This is one of the many questions I get asked every time I share a weekend getaway post. I never used to travel as much as I am traveling now, I made a decision at the beginning of 2015 to get my life together and embark on the traveling path. I got my British citizenship last year which opened up so many opportunities for me to travel across Europe and many other countries without the need of a visa, this alone removed about 85% of the barrier that stopped me from traveling when I wanted and the other was my debt. I have spoken about my debt journey on my other blog The Myrabev Life, I have spent the best part of 2014 into 2015 paying off my debt and I am almost there. I made a decision NOT to live my life just paying off debt but to also enjoy the life I had been afforded.
With that being said, I decided to visit as many places as I could last year (2015), I managed to see South Korea (twice), Belgium, Germany (layover), Netherlands (layover), Lithuania (twice), Slovenia and a summer cross countries drive through Europe (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and finally Lithuania).
How I manage to travel so often?
To honestly answer this question I would say conscious effort, determination and positivity has helped me achieve a lot. Yes of course money has made all the difference, I have a good 9-5 job plus I also make some money from my blogging. Another answer is I comprise and are willing to budget travel on top of that I embraced the idea of solo travel. Not many people can just spontaneously make a decision to go to a foreign land, where you know no one, can’t speak a word of the native language nor even begin to understand the culture but to live is to test the boundaries. Living in our ‘comfortable bubble’ is not always the best solution.
Another answer is that, in December 2015 I stumbled upon the #take12trips travel challenge which requires you to travel at least once a month. I took this challenge very seriously, so much that I was not going to wait until January 2016 to start my travels, I started the travel challenge in December itself with the trips to Slovenia and Lithuania. Over the last 3 months I have learned how spontaneous I am, how far I am willing to comprise and what I won’t comprise on. I have also learned how to stand on my own two feet, yes I could do this before but now I am doing it with more confidence.
So you ask how I manage to travel so often? Well the answer is simple, I live for now for tomorrow is not promised me. Waiting for your kids to grow up, waiting till you have a lot of money or waiting on someone are not good enough reasons for not being able to travel, you’re not the first to be in those situations and I promise you won’t be the last so think of those “obstacles” as opportunities to try something new, take them as a challenge! one that you must complete. Not everyone is spontaneous like me, not everyone has the same opportunities as me but there is one thing we all carry and that is courage to make a difference in our own lives. If you can not travel abroad because of your kids then just do a staycation, a visit to the park, to the local zoo anything that will get you and the kids outside for one weekend a month. Waiting till you have money? well how about you become a tourist in your local town and do lots of FREE things? Waiting on someone, Hun you will be waiting a while and in the mean time the grey hair is setting in so get a move on.
Make a change today and don’t wait until the stars align, align them yourself and go for it. Miranda
Katarina says
I used to travel a lot. Like a lot. But I don’t do it nowadays and I can definitely feel the cravings. My biggest issue is that I’d love to travel alone, but not sure how safe it is. (I know it isn’t)
Miranda says
Hahahaha, I love traveling alone too and though it’s not safe you can take precautions
Audrey says
I love to travel and often! I try to save and use rewards points to my advantage. Even if I cannot do a long haul overseas, I try to travel regionally or off the beaten path areas.
Miranda says
That’s what I love to hear, thanks for sharing and motivating us all
Kiwi says
Girl I am so with you! I have so many friends who spend unnecessary money and when its time to travel they dont have the money. I make my budget priorities around travel expenses I will save to make sure I travel its simple. More people will have the money if they make it more of a priority and not a sideline option for later in the year.
Miranda says
My thoughts exactly, it’s easy to spend on unnecessary things and then complain not to have money for travels. I too prioritise, if it’s traveling I want to do then I make time and save money for it if it’s something else I do the same
WhatLauraLoves says
Wow your post has certainly inspired me to travel on my own. I love going away and exploring other countries xxx
Miranda says
I am glad to hear that. I have been loving going out and seeing the world especially alone
becky says
I wish I could get to travel, you are very lucky, but I am sure after reading this you already know that x
Miranda says
Hahahaha thanks Becky, I am taking life by the horn until I can’t no more
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
Really dope, I love to travel. I have a 9 to 5 and two kids so I don’t travel as often as I would like. I’m all about paying off debt and living life on your own terms.
Miranda says
My kind of woman and thanks for sharing this Mimi
Michele D says
I would love to travel often although having four children, school and activities, I stay close to home.
Miranda says
I think that is still travel regardless of wheat her it’s home or abroad
Ana De- Jesus says
This is a philosophy we can all learn from I think it is important to embrace the now and live in the present because you never know where life my take you. What do you work as?
Miranda says
Thanks Ana, I work for a pharma company in safety
Rebecca Smith says
I love this post, such great reasons for travelling x
Miranda says
Thanks
tanya brannan says
I absolutely love your reasons for travelling! I was lucky enough to go to St Lucia and Poland last year, and want to continue travelling more this year!
