Tag: how-to

5 Essential Tips to Start Planning Your Long Term Travel Adventure

If you’ve been dreaming of finally taking off on a long-term travel adventure, or you are working up the courage to take your first solo trip, here are 5 essential tips you need to hear to get started !

You will have plenty of things to do once you’ve decided to take the leap. But often the hardest part is making the decision to leave. I’ve uprooted my life more than once to set out on long-term travel adventure. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you.


Starting to travel long-term requires more than just logistics—it demands a deep well of motivation and the courage to break free from the norm. It begins with visualizing the life you want and understanding that the world has endless opportunities waiting for you. You’ll need the determination to step out of your comfort zone, embracing the unknown as a pathway to personal growth. Overcoming fear and doubt is key, and it helps to connect with like-minded travelerswho have made it happen, drawing inspiration from their stories. Long-term travel isn’t just a getaway, it’s a lifestyle choice that offers freedom, discovery, and fulfillment. If you need an extra push or inspiration, visit my YouTube channel, Alcohol & Airplanes, where we share real-life experiences, tips, and motivational content to help you make long-term travel a reality!

Without further ado, here are the FIRST five things you’re going to need to do to motivate your travel dreams.

  1. GET OVER YOURSELF.
    Yes, that’s write. Time to get out your own way. If you want to be one of those people you see on instagram, living your dreams in front of beautiful and historical landscapes… you’re going to have to get over yourself! What that really means is, you need to get over your self-doubt. Get over your imposter syndrome, your prejudices and most importantly.. get over your fears. Trust me when I tell you, the only difference between you and the people living your travel dreams is they decided to go for it. What’s stopping you? Stop listening to the voices in your head that tell you it ‘could never be you’.. YES IT CAN!

2. Be Realistic About Your Goals and Current Situation
Assessing your current situation is the first step toward making your travel dreams a reality. If you can afford to drop everything and book a ticket today—awesome! But before you head to the airport, there are a few practical steps you need to take. Start by double-checking your finances to ensure you’re ready for the cost of flights, accommodations, and daily expenses. Make sure your passport is up to date, and research any visa requirements for your destination. You’ll also need to sort out any responsibilities back home, like work obligations, bills, and housing arrangements. Whether you’re planning a long-term trip or a short escape, being realistic about what you need to do before you board the plane is key.

3. Is Solo Travel for you?
I highly recommend every young woman travel solo at least once, but it’s important to recognize that solo travel may not be for everyone. Ask yourself if you have someone to travel with who shares your timeline and travel style. It’s crucial to consider if your companion’s goals align with yours before making plans. However, don’t let fear hold you back from considering solo travel if that’s what you truly want. Think about whether traveling alone fits your personality and desires—there’s no wrong answer. And remember, not having a travel partner is no reason to postpone the trip you’ve been dreaming of. Solo travel can be empowering and life-changing, offering a chance to grow and explore on your own terms. 


4. Be Unrealistic
Yes, I said it—traveling will literally open up the world for you. Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to your travel dreams. Dream big, write down your craziest travel goals, and put them out into the universe. There’s no pressure to achieve them all, but allow yourself to believe that you can experience whatever you set your sights on—if you give yourself the chance. Be realistic about what you can achieve based on your current situation, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your biggest adventures. If you say you want an adventure, let yourself have one. 

5. Start Making Your Lists!
Okay- you’ve convinced yourself you can do this, now it’s really time to start planning and organizing. Start by making your lists! First things first, address any major responsibilities, like your lease, pets, and insurance ( don’t forget to check your passport!) . Then, create an estimated timeline and budget to understand the costs involved. Make a list of things you need to buy, such as travel gear and essentials, and start drafting your packing list. If you need suggestions for must- have packing items, I’ve made a list of my favorites essentials for you here. These steps are just the beginning, but they’re crucial to getting organized. Write everything down or type it up so you can visualize what it takes to make your trip happen. Lists are incredibly helpful for staying on track, so organize yourself in a way that works best for you. This includes making to-do lists, tracking financial obligations, and outlining packing essentials.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to travel long-term? Comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to Alcohol & Airplanes for more travel tips and inspiration!

