A strong ambition to travel the world begins with a strong desire. Desire is something that must come from within and manifest into action and goals. Desire is the prime motivator. It leads to hard work, commitment, sacrifice. It’s about doing whatever it takes to follow through on your goals until you are at that destination across the world and can say: “Hey! Only I did this and only I made this happen!” — Brad Olsen, World Stompers (2001)

World Stompers – A Global Travel Manifesto was the first book I read on ’round the world travel after I made the decision to take such a trip in 2002. The cover indicates Oliver Stone said it was “A Subversive Masterpiece” whatever that means. I bought it at the bookstore because it stuck out like a store thumb from all the glossy travel guides. I found it was packed with inspiring words by the author (including his own illustrated comics) and selected quotes from pop culture and famous people. There were plenty of Top 10 lists about best beaches and “totally rad national parks.” World Stompers is like a low-fi version of the other books I’ve since read, and that is why I love it so much.

In particular, the quote above sums up my thought process over the past 5 years. I set goals to get out of debt, get a job, get promoted at that job, earn raises, save money, all culminating in a trip set to begin in approximately 242 days. When I stop to think about how far I’ve come, and my ability to set short term goals and accomplish those goals on the way to something bigger, I feel incredibly proud of what I’ve learned during this process.

Finally getting on a plane to fly half way around the world will be icing on the cake!

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