The year was 2011. I joined the Travel Hacking Cartel, where I learned about a British Airways promotion. The next year I was able to take my family of four to Europe, as I had always dreamed of. That led to more trips than I could count, and a love of travel for my kids, as well. Go, get out there. No one ever regrets taking the trip. What's the point of hoarding anything if it's not putting you on the path toward realizing your dreams?
"Spend the miles. Spend your time. Spend your energy, your art, your attention. Don’t Wait for a Finish Line that Keeps Moving." That last line hit hard. Ive learned that spending my energy creates more and my hunch is that applies pretty much across the board; creating more opportunities, money and capacity for attention.
* There's one area where I'm still stuck in the mud; buying clothes. That ain't happening until I get my weight down. I'll spare you the heart surgeries after getting covid and the 3 year journey out of that hole (still climbing). Back to clothes.
Just can't do it. Feeling really good about my progress healthwise. I'm traveling again, getting stronger. But the mirror will have to wait...
Keep up the good work and the positive attitude will take you over the top. In fact, you've already achieved the most difficult part - the attitude of success. Those over-sized clothes are trophies of success. I take the worst of the fits on vacation with me and trash it at my destination. Less packing going home. Vacations are my motivating force even when all I can afford is a day trip down the trolly line.
I'm a designer and have gotten away with wearing black pants and top for 25+ years (use them til they are no longer presentable then use them for painting and yard work). My hubby, however, has had enough.
I get it. Not guilt; new or used you still have to try it on ;)
Chris, address the issue of priority on fixed budgets. The dentist or Cabo? Paying down credit cards to eliminate interest or racking up more debt in Europe? It must be nice to have the 1%'s options.
The American public is quickly running out of options as wealth is rapidly moving out of the middle and lower classes into the pocket of a tiny minority. And now we begin national debt-slavery to pay off the national debt. It's costing us more than our aggressive militarization and endless war mongering. It's NOT getting better with the two establishment parties. They tighten their choke-hold while picking our pockets - and yet some in the public still identify as R's or D's!?!
Those selling plasma for food salute the insanity! Bring the military home and charge the branches with making actual improvements to the USA with transportation infrastructure, access to unlimited solar energy and the option to shift representative governmental choices back to the public. We need a military that helps America; not pushing more failed regime-change wars and astronomical debt.
One of the most surprising things my mother told me to do in the last weeks of her life was to travel. She had four kids she was supporting on the 50-hour-a-week salary of a department store cosmetics manager, which left her with barely enough money to get by and even less time. I knew she was dreaming of retirement - I would never have wanted her life - but I had no idea she was dreaming of seeing the world, too. She died at age 66, never getting her hopes off the ground.
As a single parent with ADHD working multiple low-wage part-time jobs, I couldn’t even afford health insurance for me and my son, let alone travel. But my mom’s words compelled me to find a way.
I don’t know how I found your Dream Trip class, but in 2015, I took a risk and bought the class. Despite all my barriers, I threw myself into it and trusted the process. My first trip was in 2016, and airfare cost me $88 and under 100,000 miles round trip from the west coast to Heathrow - in first class. My mother would have been so proud.
Since then I’ve used airline miles for multiple trips to visit friends and family in the US and taken three big solo trips to Europe on miles thanks to the knowledge - and the courage - I gained from that course.
I’m 70 now and I can honestly say that using those miles has changed my life considerably. My brother moved to Portugal three years ago and without the airline miles, I couldn’t have seen him. I’ve been able to walk in places my ancestors walked and see where they lived, and this spring I was able to share that experience with him, too.
I think of you, Chris, whenever I book a flight.
But none of it would have been possible if I hadn’t taken the leap and spent the miles. The “book it” button never disappoints.
Exactly. So many ppl I've talked to - at retirement, etc. I was a busy consultant, never had time for a wife (Billy Joel song), and they are sad. Self Limiting beliefs. Or I will lose weight when... which is fancy way NOT to do it. There is a famous saying, what good does it do a person to give up the whole world, and lose their soul - you do only have one life, and those points do expire... sometimes you do before they do. I never pursued it, because I found I could get a better deal by just shopping hard, and I was tied (committed :) to a stable life style for the 2 kids we adopted from foster care, and not traveling when my spouse could not. Recently we flew to a pretty place, paid cash (no debt) for everything, and I didn't need to blink - could I have spent more time travel hacking - maybe? But I'd spent 10 years getting to the place where we could just go. The hardest part is having the time, and getting on the same page as the spouse :) Travel hacking easy :)
I took my first Cruise this year in May. Best thing I have ever done for myself. I had failed to plan ahead and save points etc... but yes I know have the itch to do more travel and living in the now and not the 'someday' because as we know 'someday' might not come. Do not wait until tomorrow to do what you can do today!!
Quitting my corporate job to follow my dream of traveling the world is the greatest thing I’ve don’t. It hasn’t been easy by any means, but so worth it. Experience is priceless.
