So you wish to travel sustainably and authentically. Perhaps you wish to escape the harsh realities back home. Perhaps you wish to tap into your inner sense of curiosity about our grand world. 

After more than 12 years of traveling around the world. As a student, as a tourist, as a backpacker, as a hitchhiker, as an observer, and as a local. There are so many experiences to enjoy. 

So where do we start?

Let's talk about what is stopping you! Perhaps you have school, a relationship, a pet, bills, a home, or even a baby! I also have those, and I still made it possible, so if there is one thing I am certain of, it is that you can travel too. 

My daughter has already been to three countries, she has experienced a world far grander than my mother ever thought possible for me as a child. 

She is learning from each of these experiences, connecting with children and the natural environment in the spaces we have the opportunity to be in. 

My pups have also traveled thousands of miles with us on our journeys. 

Perhaps what limits your opportunity to travel is the fear of the unknown. It is a survival mechanism deep within us to seek familiarity. To seek comfort in the world we know, even if we feel deeply anxious and unsatisfied with our current living situation. 

Traveling can be uncomfortable, and in fact, that is why I highly recommend taking that leap of faith. When we push ourselves, we also push our capacity to embrace opportunity and personal growth.

I encourage you to save money and buy a ticket with the insurance just in case you wish to cancel last minute. Make your spontaneous trip at a random date two months from today, with the return date four weeks later than the arrival date. This will ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy your travel destination. Depending on the location, you will need to save at least $800, but I would recommend saving more and to do some basic research around the cost of living where you plan to be. 

This research will only drive your curiosity and desire to be there. 

If you wish to learn more about these strategies, or if you wish to seek support, I offer authentic travel experiences on my website. Here I will be able to connect you with locals, right now I am focusing on the Dominican Republic, but eventually, I plan to expand to other countries. 

I am thinking of Mexico, Colombia, Morocco, Senegal, Zanzibar, and other locations. 

I recommend traveling with a purpose. 

This will allow you to better find a connection with your new temporary home. Perhaps you can find a non-profit, school, or another local initiative to serve or work with during your time abroad. 

This concept of serving while traveling will almost guarantee you will get the most enriched experience. 

For example, I am personally connected with several schools, and non-profits where I can volunteer, or encourage others to serve. One school teaches Latin music in the Dominican Republic. The philosophy is centered on cultural conservation and artistic development for youth in underprivileged communities to learn respected techniques in Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, and Kompa music. 

It is a beautiful thing to help support this school, and something I believe in. 

No one ever learned how to swim outside of the water, this method of purchasing your ticket well in advance will allow you to take that jump and finally make the tough decision to exit your comfort zone Everything else will fall into place, as long as you have to will to make it happen. 

Goco