The world is your oyster

As I read the excellent book by Rolf Potts, Vagabonding, http://www.rolfpotts.com/ I’m more inspired than ever to prepare for long-term travel. On occasion, I remember this girl Margie way back when we were just out of high school, she would work and save and go travel. I only remember that she worked w/my friend Annette for six months or so, saving to travel to Australia, but the inspiration stuck with me. I’ve always been intrigued by people who do both; plan for extended travel or relocate to another country, as well as, throw caution to the wind and take off! I like to plan as much as I can and also leave room for the unexpected.

I recently reminisced about this with George. Once in Las Vegas, and another time in Girona, Spain, we missed our flight. I’m usually at the airport early and waiting so this was new to me, missing flights, "Oh my!" I learned from George how to just deal and do what you have to do, vs. getting all anxious. It also proves for a more interesting experience and story. In Girona, we had to buy new tickets for the first flight out the next morning to France. At the time flying on Ryan Air, it wasn’t a big expense either. We then managed to get a room at the hotel across the street and the nice desk clerk gave us some toiletries. It was nice to relax and extend our stay a tiny bit too. The next morning while still dark, we walked across the street, back to the airport. We hung out and enjoyed some coffee and a pastry while waiting for our short flight back to France.

I also think of Auntie Mame. I love her spirit of adventure. On a less eccentric and expensive scale, I could imagine my niece and nephew’s ‘crazy-in-a-good-way Aunt Anni’ and George traveling around the world. Sending postcards and emails with all kinds of stories. I wouldn’t send them a totem pole mind you, but maybe some inexpensive cultural and educational gifts.

Vagabonding begins now (even if your travel begins later) when you decide you want to travel, start saving money and begin to plan. It doesn’t take enormous amounts of money either. It’s more of a re-evaluation of your priorities and adjusting your lifestyle. “Indeed, the freedom to go vagabonding has never been determined by income level; it’s found through simplicity-the conscious decision of how to use what income you have.”

Since living in California my whole life (and George too), having no real anchors or commitments keeping us here, why not attempt to travel MORE and experience life in many other places. We also have the advantage of not owning anything. So we begin with reading, researching, networking, saving, and the never-ending downsizing of possessions.

It feels good and a little scary to have a great dream. (A little scary usually means you’re on to something good though!)