We all have our 10 page long bucket list of travel spots we’d die to get an opportunity to visit, and it’s true, some of us will be the lucky few who get to surf in Bali and view the Taj Mahal with our own eyes. Don’t hate me for this reality check but the harsh truth is, it’s really not in everyone’s destiny (or budget) to be a travel photojournalist or lifetime nomad, as much as I wish that were possible.

However, just because you might not get the opportunity to take that dream trip to Paris, doesn’t mean you should hang up your traveling hat. People often overlook amazing destinations that are right in their backyard. Not having a ticket to Katmandu tucked into your passport shouldn’t mean that you can’t explore.

Take advantage of your surroundings.

I lived in Washington state for 18 years, about two hours away from Canada, and never once took the opportunity to visit the beautiful British Columbia because I figured “Eh, I’ll go sometime but I don’t really need to this weekend.” Look at all this beauty I was missing out on in Victoria, BC!

Fast forward my whole life, and now I’m living in California where, as you can imagine, it takes slightly longer than 2 hours to get to Canada. I’m making a pact to visit when I go back to Washington in December to visit my family.

Don’t underestimate the power of locality.

A destination could be 20 minutes or two hours away and the most amazing place you visited this month, or even this year! A hole-in-the-wall café could become your new go-to spot. An amazing location could be your destination for all those conversations you want to have a sunset.

My realistic travel destination this year is Carmel-by-the-Sea in California, a European-style village next to a perfect white sand beach. Who could ask for more?

Just do it.

Nike has it right. Save up for a few weeks if you need to. Ask for the day off. Borrow a friend’s car. Whatever it is that you need to do to get to your travel destination, just do it.

You won’t be sorry.

Signing off with this picture of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany because, while you're visiting your more realistic travel destinations, it doesn't hurt to dream.