Swimming with elephants in Thailand, zip lining in the Alps, visiting the Seven Wonders of the World… we have all dreamed of our own outrageous travel bucket list (or Pinterest board) that just seemed too good to be true. After a brief moment of fantasizing over exotic locales and breathtaking monuments, we tend to push these fantasies aside and never actually follow through with it. To some, they just are too “unrealistic” for our life right now.

But why are they unrealistic?

It is human nature to give the same excuses and to remain in a “maybe someday” mindset. What is your excuse?

“It is too expensive.”

If this is something you truly want to do, money shouldn’t hold you back. Start a savings plan and make it happen, whether it is two years or 10 years from now. Life gets in the way, and we have bills to pay and emergencies we need money for. This is understandable and even expected in most circumstances.

However, if this trip is important to you, plan a budget and save money in a travel account. Estimate the cost and timeline of your trip, and then break it down into a monthly savings plan. With a little effort and some hard work, you’ll be fulfilling your bucket list in no time.

Example: [Estimated trip cost] / [Months until trip] = [Estimated Monthly Savings Needed]

“It takes too much work to plan out.”

OK, this is honestly the worst excuse. I get it – getting a passport is tough. Finding the cheapest flight is hard. Learning key phrases in a foreign language is daunting. But isn’t that all a part of the experience? Be kind to yourself – if you are overwhelmed, draw up a timeline leading up to your trip. When do you need a passport or vaccines for an international trip? When should you be looking at plane tickets? Do the research and organize, organize, organize. It will all come together smoothly and you’ll be ready for an adventure when all is said and done.

“I have too many responsibilities and obligations.”

Job? TWO jobs? Kids? A pet? Debt? Yeah, we all have responsibilities at home. Some of us struggle to get time off or hesitate to spend money on ourselves. Sometimes it is hard to see what the future has in store for us, and plans can change at any second.

It is important to communicate to your family that this is something you really want to do. If you plan and communicate far enough in advance, it will be easier for your family, friends and coworkers to understand why you are going on a trip of a lifetime. Plan for time off, babysitters and pet sitters well in advance, and this will make the strain of responsibilities and obligations at home easier to handle while you are away.

Don’t let this stop you from your journey. Take time for you – you deserve a break from your obligations.

“I’ll do it… eventually.”

When? How? You’re just kidding yourself if you use this as an excuse. Now might not be the right time to go see the Amazon or visit Japan… but why not start now? Research your trip. Start saving. Communicate to your family and friends why this is important to you. It is easy to daydream about something without taking action in making it a reality. The last thing you’ll want to do when you’re older is to tell yourself that you “wish you had done it” instead of “I’m so happy I did it.”

Your travel bucket list doesn’t have to be unrealistic. Plan ahead, be strategic, and one day your dream vacation will be a reality.