A LIFE OF ADVENTURE

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ Saint Augustine

Travel is, and always has been, a huge thing for me. I have had the travel bug my whole life. Wanting to see God’s world and everything He created is of utmost importance to me, and fortunately, Kathy and I have been able to do a lot of traveling over the years. 

Having visited 123 countries, I keep a map in my home with pins marking each country we’ve visited. Africa, India and South America, as well as other beautiful countries rich with exotic landscapes and remarkable cultures are among the many places I’ve traveled to. Truly, it’s a privilege to have been able to explore these incredible locations! Because of my many travels, I have developed a continuous and contagious heart for adventure.

If you’re looking for opportunities to discover new things, make memories, build relationships, and experience life to the fullest, I recommend traveling as much as you can. I hope by sharing parts of my journey, you’ll be inspired to plan your next trip and expand your own life of adventure!

IT’S AMAZING ONCE YOU GET THERE

Do you struggle with enjoying the traveling part of the journey? Kathy is the same. She loves the destination but not having to get there and back. It’s true. The unknown variables of travel can be a deterrent.  But once you get there, the opportunities are incredible! 

Because I value traveling so much, I work hard to make the most out of every opportunity – good or bad. I go into every trip with a detailed plan, but I’ve learned to hold the plan very loosely once I leave the house.

I’ve learned that being flexible when traveling removes unnecessary stress and allows for unexpected change (many of them are positive). It has also become a place of inspiration for me as I experience unanticipated discoveries.  Being able to shift gears at any given time has served me well. 

One thing that helps eliminate stress while traveling is having a detailed checklist for both international and domestic travel. Not only does a packing list ensure you have everything you need, a travel itinerary and travel checklist helps you stay on schedule and think ahead. I plan on sharing these tips in the near future, so keep a lookout for a few helpful resources coming your way!

Don’t let the thought of unpredictable travel delays hold you back. Plan well, but be open to change. Let your sense of adventure take over. Every trip is unique. It might include a few bumps along the way, but in the end, it will be amazing!

IT’S REWARDING WHEN YOU INCLUDE OTHERS

All of my kids are excellent travelers. I bet they have been to at least 30 countries in their life so far. I can see how my passion for world travel has been passed on to them, and it’s wonderful to hear about how they live a life of adventure as well. 

Because Kathy and I are passionate about seeing others experience new and unique things, we host trips for family and friends and have been for over 30 years. From mission trips to cruises and even barging, (which I detail in my other travel posts), we have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the most incredible group trips over the years. 

We never grow tired of sharing our sense of adventure and seeing others catch the “travel bug.” Involving our kids, our extended family members, and our closest friends in our adventures has been extremely rewarding. I highly encourage you to do the same.  I can guarantee you’ll be rewarded by the excitement on their faces and the memory-making experiences that are sure to last a lifetime. 

IT GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Living a life of adventure always gives you something to look forward to. Whether it’s camping in the backyard with your kids or traveling to another continent, keeping a sense of adventure is a great way to work through the mundane while planning your next expedition.

I suggest making yearly plans for your travel adventures, which include everything from mission trips to getaways with your spouse. If you’re on a limited budget, think locally and visit places in and around your city you’ve not yet explored. Share your travel ideas with family and friends and see if you can get them on board as well.

Whether we are cruising with our kids or planning a romantic getaway, Kathy and I look forward to each new opportunity. We hope to continue our life of adventure with our kids, grandkids, and friends. After all, there is so much of the world we still get to explore! 

At the end of the day, I agree with Saint Augustine when he said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” I look forward to reading as many pages as I can in the book of world travel, as each experience leaves an indelible mark on my life and fuels my desire to see more of God’s creation. With this in mind, how will you begin your life of adventure today?

ACTION STEP:

Create a “Life of Adventure” calendar and start planning your next family trip!

Do you have experience related to what you have read? Please share it with us in the comments section and help others learn too.