It’s my last few weeks in my twenties.
More likely than not, I’ll be celebrating quietly at home, which I’m oddly okay with. I’ve absolutely loved this past decade of my life, so I thought I’d slowly share the twenty decisions I made in my twenties that I’ll be eternally thankful for.
Here’s number 2️⃣0️⃣: I made a decision to make meaningful adventures a priority over comfort and “normalcy.” Between 2010 and 2014, I managed to make my way to 30 countries, off of an extremely small budget. How?
🔰 In 2010, I couch-surfed for 4 months.
🔰 In 2011, I couch-surfed for 2 more months.
🔰 In 2012, I lived in a van for about 5 months.
🔰 In 2013, I lived in a children’s center as a volunteer for 3 months, with my parents for 4, and out of a backpack for 3 months.
🔰 I lived in Bakersfield for a rent of $300 for 9 months between 2013 and 2014. ⠀⠀
If you were to estimate about $1000 of California housing costs for each of those months, that’s $30,000 saved.
Of course there was still privilege involved. I didn’t have to worry about taking care of anyone and I didn’t have student loans to immediately tend to. But overall, I found that some creative choices can help you do a LOT with a little.
I still try to apply that lesson, although probably not in as extreme fashion as used to- sleeping in an airport to save $20 of lodging, or splitting a $15 twin-sized hostel bed. But I do think if you regularly ask “what’s really necessary?” and “is there any other way to do this?” you’ll open up so many doors.
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Also, here’s a pic from a safari I got to go on in Botswana. $100 for an unforgettable experience by boat and jeep, with lunch and visa fees included. Another great decision.
Prioritizing Adventure