Ever find yourself complaining about how life as a poor, busy uni student is the reason why you haven’t yet seen the Egyptian pyramids?

It is time to learn how to confront these lame excuses and book those plane tickets.

#1 “I’m On A Student Budget”

In Australia, we have the ability to apply for government support so we don’t have to pay off our uni fees until we have proper full-time jobs. This, combined with our ability to balance our classes with a couple of work shifts a week can leave us with plenty to afford a trip overseas.

You may not quite have the Kardashian budget to stay in a New York penthouse, but it’ll still be enough for a hostel or cheap AirBnb. If I’ve learned one thing from saving for travel, it’s that it is never about how much you work and save – it’s about how much (or how little) you spend.

Maybe hold off on the new Nikes and skip the late-night Nandos cravings — you’ll be surprised how much more money you can pull together by just watching your daily expenses. 

#2 “I Don’t Have Anyone To Travel With”

Sure, travelling with friends can be fun, safe and comfortable, but it can also result in a lot of frustration (e.g. your friend is dying to see the Mona Lisa for the fifth time but you’d much rather a Parisian sunset picnic).

Guess what?! Picnicking alone is an actual thing that does exist! Travelling alone usually leads to a lot of self-discovery and is often quite the eye-opening experience. Learn to be independent, do things for yourself and introduce yourself to new people. You’ll most likely meet new travel soul mates in strange hostels anyway.

#3 “I Don’t Have Enough Time”

We get it — you’re studying full time while balancing numerous other jobs and a part-time social life. If you ever find yourself using this excuse, just remember that your average traveller isn’t a full-time stay-at-home millionaire. Travellers are often students, mothers, bankers, uncles, and G.O.T-binge-watchers, who all lead their own busy lives.

Travelling isn’t about having time — it’s about making time. It always comes down to your priorities. I, myself, have been a self-supported, full-time student, balancing three part-time jobs on the side, and have still managed to travel through Europe twice during my degree. Our three-month break from December through to the end of February is the perfect time to take some leave from your jobs and fly off to play with the llamas of Machu Picchu. 

#4 “I Can Just Watch Movies About Travelling Instead”

It is truly incredible to live in a digital age where we can literally see the entire world in a few clicks – and while some may argue that it motivates them to get up and explore new places, I’ve seen others take the “been there, done that” approach after watching Travel Guides.

Immersing yourself in other cultures, learning about different customs, listening to foreign languages, meeting new people — these are just some of the reasons why travelling is life changing. There’s a reason why most well-travelled folk return with a “new outlook” (hearing people say, “I just really learned a lot about myself in Bali, man,” is probably starting to sound like a broken record).

As cheesy as it all sounds, travelling is a truly life changing experience with unlimited room for personal growth (unlike gazing off into your Parisian screensaver).

#5 “It’s Too Dangerous”

Don’t live your life in constant fear of getting pick-pocketed in Italy. You don’t need to have a burner phone or a first aid kit in your backpack — just follow your normal, everyday safety precautions i.e., don’t leave your drink unattended or wander down a dark alleyway by yourself. And follow updates on Smart Traveller to keep abreast of any potential issues.

Let’s drop the excuses, comfort zones, and expensive avo toast, and fill our instas with oh-so-many aeroplane window shots.