“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 and I don’t really know where it came from as both my parents were not travelers. 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.
We have been blessed to visit several countries and I keep a map in my home with pins marking each country we’ve visited. Africa, India, South America, as well as many others rich with exotic landscapes and remarkable cultures. 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!
ONCE YOU GET THERE IT’S AMAZING
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 changes (many of which 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.
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!
TRAVEL ADVENTURE WITH YOUR SPOUSE
When it comes to our marriage, travel is one of the things Kathy and I have been intentional about. Spending time alone together, away from our regular environment and without an agenda, has made a real difference for us.
When we travel, we tend to have the most fun, the fewest issues and the least friction as we’re simply exploring and enjoying life together. Fortunately, we have prioritized taking extended time away and it’s something we do every year. We have reaped a lot of rewards over again and it has been one of the most worthwhile investments we have made.
If you’re approaching the empty nest season – or possibly before that – start to plan for something bigger than a typical vacation. I always encourage couples to try at least one extended trip together of 30 days or more. Kathy and I have done trips from 60 to100 days and there’s something that shifts when we’re away that long. The conversations go deeper, the pace slows, and you reconnect in new ways. Once grandchildren come into the picture it becomes harder to be away for such extended periods, so take advantage of the in-between stage you have now. These longer trips have been some of the most meaningful, strengthening times in our marriage.
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.
One of my favorite things to do wherever I go, is find the local outdoor market and I spend a few hours just walking down the stalls talking to the people. It’s become a great way to understand the culture and their way of life. It’s something I always look forward to when traveling somewhere new.
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!
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. How will you begin your life of adventure today?
ALWAYS HAVE SAFETY IN MIND
When traveling anywhere – domestically or internationally – always have safety in mind. These days, it’s not only your physical safety you have to worry about but also your financial security and protection of personal data. Here’s a basic list of things to consider while traveling:
- Photocopy/scan your passport and driver’s license and keep copies of them in a second packed location
- Consider obtaining an international driver’s license for driving abroad
- Keep an updated medical insurance card with you
- Have your vaccination information on hand and include a list of known allergies
- Carry no more than two credit cards and have the phone number of the credit card companies in your phone
- Consult with your travel guide or hotel staff when booking taxis or other public transportation for the safest way to travel
- Know beforehand what areas of the city are safe/unsafe
- Keep your hotel key card with you without the envelope that has your room number on it
- Consider carrying your wallet and other valuables under your clothing (hidden from view)
- Know the emergency number for your location if it differs from 911
- Consider getting travel insurance. I buy medical travel insurance through Med Jet. It ensures I will be flown back (by private jet) to America or Europe for medical treatment, which is what I prefer. This gives me peace of mind, knowing my family will obtain the best medical care in case of an emergency. Thankfully, we’ve never had to use it, but it’s well worth the annual investment.
Your safety when traveling is of utmost importance, and I highly encourage you to take the necessary steps to ensure your family and valuables are protected.
WHAT TO TAKE AND WHAT TO LEAVE
Some people travel with everything but the kitchen sink, packing way too much and carrying things they’ll never use. Knowing what to take and what to leave behind is a basic travel skill that’s easy to develop – especially when you have a plan.
I’ve created detailed packing lists for both domestic and international travel. I hope you’ll find them useful and feel free to adapt them to your own travel needs. Keep in mind, you won’t need as much as you think. If you have proper identification, secure payment methods, and a comprehensive travel itinerary, you can often do without the extra baggage. Using detailed lists when packing will spare you the headache of realizing you’re missing certain items once you arrive at your destination. Having everything you need makes a trip better. It reduces stress and saves you from paying premium for items forgotten.
Planning trips can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. By doing your research and creating trip narratives, you’ll have detailed itineraries to follow as you work with a travel agent or venture out on your own. Whether you’re a travel pro or just getting started, stick to these travel basics and get the most out of your next adventure!
ACTION STEPS
Set up a travel binder/folder for future trip narratives and keep your travel itineraries in one place!
Do you have an experience related to what you have read? Please share it with us in the comments section and help others learn too.
