hard in various ways. That’s why there’s no time for regret. If I don’t like a past decision, I can choose to let it consume me or use it to make better choices moving forward.
ACTION: Next time you think about making a purchase, ask yourself if that money could be better spent on an experience that will enrich your life. Start making small sacrifices today for the bigger adventures you want to have.
