Love to travel? Take trips often? Well, if you’re like me you do.  And you’ve probably had to deal with people in your life who don’t understand why your travel schedule consists of so many trips per year. Your family and friends have likely said one or more of the following:

• “You travel too much!”
• “When are you going to stop traveling and settle down?”
• “You just love spending money on travel!”
• “You’re always going somewhere and you never ask me to go!”

Been there? Yeah, me too.  And my tolerance for negativity is pretty nonexistent these days.  So here are my suggestions for what to say to the naysayers in your life:

1. “I’ll travel as much as I want.  Mind your business.”

I always wonder why people feel the need to comment on my travel schedule.  There’s nothing wrong with having traveling as a hobby.  (Feel free to add that last part at your own discretion.)

2. “Who says I’m not settled?”

People think that because you travel, you aren’t settled in your life or career when that may be the furthest thing from the truth.  As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost.”

3. “Don’t worry about how I spend my money.”

Some people buy cars, shoes and purses.  I buy travel.  I’m not saying one is better than the other (well, actually…I am), but everyone has their own priorities.  As long as your responsibilities are taken care of, continue traveling as much as your heart desires.

4. “Let me know when you’re ready to go somewhere and we’ll plan a trip.”

This one is a little tricky.  People always say they want to come on my next trip but the fact of the matter is, I don’t want to travel with everyone. No shade.  Most people aren’t serious about traveling with me anyway, so I just leave the ball in their court with the hope that they don’t call my bluff.

While some people may be envious of what seems like a lot of travel, there are downsides that people don’t see.  I’ve missed family gatherings, baptisms, graduations, and every thing in between.  But right now, my priority in my life to the fullest, and I’ll travel just as much (or little) travel as I want.

What have been some things your family and friends have said to you? How do you handle it? Chime in below!