College is a time of exploration, adventure and finding yourself.
College is also a time of being broke...like always.
About a year ago, my friends and I started an "experiences over materials" movement. Basically, we decided that we would stop spending money on material goods – clothes, shoes and other “necessities” – and start spending money on experiences. We figured that with the amount of money we would save on things that we would get tired of within weeks, we could start funding our explorations around town, the state, country and hopefully the world.
The premise of this movement was completely reasonable and doable, but for us, much easier said than done. I mean really, sometimes clothes just call your name from across the store, you feel me?
So, my wanderlust forced me to come up with a new way to fund my spontaneous adventures.
Get a job.
I mean yes, but that’s far too obvious to write a blog about.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the “Wander Fund.”
This fund can take whatever shape you please, but it must take a physical shape. I know we are in a technological age where no one knows what cash is and complaints are raised when vending machines do not accept credit cards (because why would we carry change), but traveling is a purely physical experience. In fact, it is better when little to no technology is involved. For that reason, this travel fund must be tangible.
I personally suggest putting a little bit of creative juice into a box or jar to house your Wander Fund. Place some fun travel pictures or some Pinterest worthy cheesy quotes on the outside for inspirational motivation. Then, get started with funding your next trip!
Here’s how it works. Whenever you have change or some extra cash, put it in the Wander Fund. Forego a cup of coffee out and put the money you would have spent in your fund. Find some change in the laundry machine after washing a load of clothes? Put it in the fund. Discover a misplaced wad of cash in your car…you know the drill.
You will be amazed how fast seemingly small amounts of money will add up.
Grab some friends, create your Wander Fund and challenge each other to see who can raise the most money the fastest.
Also, keep in mind that traveling does not have to be expensive. Start small. Explore the area around you. Take in the details of things that you often pass but rarely experience.
Here is something that I have learned – you will never have extra money lying around to simply go off on a spontaneous trip. And when you do, you will more than likely be tied down by a job, family or a multitude of other responsibilities. Take advantage of the time you have now to wander freely.
College is a time of exploration, adventure and finding yourself.
You will be amazed at how much you learn about yourself when traveling. You are forced to adapt to new languages and cultures. You get to try new foods and meet people from all over the world. You will learn to be patient, flexible and far more outgoing. Your traveling experiences will shape you as a person and transform your outlook on the world and life as whole.
They say that traveling is the only purchase that will actually make you richer and I completely agree. The money in your Wander Fund will increase exponentially.
I hope that you are all inspired to begin your own Wander Fund and I hope that one day you open it and allow it to take you to a space that feeds your soul, stimulates you intellectually and provides you with a new set of eyes to view the world.
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." – Saint Augustine