Miranda says
Thanks, wishing you many travels this year
Jessica says
A great mindset! Keep traveling and more safe travels for you! 🙂
Miranda says
Thanks Jessica
Nicci says
I love traveling, and we’ve done pretty good considering we have three kids. But the flight across the ocean from the US is usually the most expensive part of the trip! I couldn’t do 12 vacactions a year, but we do travel by car a lot.
Miranda says
That’s the kind of thinking I love, travel within the states is considered traveling too lol
VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says
Good on you, for living your dream. Loved reading this post and the positivity in it.
Miranda says
Thanks so much VaiChin
Jaime Nicole says
You definitely get to see some truly amazing places. I am hoping that the next couple of years see my opportunities increase significantly. It’s definitely so important to experience ‘other’ cultures
Miranda says
So so true and good wishes to you
jason nail says
I like your ideas about traveling more. I’ve got to get away more since becoming a travel blogger and things continue to move in the right direction. Maybe I’ll become a citizen of several countries.
Miranda says
And I wish you all the best and hope you do become citizen of several countries
Miles L. says
I would really love to have a British Citizenship! I sounds to be a very powerful tool to travel within Europe!
Miranda says
It’s really is and opened so many doors for me in terms of travel
Claire says
I would love the money to travel more and the health to be able to. Enjoy your travels and I’ll continue to enjoy reading about them 🙂
Miranda says
And I wish that you get both soon
The Nice Nest says
Great pictures of your travels and an inspiring post to just get out and travel. Visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures is so interesting.
Miranda says
Thanks so much
Elizabeth says
I think it helps living on the mainland too. Flights from my remote island would add another £300 or more to the cost of a trip. So prohibitively expensive!
Miranda says
That could be the case but I think again it’s about budgeting. Maybe I could help or you could use skyscanner and check for flights
Chantal says
When you are passionate enough about something you make it possible. I need to travel again and set my goals on where and when I want it to happen.
Miranda says
So true and good luck to you
Angelic Sinova says
I LOVE this post! I’ve been a big traveler my whole life but in 2014, I decided to take it a step further! For me, it’s a mix of budgeting and saving. While some people would choose to spend $400 on clothing, I’d rather spend that on a weekend getaway. It’s all about your priorities <3
Miranda says
So true, its priorities and my priority is to travel as much as I can before I have kids and other responsibilities
Papatia says
Miranda, you nailed it. We travel a lot and go everywhere. Like you say tomorrow is not guaranteed. Lovely and positive post! xx
Miranda says
Thanks so much Papatia I appreciate that
Angela at Daysinbed says
I ‘m totally with you on this. I travelled as often as I could as a single mum before I got unwell. People did not understand how I could afford it and the reality is, I saved like crazy and budgeted and sacrificed to have opportunities which now I’m sick and my child is in school, I do not regret doing.
Miranda says
I am glad to hear that you never regretted it, that is what I hope to achieve in my life “no regrets” and sorry about your illness
Georgina prince says
I think a huge part is defo courage, there are not many people who would dare go and travel alone x
Miranda says
So true
Ickle Pickle says
I love travelling and would love to do more. I love reading about your travels – your photos are fab! Kaz x
Miranda says
Thanks so much Kaz
Emma White says
I wish I could travel more than I do but with 6 kids its very difficult
Miranda says
Awww bless can’t even begin to imagine
suchi says
Totally agree!! i am a travel addict myself! the things you learn & experience through your travels is something amazinG!
Miranda says
So true and thanks
Travel Blogger says
Very inspiring! My husband and I have started focusing more on doing things now instead of saying “some day…” We plan weekend trips and cut corners to make it affordable. We just put effort into it, and we have seen so many great places.
Miranda says
Thanks, that’s exactly what I am conveying, live for now not for “some day”
Dina says
What a great post! I loved reading how and why you travel. It’s been a choice for us to travel more. Last year alone I went on 6 trips which is a lot for me! I hope to take just as many this year.
Miranda says
Thanks Dina, I did 6-7 trips and hoping to do over 12 this year
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
Europe is such an amazing place with so many wonderful destinations. Good for you for vowing to see it all.
Miranda says
Thanks Heather it sure is
Pam says
I always wanted to travel, but I kept putting it off. Now that the kids are grown, I have been seizing my dreams and going lots of different places. Now I just wonder why I put it off so long. There were plenty of places we could have gone as a family!
Miranda says
Well it’s never too late to start again
Sarah Bailey says
I would love to travel more – just take off and see the world, sadly don’t think my body would cope with it however.
Miranda says
Awww bless I can’t even imagine
top5life says
I am a travel freak. And, I love exploring new places a lot. Wonderful post.
Miranda says
Thanks, you and me both
Fashion and Style Police says
Thanks for sharing this post. I am so inspired to do more travel this year.
