My Inspiration
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A couple of years ago I would not have considered this challenge. We (my other half and I) were dedicated to paying off our mortgage early.
We finally reached our goal and I achieved the challenge by paying off my mortgage by the time I was 40. It was a close thing-I was approaching 41! :)
Now when I say dedicated I mean dedicated-overpaying became our mantra: meal planning to save pennies, buying 2nd hand clothes and trying to live as frugally as possible.
Except for one thing-we weren't giving up travel!
We just didn't do as much-maximum of a worldwide trip a year. That was saved for alongside our overpayments.
During that time I also had a love affair with Southern Africa-returning to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Swaziland twice.
Amazing times but it didn't boost my country count.
In fact I've always been a bit wary of people who 'count countries'. And I suppose I still am if that is the sole aim of what they are doing.
So how did I come to this challenge:
1. In April we went to Japan and met 3 people who have been to 100+ countries. I knew that at present there are 183 countries in the world but I really didn't think anyone really travelled to so many. These were just ordinary passionate travelllers.
2. Since finishing our 'paying off the mortgage' challenge I finally had more money to dedicate to our travel plans. One of the whole points of paying off the mortgage early was to create such freedom.
3. Life is short. Of course we all know that, but this year I have had this drummed into me due to sad family circumstances. People I love can't do what I'm doing. I can't put things off. Now is the time.
So there is my inspiration...
Reaching 100 countries isn't about a number, it's about dedicating my life to my biggest passion (outside of my family) and living my life now. It's about being in the moment.
Of course upon deciding this challenge.. the reality struck. Could it be possible to travel to 45 more countries in 7 and a half years. Financially, could it work? Time wise could it work? Planning was definitely needed.
Sft x
If anyone can do it, you certainly can! We all know you love a challenge so I'm sure you will make it happen. I look forward to reading all about it
ReplyDeletexx
Thanks Judy. If you don't try it will never happen.
DeleteSft x
Totally doable! Although I think counting the USA as one country is not always fair - our regions are like very different countries. Have you been to the South?! (so asks a Northerner lol).
ReplyDeleteYou need to make a trip to Florida and then start making your way down to Central then South America. It won't be as expensive as you think. If I recall you are a teacher so could easily take 6 weeks and spend it in several countries and spend only a little bit. (Exchange really works in your favor.)
Looking forward to your adventures! ~ Pru
That's such an interesting way of looking at the USA. I must admit I haven't been to much of your wonderful country- a few states around the east coast and Florida.
DeleteI was lucky to visit quite a bit of Central America a few years ago and you are right I managed to see 5 countries in my summer holiday.
As for South America-that's somewhere I have never been but it is coming up!
Oh and I love that travel quote!
ReplyDeleteIMO money spent on travel is never wasted!
DeleteSft x
We too, would love to go to as many countries as we can but we wouldn't do it fast like some people do. We like to take our time and explore as much of the country as we can. One reason that we only went to 3 countries when we were in Africa last winter, 2 months in Namibia, 2 in South Africa and 10 days in Lesotho. This year it will be 4 weeks in South Korea.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your travels, you sound like us when you make a commitment so I am sure you will try your best to achieve your goal.
What is your criteria for visiting a country? Some people consider just setting foot in a country as being in a country! For us we at least have to spend a few hours in a country and a meal, and doing that at an airport doesn't count. We have only done this twice with the countries of Sweden and Spain. Last winter we stepped on to the banks of Angola across the river from Namibia, we don't count that.
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
Hi Ruth,
DeleteThanks for dropping by.
I know exactly what you mean about seeing countries 'fast'. You are so lucky being able to take your time and I envy your time spent in Africa. I wish I could have stayed longer each time I visited.
I admire the way Kevin and you budget for what you enjoy doing. Save on what doesn't matter so you can spend on what does :)
I'm going to use your question about criteria for my next post.
Sft x