When the pandemic hit, I had the thought, “if I never get to travel again, I can confidently say that I’ve lived. I’ve traveled to 6 continents and experienced so much all because I chose to live life differently.”
Many people misunderstand the assignment. To them, the amount of money/number of points accumulated is the measure of success/happiness/self-worth. Most just live out their lives tracking that "score" and feeling like mabye something's missing. A few figure it out near the end when it's too late.
Join the fancy gym with pool, hot tub, sauna, and every fancy machine for six times more than the basic gym? I didn’t. I wanted to. But it was hard to justify. Just trying to go three times a week and start where I am and do what I can.
Ive taken on the expensive gym option - and its been revelatory .
It is a subtle way for me to realise I am worth it, the extra $100 per week i pay does not make too much difference to my life financially, however it is a subtle reminder that my well being (mentall as well as physical) is priceless. I work out 5-6 times per week, with a few recovery sessions thrown in.
Yes, the place is much more bourgeoisie than I am accustomed to, and tbh I enjoy it.
I work out hard, and the sauna & plunge pool keeps me envigorated too.
It's not for every one however for this peon it works!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m thinking of dipping my toe in for a few months here and there so I can enjoy the pool and hot tub. Once I get to the gym, I love my time there and I love how I feel afterwards. (Taller). It’s leaving the house and committing that I’m working on initially.
- by paying a 'premium' for the gym the cost/pain of not going is greater, hence in my experience I get right into it, and once it becomes a habit then it becomes part of my routine
- as for feeling better afterwards, I'd like to stretch out your perspective (if I may), imagine how good you will feel mentally & be able to physically achieve in 10, or say 20 years time thanks to your efforts this week, (or month, or year).
- as for the pecuniary cost, (I'm in Australia) it is the equivalent of going out for dinner, or drinks once a week. In my humble opinion it is a trade off I very keen to make.
- lastly, as for dipping your toe, do not be timid and right jump in!
The year was 2011. I joined the Travel Hacking Cartel, where I learned about a British Airways promotion. The next year I was able to take my family of four to Europe, as I had always dreamed of. That led to more trips than I could count, and a love of travel for my kids, as well. Go, get out there. No one ever regrets taking the trip. What's the point of hoarding anything if it's not putting you on the path toward realizing your dreams?
A travel agency billboard in Cambridge, ma in the 80s. GO AWAY. GO AWAY OFTEN.
"Spend the miles. Spend your time. Spend your energy, your art, your attention. Don’t Wait for a Finish Line that Keeps Moving." That last line hit hard. Ive learned that spending my energy creates more and my hunch is that applies pretty much across the board; creating more opportunities, money and capacity for attention.
* There's one area where I'm still stuck in the mud; buying clothes. That ain't happening until I get my weight down. I'll spare you the heart surgeries after getting covid and the 3 year journey out of that hole (still climbing). Back to clothes.
Just can't do it. Feeling really good about my progress healthwise. I'm traveling again, getting stronger. But the mirror will have to wait...
Love reading your work Chris.
Keep up the good work and the positive attitude will take you over the top. In fact, you've already achieved the most difficult part - the attitude of success. Those over-sized clothes are trophies of success. I take the worst of the fits on vacation with me and trash it at my destination. Less packing going home. Vacations are my motivating force even when all I can afford is a day trip down the trolly line.
Thrifted clothes are always the answer. No matter the question.
I'm a designer and have gotten away with wearing black pants and top for 25+ years (use them til they are no longer presentable then use them for painting and yard work). My hubby, however, has had enough.
I get it. Not guilt; new or used you still have to try it on ;)
Chris, address the issue of priority on fixed budgets. The dentist or Cabo? Paying down credit cards to eliminate interest or racking up more debt in Europe? It must be nice to have the 1%'s options.
The American public is quickly running out of options as wealth is rapidly moving out of the middle and lower classes into the pocket of a tiny minority. And now we begin national debt-slavery to pay off the national debt. It's costing us more than our aggressive militarization and endless war mongering. It's NOT getting better with the two establishment parties. They tighten their choke-hold while picking our pockets - and yet some in the public still identify as R's or D's!?!
Those selling plasma for food salute the insanity! Bring the military home and charge the branches with making actual improvements to the USA with transportation infrastructure, access to unlimited solar energy and the option to shift representative governmental choices back to the public. We need a military that helps America; not pushing more failed regime-change wars and astronomical debt.
Thanks for this, Chris. It’s easy to forget that you have to spend, to get. (Accidentally rhyming)
Your book, “The Happiness of Pursuit,” helped me refine my goals. I’m pursuing it now!
💗 Don’t wait for a finish line that keeps moving 💗
One of the most surprising things my mother told me to do in the last weeks of her life was to travel. She had four kids she was supporting on the 50-hour-a-week salary of a department store cosmetics manager, which left her with barely enough money to get by and even less time. I knew she was dreaming of retirement - I would never have wanted her life - but I had no idea she was dreaming of seeing the world, too. She died at age 66, never getting her hopes off the ground.
