Since college, I’ve had an unspoken goal to travel and experience the world. Increasingly, I see this is never going to happen until I get real clear about my goal and organize my life to meet it. I want to go large, like 190 countries large. I want to really travel the world, visit every subcontinent, and spend extended time: immerse myself. Along the way, I want to go where few others go and do what few others do:
- run the six major marathons (Boston is one),
- run marathons in more exotic places like Antarctica and the great wall of China (hell, even on the moon!).
- hike, run, or ride bikes across states, countries, and continents!
Challenges
Time
A quick calculation reveals, even if I spent just 90 days per country, I’d have too little time on my statistical remaining life span. Surely, there are places where it might be unsafe or impossible to travel. Surely, there are places that may not justify 90 days. Yet, there are just as certainly places where 90 days would just be scratching the surface. Either way, I think the point is clear that time is precious. Time to get going if I’m to travel the world!
Income
The number one thing preventing delivery on this sort of goal is free cash flow. Possible solutions for cash flow are create a business or portfolio that delivers passive or portfolio income, or get a remote or travel gig for earned income.
Debt
The number two thing preventing goals like this is debt payments absorbing free cash flow. Solutions for debt are have enough income to make the payments, or pay it off.
Administration
There will be administrative hurdles at the national level, but these are overcome everyday by normal people like myself. Some places are more interested that others in letting you experience the world.
Language
Not everyone in every place speaks my native language. I’ll have to improve my language skills or enlist guides.
Stuff
I’ll have to downsize my life considerably.
Food
I have dietary restrictions that may be easier to meet in many places outside North America, with their simpler and more limited supply chains. In other places, limits on local resources may require me to import or bring resources with me. Many who go abroad extensively say their diet and health improves!
Medical Care And Insurance
Given the North American obsession with medical care, others have pointed out to me this is an important concern. I’m listing it here, though I understand there are many places with as good, cheaper, and sometimes even easier-to-navigate medical delivery systems.
Strengths
I have:
- planning, organizational, and administrative skills.
- prior travel experience.
- English language fluency.
- decent Spanish language skills.
Team
My Honey Bunny says she’s on the team. She says she’s always wanted to travel the world. We’re looking for others who’ve done it, want to do it, or need someone to experience the world on their behalf.
Consider And Act
- What’s your big intention?
- Have you declared your goal?
- Have you begun?
- What have you learned in the process?
- Identify the challenges you’re experiencing or you foresee.
- What strengths do you bring to the game?
- Do you have a team to support you in achieving your goal?