Discover the 3 Essential Keys to Happiness and Well-being

3 Pillars of Happiness. Unlock the secret to Health and Happiness

Losing my job has forced me into facing some difficult truths. The first is, I’ve been stagnant, burnt out and forgetful of the promises I made to myself years ago. The second truth I realized is, I am the only person who I going to get me to the places I want to be in life. Overthinking, and self-doubt has been weighing me down. It’s time to face reality and start being the person I want to be. It’s now or never. 

I’ve been actively trying to make my life better day by day. I’m finding happiness and creating a life I actually want to live. Here are some things that I do to better my life. Let me know what works for you in the comments !

Here is a list of essential steps towards happiness for the person who wants to be happier, healthier and start to unlock their own potential. 

The first thing about making your life better is understanding, you’re in it for the long haul. Once you truly understand that, small wins and little habits are going to be your new best friends for improving your view on life. 

Everyday, you’re going to be making a point to focus on these three pillars of happiness.

Body, Mind and Spirit.

BODY.
Even if health goals or weight loss something you like to think or worry about, movement needs to be crucial for you. The body is the outward expression of all your thoughts and actions. Whether you like it or not, it’s important to take time every day to celebrate and move your body in some way. Get the blood flowing and blow the stink off the day, as my grand mother would say.
 
When I tell you it’s important to make a point to get your body moving everyday I mean it. An object in motion stays in motion. Be aware when you’re just rotting away on the couch everyday. I realized it was my pattern; just sitting, binging , wasting away and consumed by my own thoughts. I  felt like I was a failure, a boring loser. All because I was in the cycle of stagnation. I neglected to remember how important the mind body connection really is.

I’m not saying you should start training for a marathon. There’s NO need to take anything to the extreme. You can’t cheat your way to happiness. It’s not going to work. I started by taking a daily walk. If you have access to a pool, swimming some laps is also a great option. Make it a little ritual. If you like to run, run! Fan of yoga? Take a class or look up a free guided lesson on YouTube.  The trick, is to do something daily. Don’t over think it. Get up off the couch for at least 30 minutes a day. Start from there but make it mandatory for yourself.

MIND.
The truth is, you’re going to have to get your mind on board first if you want to make yourself happier. It’s not new-aged hippie BS- your thoughts have an impact on the life you are leading. But there’s so much more to it.

Think about a time in your life when you felt like an absolute badass. Did you feel like you were on top of the world? Did you realize you are capable of you more than you, yourself even realized? Because you are, to be like it, you have to start thinking like it.

Your brain is a muscle. Instead of doom scrolling and potato couching, it’s time to exercise this muscle in a more productive way. What excites you that you could read about? What audiobook might you like to listen to? Is there any projects you’ve been neglecting?

You don’t need to read the dictionary to exercise your mind. For me, I like to read non-fiction, journal or make lists to organize myself. I also like to write poetry. Exercising your mind doesn’t have to be about learning. But it should, be something away from social media or mindless engagement.

Your brain will thank you and you will feel positive about learning, creating or accomplishing something. Again, don’t make it extreme ! The 3 pillars of happiness are about small changes everyday that can build up over time.

So, don’t try to read a book in one sitting, but maybe make a goal to read a chapter a day. You can do that, easy!

SPIRIT.
I think this pillar is probably the most important and connects the 3 together. Focusing a little bit each day on your Spirit, doesn’t mean you need to find Jesus. But you do need to do some honest check-ins with yourself.

You don’t need to be religious to connect with your spiritual side. This pillar is the one that will enable to succeed in the others. Spirit is being actively aware of how you are speaking to yourself and what you are asking the universe for.

If you’re angry at the world and down on your life and body and you feel like you can’t get out of your own way. Try to be aware of your thoughts and ask for what you really want.

Spirit looks like:

“I hate my jobs, but today I went for my walk and continued to work on my business, I can see myself succeeding if I keep this up.”

Spirit is the realization and understanding that you are capable of creating the life you want. Capable sure, but the only thing that is going to get you to that next level is building it brick by brick.

Day by day… Body, Mind & Spirit.