Does "Someday" really mean "Someday"?

Ask any travel agent or tour operator the most common word they hear from people about travel and it will unanimously be- “someday”.  This word has become synonymous with travel and people use it so freely when discussing this topic.  Why has this one word become so prevalent in the industry of travel?  “Someday” is a very safe word, it implies that you would like to do something-just not right now.  Unfortunately, the word is also used within the context of a conversation to imply rejection without having to be overly harsh or negative to the other person.

The real question that most people within the travel industry would like to have answered is whether or not that “someday” will ever happen.  That is the million dollar question, does “someday” really mean “someday”?  With several years behind me as a tour operator I have found that only a very minute number of people every make it to their “someday”.

Over the past few years I have offered countless travel presentations on my tours to Switzerland and Germany.  These presentations allow me to address large groups and ultimately have a lot of face to face interaction.  I thoroughly enjoy giving these presentations-they have afforded me the opportunity to speak with so many people about travel, giving me new insights to why people never make it to their “someday”.

Here are the top reasons or excuses that I have heard from fellow travelers:

Money

By far the most commonly used excuse above any other is money.  If I received a penny for every time I heard someone say they would love to travel but can’t because it’s too expensive I would be a retired wealthy man!  I can understand this excuse- it is safe to say the economy is in the dumps right now, trust me I feel it on my end tremendously!  Travel is usually the first thing that is thrown out of a tight budget and quickly replaced with the old adage of “someday”. 

Is this excuse really valid?  Absolutely, we do not all have money flowing out our pockets.  However, this excuse is worn out over the years and years that it has been exhausted.  Money is needed to travel but those who really want to travel, save.  If travel is important to you then you will make it a priority, you will scrimp and save even in the hard times, so you can enjoy and experience the world of travel.  Even changing the smallest of money spending habits can quickly add up toward your next vacation. 

Time

I hear this excuse a lot which makes it come in number two on the list.  I just don’t have the time for travel.  We have somehow become a nation that is non-stop and seem to be perpetually on the go.  Between our jobs and family commitments it can be hard to find time to catch our breath.  One of the biggest social concerns our society has constructed is the idea that we cannot be away from our jobs because we might lose them, most people fear that too much time away from work could equate to someone taking their place.  Travel once again is quickly put on the back burner. 

Studies have shown the necessity of making time for a vacation.  The results emphatically point to higher production at work, along with a healthier physical and mental state.  Time can really fall into the same solution as money, you just have to make the decision it is an essential aspect in your life and it will happen.

Age

Did anyone think the excuse of age would come in number 3?  This is commonly used for both young and old.  Couples with young children have decided they will have to wait until the children are grown and out of the house before they can entertain the idea of travel.  Older people often don’t travel out of fear of the possible uncertainties.

For the couples with young children, I am in the same boat as you, but that has not stopped me from traveling.  There are two solutions, one-find a family member or friend you can trust to stay with your children or two-bring them along.  We have taken our children to Europe twice with us and both times have been rewarding and memorable.

I am not quite in the category of older or retired and still have awhile to till I reach that status.  My tours however are dominated by people in this chapter of their lives.  Older people often do not travel out the fear of the unknown.  The easiest and quickest solution for this fear is traveling with a tour company.  Let the tour operator worry about everything from hotels to food- that is ultimately their job to eliminate all the stress and nuisances that come along with travel.

Travel is important in all stages of life from young to old!

Mark Twain said it best, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Don’t allow the unending list of excuses stop you from making your “someday” really “someday”.