By Marcella S. Meeks
My sister Kitty hates to travel. She acts like her home is some kind of palace and she hates staying any where else. She calls her home a castle and it’s nothing but a simple older model three bedroom double wide mobile home sitting on several acres of land. Kitty not only hates to travel but she also hates being a widow, too. She had been married five times and all of her husbands are dead. Who wouldn’t hate that? She, even though she is in her late 70’s, is looking for husband number 6. Watch out, gentlemen! Here she comes, she’s a man-eater! I sure wouldn’t want to be husband number 6! She has hobbies at home that she enjoys and she spends her free time going out to clubs and dancing closer to home. Traveling just isn’t her cup of tea. There are thousands of people who share that same insight – traveling just doesn’t suit them.
If there is anywhere I can go, I will. If a travel opportunity presents itself, I’m ready. My bags are always packed and I can be on my way in a snap.
People has asked me multiple times why I enjoy traveling so much. There’s no one answer to that age-old question. My main reason is that I love going somewhere – anywhere – as long as I’m not going home! I love my home and I’m peaceful and happy in it but I love hopping in the car and taking day trips here and there, spending a night or two in new places and I love taking short and long term vacations. The longer the better. Simple as that. For no definite reason other than it is who I am and what I do. Traveling is my hobby, my job, my way of life, and I am very content the way I am. Unlike my older sister, I can’t stand sitting at home being ‘Suzy-home-maker’ when there are places to go!
Traveling is not for everyone – I get that.
I remember a time when I didn’t travel much. Financial reasons for one thing. You certainly can’t go places if you’re broke or don’t have transportation. Travel is limited if you have children in school unless you’re fortunate enough to have a live-in nanny. I was never that fortunate. Finding a baby sitter while I worked day jobs was hard enough! Honestly, I dreamed of traveling but just didn’t have the means to do so at certain times in my life. The desire was there.
As the years passed, I found a way to support my traveling habit. I learned how to travel on a shoestring budget and it always worked well for me. I’ve never smoked, or drank, or had bad habits that drained my money. I’ve always had bills to pay just like everyone else, and personal needs that needed taken care of too. But I learned to manage my finances a long time ago and save a few dollars back every month for a mini trip or upcoming vacation. I start saving a year in advance and along with that, save all my change. You’ll be surprised how much change adds up in several months time.
When I buy groceries, I buy a Wendy’s food card, Burger King food card or whatever is available or affordable – at least one $10 or $15 card each month, depending on how many people I’m bringing on a trip. The more food cards I buy in advance for when it’s time to travel, the less money I have to take out of pocket for food. I already have multiple food cards purchased and available when we need it. Believe me, this helps. I also buy Shell gas cards and load money on them as well, at least $25 every other month.
I love traveling – I love taking tours and doing fun things, especially with my family. This is memory making time. Trust me, we’ve made many memories through the years that will never be forgotten. This may just well be the reason I love traveling so much.
Finding ways to support my traveling urges makes me happy and believe me, I am always looking for new things. If it makes my trip better and allows me money to enjoy the trip, you know I will try it.
What do you enjoy most about travel?
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