That’s the one question I always get asked from family and friends.

1. Confidence

You may be wondering why confidence is number one on this list. It is because most people are afraid to leave the comforts of their everyday routines. Complaining of boredom and the same things everyday will not do any good for a soul who is just looking to do something out of the ordinary. To many people, the money spent on travelling is money that is wasted. To people who believe otherwise, they think the places and memories are worth more than any price. The key to finding happiness in travelling is starting off small. For my fellow Michiganders, take bliss in the time spent at the lake during the summer. Soon, you too will realize that stepping out of your comfort zone is what makes you happy. Although, not everyone may feel like this but it never hurts to try. Nobody can tell you what makes you happy is a waste of money, it just takes confidence.

2. Having A Budget

Number 2 might make more sense, being a college student and such. The one thing you need being a traveler is, money. Regardless if you are on a budget or not. For a lot of people, your income may come from your job, for others it may in a different form of payment. Nonetheless, you need to make sure you have enough money for the trip you have planned. Pro tip: never book a vacation that puts you in debt. THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO BUDGET. Make a savings account dedicated to trips, put an envelope aside to put in extra cash laying around, even in the smallest ways, piggy banks for your change. Any way that helps you save your money, is a good way of doing it! I for one, use a savings account, where I put $20 or more a side from every check I receive. This helps me get to at least 1 trip a year, plus money saved for the next one. Of course you could put more or less! Find your strategy and work with it!

3. Travel Buddy(ies)

You do not actually have to follow this last step but I always prefer it. As I am a female, I have anxiety travelling alone, especially when it is somewhere far from home. I have taken many road trips to see scenery but I always find comfort in the surroundings of my friends, boyfriend, and family when it comes to travelling. Having a travel buddy may also ease your stress on the money situation. Things get a lot easier when they are split half and half (besides airplane tickets.) This is just a recommendation but for being a young traveler, I would like to enjoy it in the company and safety of people I know. And no, this will never stop you from making new friends along the way! Travel in the ways you find comfort and safety in to make sure you are having a good time.