Agreed. Matt’s post has a grain of truth, but it’s dismissive of whole swathes of people whose lives don’t resemble his own, and dismissive of the fact that a person’s environment really does constrain their prospects. It’s true that some people blame “the outside world” for their problems far more than is reasonable, but Matt has made the mistake of taking the opposite extreme, speaking as though “the outside world” does not and cannot constrain a person at all. The fact is that no one is unaffected by “the outside world”. It constrains all people; it just constrains some people less than others. The idea that all people are equally capable regardless of their environment is ludicrous and demonstrably false. There are more people than Matt seems to think for whom Bob’s complaints really are true, for whom the constraints of “the outside world” really do make it impossible for them to do what Matt claims anyone can do. Much like Bob (ironically), Matt has an attitude that is understandable but ultimately reductive, unimaginative, and presumptuous.

I DO AGREE ( there is a but I’ll get there ) with you to a certain extent. People view travel as some sort of expensive, unattainable, luxury but it really isn’t. As you say, it’s totally obtainable if you are willing to save and make it your priority.

I think the other thing that might be stopping people is they see it as a reward rather than a part of life. Travel broadens the mind, deepens the heart, expands the spirit. Via travel we can know ourselves and know others.

However, here is my but…

You talk as if it is attainable for everybody. I find your tone and reasoning somewhat arrogant. You don’t know Bob. You have no understanding of his life or financial circumstances. Maybe he really just can’t afford it. How do you know? Don’t assume. Everybody in this world is different.

In truth, travel is an absolute privilege. It is NOT available to just anybody. Your reasoning is similar to people that say to depressed people you can be better if you stop being so miserable and pessimistic. Or the type of person that berates the unemployed. You could have a job if you get off your ass and wasn’t so lazy.

There are 33.8 MILLION people in America right now below the poverty line.

Those poverty numbers are official figures. The real figure is likely to be much higher. If you factor in those that earn enough but are paying for houses and college and so forth the number is even high. There are many people that are just about keeping their head above the water line. There are millions of people who struggle and cry at night over the bills piling up. For these people travel is not a simple matter of just skipping expensive coffee or eating out less.

I know because when I was younger I was one of those people. After bills and food I would have maybe 25$ left. Every month was a struggle. Some months I would make it okay and some months I would have to let a bill slide or eat less food because I had no money. I had no TV. No money for extras. Don’t assume.

Second. Bob is right when he says you have it easier. You do. Not everybody has your money and resources. Not everybody is as smart as you are or creative. Not everybody went to collage or got lucky breaks. We are not all the same and you shouldn’t assume. Don’t pretend we are all born equal or that life is party down to luck.

Look travel is possible. I agree. I am not the smartest guy, I don’t have a high paying job. I don’t have a big disposable income after bills are paid but I make travel my priority and strive and struggle to make that happen. I can do it, at least for now. Not everybody can though and I think it’s a little smug and arrogant calling people cynical and spinning the narrative that anybody and everybody can travel if only the pull their socks up. This isn’t the case.

I know you wrote this four years ago, but the truth you present behind the idea hits home.

I appreciate your honesty and your patience toward all the Bobs and Jessicas. My husband and I have been lucky that as we make plans to sell all our things and go on a long hike we have received a lot of support, but when we talk about getting back and living in an RV people’s interests flatline and the cynicism kicks in. Why? Is always their first question.

Regardless, it is a life that works for us and we MOST DEFINITELY can and will make it happen. Thank you for your support for all of us who see living differently and, because of that, pursue the life even the haters can’t ignore.

Totally agree. I’ve taken 2 long term trips that I financed entirely by myself. The first was 6 months and the second was 4 months with 18 months in between. Before each of them I worked two part time jobs and cut down my daily spending as much as I could. All of this while at university and living in a share house. Travel was my priority so I made it happen. If I was tempted to buy a new thing I would always stop and consider if I wanted the thing more than a few extra days of travel. Usually extra travel days won. It’s all about priorities.

I am both a teacher and a student, and it felt more comfortable (for me) to begin my travels with a job teaching abroad. I actually love work and school, so I may or may not continue both as time unfolds. For me. it was an enormous paradigm shift to realize I can do both from wherever I want to be given proper planning.

I have a blog/diary but I may change access so that it is public. I don\’t know if I have anything helpful to offer, but perhaps, and if not, what\’s the harm?

Be well,
Lynne

I’ll admit not everyone has a mid-income salary or can generate income with remote businesses like a lot of digital nomads do, but don’t let your limiting beliefs be the thing that prevent you from traveling. That’s truly a shame.

Didn’t Matt have a post about a guy who worked 60 hours per week at 9$ per hour to travel around the world? If you aren’t willing to give something up then what do you expect to get?