When I was young, the world felt impossibly large – so vast, so far away, and certainly out of reach. I grew up in a household of 12: my parents, grandparents, and us 8 siblings. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us, and vacations weren’t something we talked about. A “trip” meant getting sent off to stay with cousins in another state during the summer. That was my version of a getaway.
It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized something powerful: the world isn’t out of reach. It’s just one car or plane ride away.
The World by the Numbers
- 195 countries make up our world today.
There are 7 continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
The planet is filled with thousands of iconic landmarks like:
The Eiffel Tower in France
The Great Wall of China
The Grand Canyon in the U.S.
The Colosseum in Italy
Mount Fuji in Japan
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Petra in Jordan
Machu Picchu in Peru
The world is big, but not unreachable. You just need to take the first step.
My First Real Vacation: Hawaii
After years of saving, we finally took our first real vacation: a trip to Hawaii. I’ll admit, it was a splurge, but it changed my life. The lush mountains, turquoise waters, rich culture, and spirit of aloha awakened something in me. I realized I had only scratched the surface of what the world had to offer.
Since then, I’ve traveled across the United States, visiting stunning places like:
Joshua Tree National Park
Yosemite National Park
Smoky Mountains
Grand Canyon
Antelope Canyon
Badlands
Yellowstone National Park
And internationally, I’ve cruised around the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska, and explored countries like the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Taiwan, and Japan.
Every destination deepened my appreciation for the world, its people, its flavors, its stories. Travel didn’t just entertain me; it transformed me.
Travel Is More Than a Vacation—It’s a Way of Living Fully
Here are life-changing benefits of traveling:
Expands Your Perspective – You begin to see the world through a new lens.
Teaches You Culture and Compassion – You connect with people and traditions you never knew existed.
Breaks Routine and Reduces Stress – Stepping away from your daily grind refreshes your mind and body.
Strengthens Relationships – Traveling with loved ones creates memories you’ll never forget.
Builds Confidence and Adaptability – You learn to navigate unfamiliar places, languages, and systems.
Inspires Creativity – New sights, sounds, and experiences feed your imagination.
Gives You Something to Look Forward To – Planning your next adventure brings excitement and joy.
How to Manifest Your Travel Dreams
You don’t need a lottery ticket to see the world, you just need a dream, a plan, and action. Here’s how to turn your travel dreams into reality:
1. Write Your Travel Bucket List
List every place you want to visit, no limits. Include local spots, weekend getaways, and faraway dream destinations. Big or small, write them all down.
2. Add a Budget
Estimate the cost for each trip: Flights or gas, Lodging, Food, Excursions, Extras (shopping, insurance, etc.)
Sort your bucket list into:
Short-Term (affordable/local)
Mid-Term (moderate travel)
Long-Term (dream trips)
3. Create a Travel Fund Plan
Pick 1–2 trips to focus on. Set a savings goal and timeline. Break it down into monthly or weekly savings. Even $10/week adds up.
4. Research as You Save
While saving, research your destination—where to stay, what to eat, what to do. Watch videos, read blogs, and plan your dream itinerary.
My Upcoming Adventures
In the next two years, I plan to:
Relax at a resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Hike the stunning landscapes of New Zealand
Return to Thailand, my birthplace, for the first time since I was 6
Walk the palaces of South Korea in traditional hanboks like in the historical dramas I love
These dreams keep me energized and focused. Travel isn’t just about going somewhere, it’s about becoming someone new along the way.
The World Isn’t Out of Reach
I used to think the world was too big. Too far. Too expensive.
But now I know better.
The world is filled with beauty, culture, and adventure, and it’s waiting for you.
All it takes is a plan, a little sacrifice, and a whole lot of dreaming.
Start small if you must, but start. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby park or a passport-stamped journey overseas, the world is yours to explore.
Because the world isn’t too big – it’s just big enough to change your life.
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