Miranda says
You’re welcome
Roxy says
I love this post. All of my dream trips are across the Atlantic which makes it a lot harder to just up and go b/c flights can easily be several hundred thousand dollars.Despite this, I agree that it’s important to live for today so we will be starting a travel fund soon so that we are able to take spontaneous trips!
Miranda says
I can appreciate that, I think travel fund is a great idea and good luck
Laura H says
People are always ‘waiting’ for other pieces of life to get out of the way but you’re right – live for today! I don’t currently have the money to travel very often but I’m hoping to have a big blowout summer this year after working in France for a year 🙂
Miranda says
It must have been awesome working in France. I hope you get some travel in this year
Jules says
Ugh these are time when I wish I lived in Europe where they have cheap airlines like EasyJet! I remember paying 30euros to fly from Paris to Amsterdam and I was so amazed by how cheap it was! I’d make weekend travel plans all the time. 🙂 There’s no such luxury here in the US but I’m on my way to (like you) paying off debt, and saving for a house then make a point to travel.
Miranda says
We are definitely at an advantage here in Europe but don’t let that stop you be a tourist in your own city and country.
Elizabeth O says
We make choices in life about how we want to spend our time and, for those of us bitten by the travel bug, our passion is travel.
One of the joys of living in Europe is that you can visit so many different countries and cultures in a shorter time span than someone in a far flung country.
But, it takes commitment and the love of seeing the world. I’m with you on that and have traveled to many parts of the world and hope to pick it up again in the coming year. Travel is truly a great teacher! 💖
Miranda says
Thank you Elizabeth, it is a commitment, it is a choice and it is the passion for travel and us wanderlusts are always on the ready for our next adventure
Esther | The Cuteness says
Beautiful images! I’m jealous of all your travels. With two little ones at home, we don’t get to go many places these days. I am already pestering my husband about a big trip without the kids in 2017. Maybe Australia!
Miranda says
Oh wow Australia would be awesome. I think with kid try staycations I am told they are super nice
Alli says
You sure have visited some great places and the memories are priceless! I love to travel and look forward to traveling more often. Love your photos!
Miranda says
Thanks Alli, I am pleased about where I have managed to go and excited about the future
dadofdivas says
I truly appreciate you sharing this. Your beautiful images share with me how little I have traveled and how much I want to travel more. Something always seems to get in the way, especially with kids, but this is an excuse that I want to get past!
Miranda says
And I hope you do, thanks so much for saying that
Kita says
First off, your pictures are beautiful. Second, I commend you on traveling while paying off debt. Most people wait but your outlook on living while working on your debt is just what more people (like me) need to do. Thanks for that.
Miranda says
You welcome and I am happy to hear that
Rhian Westbury says
I totally agree with you about willing to make sacrifices. I am happy to travel really early or stay in private room hostels rather than hotels to save money and be able to travel so much. I am doing a challenge I set myself to get out of the country every single month and I can’t believe how much I’ve already done/ have planned. I don’t think i’ll be doing as much next year as I have two larger trips planned and for me it’s more holiday from work! Good luck with your challenge x
Miranda says
Thanks so much Rhian and I agree I probably won’t be doing the same next year but let’s finish this year and then see
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
For me it comes down to priorities. Travelling is a priority of mine, so I spend all my money on it rather than saving it.
Miranda says
I am with you girl
Elanor says
Great advice and great outlook on life. I always say we have no money to travel, but you idea of doing a ‘staycation’ is fantastic and definitely something I will try!
Miranda says
Thanks Elanor and I hope you do staycations with family to make the most out of time
Amanda Love says
You are definitely a woman after my own heart. I decided to do the same thing myself. This year is my year of travel and so far we’ve been to NY and now we’re in London with a spontaneous booking for France to celebrate my daughters’ 4th birthday in Disneyland Paris. I’m not letting anything stop me because as you said, tomorrow isn’t promised to me so I’m living in the now.
Miranda says
Thanks you so much Amanda and glad to hear you and your family are living in the now
Julie Syl Kalungi says
Ululating standing ovation in my native African style. I wish I could catapult this post to the moon and back aishhhh gal you said it. The moment we got our papers that was the day we promised not to waste the blessing. We searched for other ways to travel the world without having to go ymca or compromise on the quality of accommodation. We found it and never looked back. Funny thing is We never thought to blog and share till 2yrs ago and we launched the official travel blog only last year. Life is meant to be lived and you lady grabbed it by the horns. Bravo and so proud ebpven if we never met 😊👏🏽💕 we can all See, Do and Be more….
Miranda says
Thank you so much Julie, I felt the same as you guys not to waste the blessing now that many doors have opened I should make use of it as God intended
Ana says
What an incredible post! Being a travel blogger, standing ovation to you!
The way you have crafted this post, I am sure it’s going to inspire many people to come out of their comfort zone and explore the world and expand their horizon.
Miranda says
Awww thanks so much Ana, hope to reach your level one day
Amy Scott says
Travel when you can! They say it’s the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer and I couldn”t agree more!
Miranda says
That is so true and I couldn’t agree more