As a single parent with ADHD working multiple low-wage part-time jobs, I couldn’t even afford health insurance for me and my son, let alone travel. But my mom’s words compelled me to find a way.
I don’t know how I found your Dream Trip class, but in 2015, I took a risk and bought the class. Despite all my barriers, I threw myself into it and trusted the process. My first trip was in 2016, and airfare cost me $88 and under 100,000 miles round trip from the west coast to Heathrow - in first class. My mother would have been so proud.
Since then I’ve used airline miles for multiple trips to visit friends and family in the US and taken three big solo trips to Europe on miles thanks to the knowledge - and the courage - I gained from that course.
I’m 70 now and I can honestly say that using those miles has changed my life considerably. My brother moved to Portugal three years ago and without the airline miles, I couldn’t have seen him. I’ve been able to walk in places my ancestors walked and see where they lived, and this spring I was able to share that experience with him, too.
I think of you, Chris, whenever I book a flight.
But none of it would have been possible if I hadn’t taken the leap and spent the miles. The “book it” button never disappoints.
Exactly. So many ppl I've talked to - at retirement, etc. I was a busy consultant, never had time for a wife (Billy Joel song), and they are sad. Self Limiting beliefs. Or I will lose weight when... which is fancy way NOT to do it. There is a famous saying, what good does it do a person to give up the whole world, and lose their soul - you do only have one life, and those points do expire... sometimes you do before they do. I never pursued it, because I found I could get a better deal by just shopping hard, and I was tied (committed :) to a stable life style for the 2 kids we adopted from foster care, and not traveling when my spouse could not. Recently we flew to a pretty place, paid cash (no debt) for everything, and I didn't need to blink - could I have spent more time travel hacking - maybe? But I'd spent 10 years getting to the place where we could just go. The hardest part is having the time, and getting on the same page as the spouse :) Travel hacking easy :)
I took my first Cruise this year in May. Best thing I have ever done for myself. I had failed to plan ahead and save points etc... but yes I know have the itch to do more travel and living in the now and not the 'someday' because as we know 'someday' might not come. Do not wait until tomorrow to do what you can do today!!
There's nothing sadder than unused art supplies. Use all the things. Make all the art. Buy yourself more as a reward for using them up.
Wow! This is me. I'd love to hear more on this subject. Thank you!
Quitting my corporate job to follow my dream of traveling the world is the greatest thing I’ve don’t. It hasn’t been easy by any means, but so worth it. Experience is priceless.
When the pandemic hit, I had the thought, “if I never get to travel again, I can confidently say that I’ve lived. I’ve traveled to 6 continents and experienced so much all because I chose to live life differently.”
Many people misunderstand the assignment. To them, the amount of money/number of points accumulated is the measure of success/happiness/self-worth. Most just live out their lives tracking that "score" and feeling like mabye something's missing. A few figure it out near the end when it's too late.
Funny you write about this now, because I just did s YouTube video this week about delayed gratification.
https://youtu.be/JFNgs0mvyCs?si=h1S20Qy4ITahl2jL
Sorry I missed you in Austin, but it was great to see you in Houston. Stay Blessed
Sitting in the airport as we speak, headed off for a month in Europe.
Love this Chris - life is for living not waiting to live 😁
Join the fancy gym with pool, hot tub, sauna, and every fancy machine for six times more than the basic gym? I didn’t. I wanted to. But it was hard to justify. Just trying to go three times a week and start where I am and do what I can.
Ive taken on the expensive gym option - and its been revelatory .
It is a subtle way for me to realise I am worth it, the extra $100 per week i pay does not make too much difference to my life financially, however it is a subtle reminder that my well being (mentall as well as physical) is priceless. I work out 5-6 times per week, with a few recovery sessions thrown in.
Yes, the place is much more bourgeoisie than I am accustomed to, and tbh I enjoy it.
I work out hard, and the sauna & plunge pool keeps me envigorated too.
It's not for every one however for this peon it works!
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m thinking of dipping my toe in for a few months here and there so I can enjoy the pool and hot tub. Once I get to the gym, I love my time there and I love how I feel afterwards. (Taller). It’s leaving the house and committing that I’m working on initially.
Hi Carol,
A few thoughts, if I may;
- by paying a 'premium' for the gym the cost/pain of not going is greater, hence in my experience I get right into it, and once it becomes a habit then it becomes part of my routine
- as for feeling better afterwards, I'd like to stretch out your perspective (if I may), imagine how good you will feel mentally & be able to physically achieve in 10, or say 20 years time thanks to your efforts this week, (or month, or year).
- as for the pecuniary cost, (I'm in Australia) it is the equivalent of going out for dinner, or drinks once a week. In my humble opinion it is a trade off I very keen to make.
- lastly, as for dipping your toe, do not be timid and right jump in!
All the best!
I appreciate you. It makes sense to have access to all the machines and get serious about something that has a great payout years into the future.